bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Quantitative Assessment of Brief Messages About HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM
Authors: Mansergh Gordon , Baack Brittney N. , Holman Jeremy , Mimiaga Matthew J. , Landers Stewart , Herbst Jeffrey H.
Published: September 2018

Background:

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is efficacious; however, many men who have sex with men (MSM) (especially racial/ethnic minorities) are still unaware of and underuse it.

Methods:

The 2014 Messages4Men Study focuses on black and Hispanic/Latino MSM in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Kansas City (n = 937). Brief (2–3 sentence) messages were tested: a PrEP message tailored for HIV-uninfected MSM (n = 607) and a PrEP message tailored for HIV-infected MSM (n = 330). After reading the message, participants reported believability and awareness, and intent to use PrEP and condoms. Analyses consisted of bivariate and multivariable approaches.

Results:

Among HIV-uninfected MSM, black (vs Hispanic/Latino) MSM indicated greater intentions to use PrEP (81% vs 70% respectively, P < 0.05); 72% overall had similar intentions to use condoms after hearing a PrEP message. PrEP information was new (63%) and believable (80%), with no racial/ethnic differences (P > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, men who reported recent condomless anal sex were less likely to report that the PrEP message enhanced their intent to use condoms in the future.

Discussion:

Several years into the availability of PrEP, black and Hispanic/Latino MSM continue to be unaware of PrEP and its benefits, although information is largely believable once provided. The HIV prevention field should be prepared to incorporate new information about HIV prevention options into brief messages delivered through technology and social media.
Pregnancy Outcomes in the Era of Universal Antiretroviral Treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa (POISE Study)
Authors: Dadabhai Sufia , Gadama Luis , Chamanga Rachel , Kawalazira Rachel , Katumbi Chaplain , Makanani Bonus , Dula Dingase , Hua Nan , Lau Bryan , Mallewa Macpherson , Taha Taha E.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) remain major global problems. We compared pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected women receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and with CD4 ≥350 cells, and HIV-uninfected women to assess whether disparities associated with HIV infection have been eliminated through use of ART.

Setting:

Observational study conducted at 5 health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi, during 2016–2017.

Methods:

HIV-infected women receiving the national ART regimen (efavirenz + lamivudine + tenofovir) and HIV-uninfected women were consented and enrolled at delivery. Data collected included sociodemographic and clinical; gestational age; BW; infant/maternal anthropometry; and laboratory results. We defined PTB as GA <37 weeks; LBW as BW <2·5 kg; and SGA as BW <10th percentile of GA. SGA infants were classified into proportionate and disproportionate based on ponderal index. Descriptive, stratified, and multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used.

Results:

Of 5423 women approached, 614 HIV-infected and 685 HIV-uninfected women were enrolled. Rates of PTB, LBW, and SGA were 10.6%, 7.2%, and 17.1% among HIV-infected women on ART and 9.5%, 5.0%, and 18.4% among HIV-uninfected women, respectively. None of these differences were statistically significant in univariate- or multivariate-adjusted analyses (P > 0.05). Of 231 SGA infants, 78.8% were proportionate and 21% were disproportionate. Of the 614 HIV-infected women on ART, 75% had undetectable virus at delivery.

Conclusions:

ART use has reduced the high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected women. However, the rates remain high irrespective of HIV infection and require appropriate interventions.
Objective and Subjective Improvement of Cognition After Discontinuing Efavirenz in Asymptomatic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hakkers Charlotte S. , Arends Joop E. , van den Berk Guido E. , Ensing Monique H. M. , Hooijenga Imke , Vink Matthijs , van Zandvoort Martine J. E. , Hoepelman Andy I. M.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Efavirenz is well known for its clinical cognitive side effects. Even asymptomatic patients who switch for other reasons than neurocognitive complaints have reported a subjective improvement in cognitive functioning after discontinuing efavirenz. The aim of this study was to assess the effect on cognition of switching Atripla (TDF/FTC/EFV) to Eviplera (TDF/FTC/RPV), hypothesizing an improvement when discontinuing efavirenz.

Setting:

A randomized controlled design with a highly comparable comparator drug was used to minimize bias and to differentiate drug versus learning effects. An extensive sensitive neuropsychological assessment (NPA) was used to detect subtle changes.

Methods:

Virologically suppressed, cognitively asymptomatic male HIV-infected patients on Atripla were included and randomized (2:1) to switch to Eviplera (switch group) or continue on Atripla (control group) for 12 weeks. At baseline and week 12, patients underwent an extensive NPA.

Results:

Fourteen control and 34 switch subjects completed the study. There were no differences at baseline. Group analysis demonstrated a significantly better improvement for the switch group on the domains attention (P = 0.041) and speed of information processing (P = 0.014). Normative comparison analyses showed that 5 of the 34 patients who switched (15%) improved on NPA score as compared to the control group. Interestingly, subjective improvement after discontinuing efavirenz made 74% of the switch group chose for a regime without efavirenz after study completion.

Conclusions:

Switching from Atripla to Eviplera resulted in objective cognitive improvement on the group level in cognitively asymptomatic patients. Discrepancies in objective and subjective cognitive complaints make it challenging to identify patients who would benefit from discontinuing efavirenz.
Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Motives for Long-Term Adherence to a Group Exercise Program
Authors: Cleary Ann Selena , Rossi Amerigo , States Rebecca A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore why people with Parkinson’s disease maintained attendance at a community group exercise program.

Design

Qualitative design was used for this study.

Methods

A purposive sample was used to recruit participants. Interviews with individual and focus groups collected narrative data that were interpreted using content analysis.

Findings

Eighteen participants enrolled in the study. Four themes emerged: (1) changing and challenging workout; (2) gaining strength, inspiration, and knowledge and doing it among friends; (3) professionals, not amateurs; and (4) holistic lasting benefit.

Conclusions

For the participants in this study, exercising in a group among peers in an enjoyable, varied, and challenging program that was structured, socially supportive, and supervised provided incentive for maintaining attendance.

Clinical Relevance

Exercise is a life-long recommendation for everyone, including people with Parkinson’s disease, for whom maintaining attendance is more challenging. The words of these participants encourage healthcare providers to consider the relevance of socialization, supervision, and structure when developing exercise programs for this population.
The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) is a Novel Cost Assessment Tool for Surgical Procedures
Authors: Staiger Roxane D. , Cimino Matteo , Javed Ammar , Biondo Sebastiano , Fondevila Constantino , Périnel Julie , Aragão Ana Carolina , Torzilli Guido , Wolfgang Christopher , Adham Mustapha , Pinto-Marques Hugo , Dutkowski Philipp , Puhan Milo A. , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify a readily available, reproducible, and internationally applicable cost assessment tool for surgical procedures.

Summary of Background Data:

Strong economic pressure exists worldwide to slow down the rising of health care costs. Postoperative morbidity significantly impacts on cost in surgical patients. The comprehensive complication index (CCI®), reflecting overall postoperative morbidity, may therefore serve as a new marker for cost.

Methods:

Postoperative complications and total costs from a single tertiary center were prospectively collected (2014 to 2016) up to 3 months after surgery for a variety of abdominal procedures (n = 1388). CCI® was used to quantify overall postoperative morbidity. Pearson correlation coefficient (r
pears) was calculated for cost and CCI®. For cost prediction, a linear regression model based on CCI®, age, and type of surgery was developed and validated in an international cohort of patients.

Results:

We found a high correlation between CCI® and overall cost (r
pears = 0.75) with the strongest correlation for more complex procedures. The prediction model performed very well (R
2 = 0.82); each 10-point increase in CCI® corresponded to a 14% increase to the baseline cost. Additional 12% of baseline cost must be added for patients older than 50 years, or 24% for those over 70 years. The validation cohorts showed a good match of predicted and observed cost.

Conclusion:

Overall postoperative morbidity correlates highly with cost. The CCI® together with the type of surgery and patient age is a novel and reliable predictor of expenses in surgical patients. This finding may enable objective cost comparisons among centers, procedures, or over time obviating the need to look at complex country-specific cost calculations (
www.assessurgery.com
).
Caries Prevalence and Experience in Individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Ma Mang Shin , Najirad Mohammadamin , Taqi Doaa , Retrouvey Jean-Marc , Tamimi Faleh , Dagdeviren Didem , Glorieux Francis , Lee Brendan , Sutton Vernon , Rauch Frank , Esfandiari Shahrokh
Published: September 2018

Objective

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) forms a group of dental abnormalities frequently found associated with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a hereditary disease characterized by bone fragility. The objectives of this study was to quantify the caries experience among different OI-types and quantify how these values change due to DI.

Methods

To determine which clinical characteristics were associated with increased CPE in patients with OI, the adjusted DFT scores were used to account for frequent hypodontia, impacted teeth and retained teeth in OI population.

Results

The stepwise regression analysis while controlling for all other variables demonstrated the presence of DI (OR 2.43; CI 1.37 to 4.32; p=0.002) as the significant independent predictor of CPE in the final model.

Conclusion

This study found no evidence that CPE of OI subjects differs between the types of OI. The presence of DI when controlled for other factors was found to be the significant predictor of CPE.
ANKRD31 regulates spatiotemporal patterning of meiotic recombination initiation and ensures recombination between heterologous sex chromosomes in mice
Authors: Papanikos Frantzeskos , Clément Julie A.J. , Testa Erika , Ravindranathan Ramya , Grey Corinne , Dereli Ihsan , Bondarieva Anastasiia , Valerio-Cabrera Sarai , Stanzione Marcello , Schleiffer Alexander , Jansa Petr , Lustyk Diana , Jifeng Fei , Forejt Jiri , Barchi Marco , de Massy Bernard , Toth Attila
Published: September 2018

Orderly segregation of chromosomes during meiosis requires that crossovers form between homologous chromosomes by recombination. Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiate meiotic recombination. We identify ANKRD31 as a critical component of complexes of DSB-promoting proteins which assemble on meiotic chromosome axes. Genome-wide, ANKRD31 deficiency causes delayed recombination initiation. In addition, loss of ANKRD31 alters DSB distribution owing to reduced selectivity for sites that normally attract DSBs. Strikingly, ANKRD31 deficiency also abolishes uniquely high rates of recombination that normally characterize pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) of X and Y chromosomes. Consequently, sex chromosomes do not form crossovers leading to chromosome segregation failure in ANKRD31-deficient spermatocytes. These defects are accompanied by a genome-wide delay in assembling DSB-promoting proteins on axes and a loss of a specialized PAR-axis domain that is highly enriched for DSB-promoting proteins. Thus, we propose a model for spatiotemporal patterning of recombination by ANKRD31-dependent control of axis-associated complexes of DSB-promoting proteins.
Early genomic detection of the Cosmopolitan Genotype of Dengue Virus 2 in Angola, 2018
Authors: Hill Sarah C , Vasconcelos Jocelyne Neto de , Granja Bernardo Gutierrez , Thézé Julien , Jandondo Domingos , Neto Zoraima , Mirandela Marinela , Sebastião Cruz dos Santos , Micolo Cândido Ana Luísa , Clemente Carina , Silva Sara Pereira da , Oliveira Túlio de , Pybus Oliver G , Faria Nuno R , Afonso Joana Morais
Published: September 2018

We used portable genome sequencing to investigate reported dengue virus transmission in Angola. Our results reveal autochthonous transmission of dengue serotype 2 (Cosmopolitan genotype) in Jan 2018.
Regulation of arousal via on-line neurofeedback improves human performance in a demanding sensory-motor task
Authors: Faller J. , Cummings J. , Saproo S. , Sajda P.
Published: September 2018

Our state of arousal can significantly affect our ability to make optimal decisions, judgments, and actions in real-world dynamic environments. The Yerkes-Dodson law, which posits an inverse-U relationship between arousal and task performance, suggests that there is a state of arousal that is optimal for behavioral performance in a given task. Here we show that we can use on-line neurofeedback to shift an individual’s arousal toward this optimal state. Specifically, we use a brain computer interface (BCI) that uses information in the electroencephalogram (EEG) to generate a neurofeedback signal that dynamically adjusts an individual’s arousal state when they are engaged in a boundary avoidance task (BAT). The BAT is a demanding sensory-motor task paradigm that we implement as an aerial navigation task in virtual reality (VR), and which creates cognitive conditions that escalate arousal and quickly results in task failure — e.g. missing or crashing into the boundary. We demonstrate that task performance, measured as time and distance over which the subject can navigate before failure, is significantly increased when veridical neurofeedback is provided. Simultaneous measurements of pupil dilation and heart rate variability show that the neurofeedback indeed reduces arousal. Our work is the first demonstration of a BCI system that uses on-line neurofeedback to shift arousal state and increase task performance in accordance with the Yerkes-Dodson law.
Reversible block of cerebellar outflow reveals cortical circuitry for motor coordination
Authors: Nashef Abdulraheem , Cohen Oren , Harel Ran , Israel Zvi , Prut Yifat
Published: September 2018

Coordinated movements are achieved by selecting muscles and activating them at specific times. This process relies on intact cerebellar circuitry, as demonstrated by motor impairments triggered by cerebellar lesions. Based on anatomical connectivity and symptoms observed in cerebellar patients, we hypothesized that cerebellar dysfunction should disrupt the temporal patterns of motor cortical activity but not the selected motor plan. To test this hypothesis, we reversibly blocked cerebellar outflow in primates while monitoring motor behavior and neural activity. This manipulation replicated the impaired motor timing and coordination characteristic of cerebellar ataxia. We found extensive changes in motor cortical activity, including a loss of response transients at movement onset and a decoupling of task-related activity. Nonetheless, the spatial tuning of cells was unaffected and their early preparatory activity was mostly intact. These results indicate that the timing of actions, but not the selection of muscles, is regulated through cerebellar control of motor cortical activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

High frequency stimulation blocked cerebellar outflow and impaired motor behavior

Response patterns and coordinated firing of CTC neurons were disrupted

The spatial tuning and early preparatory activity of neurons were unaffected

Cerebellar control of local and global cortical synchrony supports motor timing

IN BRIEF

Nashef et al. used high frequency stimulation to block cerebellar outflow. This manipulation impaired motor timing and coordination similarly to symptoms found in cerebellar patients. In parallel, the response patterns of cortical neurons and cell-to-cell synchronization were altered, yet spatial tuning was maintained. Motor timing and coordination are regulated by a dedicated cerebellar signal that organizes execution-related activity of a motor cortical subnetwork.
The impact of spatial and temporal dimensions of disturbances on ecosystem stability
Authors: Zelnik Yuval R. , Arnoldi Jean-François , Loreau Michel
Published: September 2018

Ecosystems constantly face disturbances which vary in their spatial and temporal features, yet little is known on how these features affect ecosystem recovery and persistence, i.e. ecosystem stability. We address this issue by considering three ecosystem models with different local dynamics, and ask how their stability properties depend on the spatial and temporal properties of disturbances. We measure the spatial dimension of disturbances by their spatial extent while controlling for their overall strength, and their temporal dimension by the average frequency of random disturbance events. Our models show that the return to equilibrium following a disturbance depends strongly on the disturbance’s extent, due to rescue effects mediated by dispersal. We then reveal a direct relation between the temporal variability caused by repeated disturbances and the recovery from an isolated disturbance event. Although this could suggest a trivial dependency of ecosystem response on disturbance frequency, we find that this is true only up to a frequency threshold, which depends on both the disturbance spatial features and the ecosystem dynamics. Beyond this threshold the response changes qualitatively, displaying spatial clusters of disturbed regions, causing an increase in variability, and even the loss of persistence for ecosystems with alternative stable states. Thus, spanning the spatial dimension of disturbances can allow probing of the underlying dynamics of the ecosystem. Furthermore, considering spatial and temporal dimensions of disturbances in conjunction is necessary to predict the type of ecosystem responses that can have dramatic consequences, such as regime shifts.
Chelation Therapy Using Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Shaw Jyoti , Chakraborty Ayan , Chatterjee Sanjoy , Bhattacharyya Maitreyee , Dasgupta Anjan Kr
Published: September 2018

Static magnetic field (SMF) is reported to mimic chelation agents. In thalassemia blood, SMF minimizes iron overloading effect. In such cells ROS level is reduced, in presence of moderate strength (70mT). Pilot study on transfusion dependent thalassemia, thalassemia carriers and normal red blood clearly indicate the differential effects of SMF on thalassemia, thalassemia carrier and normal cells. SMF also reduces ROS induced DNA damage in lymphocytes. A comparative study on the iron chelating drug deferasirox and SMF treated lymphocytes further confirm our main thesis. This non-invasive therapeutic regime for hemochromatosis may serve the dual purpose of treating, iron overloading and minimizing, cellular damage by lowering the ROS level.
The UCSC Repeat Browser allows discovery and visualization of evolutionary conflict across repeat families
Authors: Fernandes Jason D. , Zamudio-Hurtado Armando , Kent W. James , Haussler David , Salama Sofie R. , Haeussler Maximilian
Published: September 2018

Background

Nearly half the human genome consists of repeat elements, most of which are retrotransposons, and many of these sequences play important biological roles. However repeat elements pose several unique challenges to current bioinformatic analyses and visualization tools, as short repeat sequences can map to multiple genomic loci resulting in their misclassification and misinterpretation. In fact, sequence data mapping to repeat elements are often discarded from analysis pipelines. Therefore, there is a continued need for standardized tools and techniques to interpret genomic data of repeats.

Results

We present the UCSC Repeat Browser, which consists of a complete set of human repeat reference sequences derived from the gold standard repeat database RepeatMasker. The UCSC Repeat Browser contains mapped annotations from the human genome to these references, and presents all of them as a comprehensive interface to facilitate work with repetitive elements. Furthermore, it provides processed tracks of multiple publicly available datasets of biological interest to the repeat community, including ChIP-SEQ datasets for KRAB Zinc Finger Proteins (KZNFs) – a family of proteins known to bind and repress certain classes of repeats. Here we show how the UCSC Repeat Browser in combination with these datasets, as well as RepeatMasker annotations in several non-human primates, can be used to trace the independent trajectories of species-specific evolutionary conflicts.

Conclusions

The UCSC Repeat Browser allows easy and intuitive visualization of genomic data on consensus repeat elements, circumventing the problem of multi-mapping, in which sequencing reads of repeat elements map to multiple locations on the human genome. By developing a reference consensus, multiple datasets and annotation tracks can easily be overlaid to reveal complex evolutionary histories of repeats in a single interactive window. Specifically, we use this approach to retrace the history of several primate specific LINE-1 families across apes, and discover several species-specific routes of evolution that correlate with the emergence and binding of KZNFs.
Neutools: A collection of bioinformatics web tools for neurogenomic analysis
Authors: Gao Fan , Cam Hugh P. , Tsai Li-Huei
Published: September 2018

With a large and growing number of neurogenomic data, from epigenetic, transcriptomic to proteomic data deposited to the public domains, visualization and mining of these data alongside one own data have become extremely useful for identifying potential genetic targets and/or biological pathways to further validate and characterize in model systems. Here, a series of easy-to-use web tools (Neutools) were developed using Shiny/R codes for neuroscientists to perform basic bioinformatics data analysis and visualization. Specifically, NeuVenn calculates and plots overlap statistics for multiple input gene sets; NeuGene and NeuChIP visualize gene expression data and histone ChIP-Seq data generated from brain related tissue and cell culture, respectively. NeuVar annotates human brain GWAS variants and epigenetic features based on user-specified genes and regions. Neutools are freely available resources for all academic users to use.
A Cas9 with Complete PAM Recognition for Adenine Dinucleotides
Authors: Jakimo Noah , Chatterjee Pranam , Nip Lisa , Jacobson Joseph M
Published: September 2018

CRISPR-associated (Cas) DNA-endonucleases are remarkably effective tools for genome engineering, but have limited target ranges due to their protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) requirements. We demonstrate a critical expansion of the targetable sequence space for a Type-IIA CRISPR-associated enzyme through identification of the natural 5’-NAA-3’ PAM specificity of aStreptococcus macacaeCas9 (Smac Cas9). We further recombine protein domains between Smac Cas9 and its well-established ortholog fromStreptococcus pyogenes(Spy Cas9), as well as an “increased” nucleolytic variant (iSpy Cas9), to achieve consistent mediation of gene modification and base editing. In a comparison to previously reported Cas9 and Cas12a enzymes, we show that our hybrids recognize all adenine dinucleotide PAM sequences and possess robust editing efficiency in human cells.
A Dual Controllability Analysis of Influenza Virus-Host Protein-Protein Interaction Networks for Antiviral Drug Target Discovery
Authors: Ackerman Emily E. , Alcorn John F. , Hase Takeshi , Shoemaker Jason E.
Published: September 2018

Host factors of influenza virus replication are often found in key topological positions within protein-protein interaction networks. This work explores how protein states can be manipulated through controllability analysis: the determination of the minimum manipulation needed to drive the cell system to any desired state. Here, we complete a two-part controllability analysis of two protein networks: a host network representing the healthy cell state and an influenza A virus-host network representing the infected cell state. This knowledge can be utilized to understand disease dynamics and isolate proteins for study as drug target candidates. Both topological and controllability analyses provide evidence of wide-reaching network effects stemming from the addition of viral-host protein interactions. Virus interacting and driver host proteins are significant both topologically and in controllability, therefore playing important roles in cell behavior during infection. 24 proteins are identified as holding regulatory roles specific to the infected cell by measures of topology, controllability, and functional role. These proteins are recommended for further study as potential antiviral drug targets.

Importance

Seasonal outbreaks of influenza A virus are a major cause of illness and death around the world each year, with a constant threat of pandemic infection. Even so, the FDA has only approved four treatments, two of which are unsuited for at risk groups such as children and those with breathing complications. This research aims to increase the efficiency of antiviral drug target discovery using existing protein-protein interaction data and network analysis methods. Controllability analyses identify key regulating host factors of the infected cell’s progression, findings which are supported by biological context. These results are beneficial to future studies of influenza virus, both experimental and computational.
Astrocytes in the mouse visual cortex reliably respond to visual stimulation
Authors: Sonoda Keita , Matsui Teppei , Bito Haruhiko , Ohki Kenichi
Published: September 2018

Astrocytes are known to contact with a great number of synapses and may integrate sensory inputs. In the ferret primary visual cortex, astrocytes respond to a visual stimulus with a delay of several seconds with respect to the surrounding neurons. However, in the mouse visual cortex, it remains unclear whether astrocytes respond to visual stimulations. In this study, using dual-color simultaneous in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging of neurons and astrocytes in the awake mouse visual cortex, we examined the visual responsiveness of astrocytes and their precise response timing relative to the surrounding neurons. Neurons reliably responded to visual stimulations, whereas astrocytes often showed neuromodulator-mediated global activities, which largely masked small periodic activities. Administration of the selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin substantially reduced such global astrocytic activities without affecting the neuronal visual responses. In the presence of prazosin, astrocytes showed weak but consistent visual responses mostly at their somata. Cross-correlation analysis estimated that the astrocytic visual responses were delayed by approximately 5 s relative to the surrounding neuronal responses. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that astrocytes in the primary visual cortex of awake mice responded to visual stimuli with a delay of several seconds relative to the surrounding neurons, which may indicate the existence of a common mechanism of neuron–astrocyte communication across species.

Highlights

We performed dual-color in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging of neurons and astrocytes.

α1-adrenoblocker prazosin substantially reduced global astrocytic activities.

Astrocytes showed weak but reliable visual responses in the awake mouse visual cortex.

Astrocytic visual responses were delayed by 5 s relative to the neuronal ones.
AhRLK1, aCLAVATA1-like leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase of peanut, confers increased resistance to bacterial wilt in tobacco
Authors: Zhang Chong , Chen Hua , Zhuang Rui-Rong , Chen Yuting , Deng Ye , Cai Tie-Cheng , Wang Shuai-Yin , Liu Qin-Zheng , Tang Rong-Hua , Shan Shi-Hua , Pan Rong-Long , Chen Li-Song , Zhuang Wei-Jian
Published: September 2018

Bacterial wilt caused byRalstonia solanacearumis a devastating disease that infects hundreds of plant species. Host factors involved in disease resistance and pathogenesis remain poorly characterized. An up regulated and leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase characterized asCLAVATA1and namedAhRLK1was obtained by microarray analysis in response toR. solanacearumin peanut. AhRLK1 contained presumably, a signal peptide, ten leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains and conserved motifs of intracellular kinases. For subcellular localization, the AhRLK1 protein was visualized only in the plasma membrane. After inoculation withR. solanacearum, AhRLK1 was constantly up regulated in the susceptible variety Xinhuixiaoli but showed little changed in the resistant cultivar Yueyou92. Different hormones, including salicylic acid, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and ethephon, induced expression, but expression was completely down regulated under cold and drought treatments. Transient overexpression provoked a hypersensitive response (HR) inNicotiana benthamianafollowing agro-infiltration. Furthermore, in transgenic tobacco with overexpression of the gene, the resistance toR. solanacearumincreased significantly. By contrast, most representative defense-responsive genes in HR, SA, JA and ET signal pathways such asNtHIN1, NtPR2, NtLOX1, andNtACS6, among others, were considerably up regulated in theAhRLK1transgenic lines. Additionally, theEDS1andPAD4in the R gene signal were also up regulated in transgenic plants, but theNDR1andNPR1genes were down regulated. Accordingly, we suggest thatAhRLK1increases the defense response toR. solanacearumvia HR and hormone defense signalling, associated with theEDS1pathway of R gene signalling. The results provide new understanding ofCLV1function and will contribute to genetic enhancement of peanut.
Alteration of Vascular Endothelial Cadherin in Alzheimer’s Disease Patient and Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Daehoon , Cho Sun-Jung , Lim Hyun Joung , Seok JiWoong , Jo Chulman , Jo Sangmee A. , Park Moon Ho , Han Changsu , Kowall Neil , Ryu Hoon , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Koh Young Ho
Published: September 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques and pathologic cerebrovascular remodeling. Cerebrovascular abnormalities may contribute to the pathology of AD, but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and the role of VE-cadherin in the progression of amyloid pathology. Here, we determined that levels of VE-cadherin are decreased in brain vessels of AD patients and mouse model of AD.In vitroexperiments showed that the disappearance of VE-cadherin by beta-amyloid at the endothelial cell surface was due to cleavage of VE-cadherin. VE-cadherin cleavage was inhibited by a γ-secretase and ADAM10 inhibitor. The disappearance of VE-cadherin in brain vessels was also seen in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice. In the postmortem brain of individuals with AD, furthermore, levels of VE-cadherin were significantly reduced in vessels. Dementia patients showed a distinct blood biochemical profile characterized by high soluble VE-cadherin (sVEC). There was a strong association between plasma sVEC (adjusted odds ratio = 3.41,P< 0.001) and dementia. These results suggest that measurements of plasma VE-cadherin could have the potential for predicting the risk of progressive AD.
A theoretical foundation of state-transition cohort models
Authors: Iskandar Rowan
Published: September 2018

Following its introduction over three decades ago, the cohort model has been used extensively to model population trajectories over time in decision-analytic modeling studies. However, the stochastic process underlying cohort models has not been properly described. In this study, we explicate the stochastic process underlying a cohort model, by carefully formulating the dynamics of populations across health states and assigning probability rules on these dynamics. From this formulation, we explicate a mathematical representation of the system, which is given by the master equation. We solve the master equation by using the probability generation function method to obtain the explicit form of the probability of observing a particular realization of the system at an arbitrary time. The resulting generating function is used to derive the analytical expressions for calculating the mean and the variance of the process. Secondly, we represent the cohort model by a difference equation for the number of individuals across all states. From the difference equation, a continuous-time cohort model is recovered and takes the form of an ordinary differential equation. To show the equivalence between the derived stochastic process and the cohort model, we conduct a numerical exercise. We demonstrate that the population trajectories generated from the formulas match those from the cohort model simulation. In summary, the commonly-used cohort model represent the average of a continuous-time stochastic process on a multidimensional integer lattice governed by a master equation. Knowledge of the stochastic process underlying a cohort model provides a theoretical foundation for the modeling method.
Locus Suicide Recombination actively occurs on the functionally rearranged IgH allele in B-cells from inflamed human lymphoid tissues
Authors: Dalloul Iman , Boyer François , Dalloul Zeinab , Pignarre Amandine , Lacombe Gersende , Fest Thierry , Chatonnet Fabrice , Delaloy Céline , Durandy Anne , Jeannet Robin , Lereclus Emilie , Boutouil Hend , Aldigier Jean-Claude , Peron Sophie , Cook-Moreau Jeanne , Cogné Michel
Published: September 2018

B-cell activation yields abundant cell death in parallel to clonal amplification and remodeling of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes by activation-induced deaminase (AID). AID promotes affinity maturation of Ig variable regions and class switch recombination (CSR) in mature B lymphocytes. In the IgH locus, these processes are under control by the 3’ regulatory region (3’RR) super-enhancer, a region demonstrated in the mouse to be both transcribed and itself targeted by AID-mediated recombination. Alternatively to CSR, IgH deletions joining Sμ to “like-switch” DNA repeats that flank the 3’ super-enhancer can thus accomplish so-called “locus suicide recombination” (LSR) in mouse B-cells. We now show that AID-mediated LSR also actively occurs in humans, and provides an activation-induced cell death pathway in multiple conditions of B-cell activation. LSR deletions either focus on the functional IgH allele or are bi-allelic, since they can only be detected when they are ongoing and their signature vanishes from fully differentiated plasma cells or from “resting” blood memory B-cells, but readily reappears when such memory B-cells are re-stimulatedin vitro. Highly diversified breakpoints are distributed either within the upstream (3’RR1) or downstream (3’RR2) copies of the IgH 3’ super-enhancer and all conditions activating CSRin vitroalso seem to trigger LSR.

Author Summary

Class switch recombination, initiated by the activation-induced deaminase enzyme rearranges immunoglobulin (Ig) genes in order to replace expression of IgM by IgG, IgA or IgE. A variant form of this event, locus suicide recombination (LSR), was previously reported in mouse B-lymphocytes and simply deletes all functional Ig constant genes, thus terminating B-cell function. This study first demonstrates that the structure of the human Ig heavy chain locus provides an ideal target for LSR, and is thus actively (but transiently) affected by this deletional process at the activated B-cell stage. LSR then yields recombined genes that do not support B-cell survival and which thus become undetectable among long-lived memory B-cells or plasma cells.
Modelling and assessment of combining gilt vaccination, vector control and pig herd management to control Japanese Encephalitis virus transmission in Southeast Asia
Authors: Diallo Alpha Oumar , Chevalier Véronique , Cappelle Julien , Duboz Raphael , Didier Fontenille , Benoit Durand
Published: September 2018

Despite existence of human vaccines, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) remains a prominent public health problem in Southeast Asia (SEA). JE is caused by a Flavivirus which is transmitted between pigs, the main amplifying hosts, by Culex mosquito bites. Therefore, sow vaccination, pig herd management and vector control –or a combination of these three potential control measures, might constitute additional control measures contributing to reduce JE health impact in humans, and economic losses in pig farms. We built a deterministic metapopulation model, combining a pig and a Culex mosquito vector population, to represent JE virus (JEV) transmission dynamic within a pig herd. The dynamic of the epidemiological systems resulted from an infectious process, operating in continuous time, combined with the pig breeding process that was modeled based on discrete events occurring instantaneously. We used this model to simulate JEV transmission within a continuum of plausible pig breeding systems encountered in SEA, ranging from backyards to semi-commercial systems. We then analyzed the joint effects of the three tested control measures, namely sow vaccination, pig herd management and vector control, on several indicators characterizing (i) the ability of different pig breeding systems to be simultaneously profitable and allow JEV eradication in the herd, (ii) the impact of JE on pig production and the profitability of gilt vaccination, and (iii) the risk for human beings living in the vicinity of pig herds and/or near pig slaughterhouses. According to our model, herd management has no effect on JEV circulation. Vector control alone is a major control tool but shows paradoxical effects that should be considered in any mosquito based control strategy. Combining sow vaccination and vector control could be an alternative or an additional measure to human vaccination to efficiently reduce both JE incidence in humans and the economic impact of JE infection on pig farms.

Author summary

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) still has an important impact on human health in Southeast Asia. Human vaccination is an efficient tool to protect humans but it may not be effective against emerging strains, and poor or remote population may not be able to afford it. Severe outbreaks still occur. JE virus (JEV) is primarily transmitted between pigs and mosquitoes. When infected after sexual maturity, pigs show reproduction disorders leading to economic losses. We propose a modelling approach to investigate the joint effect of three additional control measures, namely sow vaccination, vector control, and pig herd management on JEV transmission dynamic, risk for humans and pigs, and pig breeding sustainability. According to our results, vector control, associated or not with sow vaccination, may be an efficient tool to reduce JE incidence in both human and pigs.
Synthesis, crystal structures and anti-inflammatory activity of four 3,5-bis(arylidene)-N-benzenesulfonyl-4-piperidone derivatives
Authors: Li Ning , Bai Xianyong , Zhang Lianshuang , Hou Yun
Published: September 2018

3,5-Bis(arylidene)-4-piperidone (BAP) derivatives display good antitumour and anti-inflammatory activities because of their double α,β-unsaturated ketone structural characteristics. If N-benzenesulfonyl substituents are introduced into BAPs, the configuration of the BAPs would change significantly and their anti-inflammatory activities should improve. Four N-benzenesulfonyl BAPs, namely (3E,5E)-1-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-3,5-bis[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin-4-one dichloromethane monosolvate, C28H21F6NO3S·CH2Cl2, (4), (3E,5E)-1-(4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-3,5-bis[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin-4-one, C27H18F7NO3S, (5), (3E,5E)-1-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)-3,5-bis[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin-4-one, C27H18F6N2O5S, (6), and (3E,5E)-1-(4-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-3,5-bis[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene]piperidin-4-one dichloromethane monosolvate, C28H18F6N2O3S·CH2Cl2, (7), were prepared by Claisen–Schmidt condensation and N-sulfonylation. They were characterized by NMR, FT–IR and HRMS (high resolution mass spectrometry). Single-crystal structure analysis reveals that the two 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl rings on both sides of the piperidone ring in (4)–(7) adopt an E stereochemistry of the olefinic double bonds. Molecules of both (4) and (6) are connected by hydrogen bonds into one-dimensional chains. In (5) and (7), pairs of adjacent molecules embrace through intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a bimolecular combination, which are further extended into a two-dimensional sheet. The anti-inflammatory activity data reveal that (4)–(7) significantly inhibit LPS-induced interleukin (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) secretion. Most importantly, (6) and (7), with strong electron-withdrawing substituents, display more potential inhibitory effects than (4) and (5).
(NH4)Ga(HAsO4)2 and TlAl(HAsO4)2 - two new RbFe(HPO4)2-type M
+
M
3+ arsenates
Authors: Schwendtner Karolina , Kolitsch Uwe
Published: September 2018

The crystal structures of hydrothermally synthesized (T = 493 K, 7–9 d) ammonium gallium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], (NH4)Ga(HAsO4)2, and thallium aluminium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], TlAl(HAsO4)2, were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in the common RbFe(HPO4)2 structure type (R\overline{3}c) and share the same tetrahedral–octahedral framework topology that houses the M
+ cations in its channels. One of the two Tl sites is slightly offset from its ideal position. Strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds strengthen the network.
Investigation of solid-state photochemical nitro–nitrito linkage isomerization: crystal structures of trans-bis(ethylenediamine)(isothiocyanato)nitritocobalt(III) salts: thiocyanate, chloride monohydrate, and perchlorate–thiocyanate(0.75/0.25)
Authors: Ohba Shigeru , Tsuchimoto Masanobu , Kurachi Saeko
Published: September 2018

The reaction cavities of the nitro groups in the crystals of the title compounds, trans-[Co(NO2)(NCS)(C2H8N2)2]·X, X = SCN− (I), Cl−·H2O (II), and (ClO4
−)0.75(SCN−)0.25 (III), have been investigated, revealing that the geometry of the intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds in (I) is unsuitable for nitro–nitrito photo-isomerization. The common main building block of these crystal structures is a centrosymmetric pair of complex cations connected by pairwise N—H...O(nitro) hydrogen bonds forming an R
2
2(4) ring, which is a narrow diamond shape in (I) but is approximately square in (II) and (III). The structure of (I) was reported earlier [Börtin (1976). Acta Chem. Scand. A, 30, 503–506] but is described here with an improved disorder model for the thiocyanate anions and to higher precision.
Effect of ambient heat-in-leak on the performance of three-fluid cross-flow heat exchanger
Authors: K.H. Jyothiprakash , Y.T. Krishnegowda , Venkataram Krishna , Seetharamu K.N.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Heat exchangers working in cryogenic temperature ranges are strongly affected by heat ingression from the ambient. This paper aims to investigate the effect of ambient heat-in-leak on the performance of a three-fluid cross-flow cryogenic heat exchanger.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are derived for a three-fluid cross-flow cryogenic heat exchanger based on the conservation of energy principle. For given fluid inlet temperatures, the governing equations are solved using the finite element method to obtain exit temperatures of the three-fluid exchanger. The performance of the heat exchanger is determined using effectiveness-number of transfer units (e-NTU) method. In the present analysis, the amount of ambient heat-in-leak to the heat exchanger is accounted by two parameters Ht and Hb. The variation of the heat exchanger effectiveness due to ambient heat-in-leak is analyzed for various non-dimensional parameters defined to study the heat exchanger performance.

Findings

The effect of ambient heat in leak to the heat exchanger from the surrounding is to increase the dimensionless exit mean temperature of all three fluids. An increase in heat in leak parameter (Ht = Hb) value from 0 to 0.1 reduces hot fluid effectiveness by 32 per cent for an NTU value of 10.

Originality Value

The effect of heat-in-leak on a three-fluid cross-flow cryogenic heat exchanger is significant, but so far, no investigations are carried out. The results establish the efficacy of the method and throw light on important considerations involved in the design of such heat exchangers.
Virtual reality learning environments
Authors: Hahn Jim F.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a case study on virtual reality (VR) learning environments, focused on the development and integration of multi-user reference support.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a case study methodology to understand applied software development incorporating textual browsing experiences within the HTC Vive virtual reality headset. An open corpus of text from the HathiTrust Digital Library accessed via the API was used as a data source.

Findings

In collaboration with students from a senior undergraduate Computer Science project course, the project team developed software to pilot a multi-user VR experience, with functionality for users to search, discover and select e-books and other digitized content from the HathiTrust digital library.

Originality/value

Overall, the system has been developed as a prototype e-book experiment to model several VR affordances for browsing, user support and educational endeavors within libraries. Within the VR reading room pilot, users are able collaboratively explore digital collections. Aspects of reference librarian user support were modeled in the VR system including communication in real-time using chat features and text highlighting and manipulation tools that are unique to learning in VR environments.
Stochastic AHP and fuzzy VIKOR approach for warehouse location selection problem
Authors: Emeç Şeyma , Akkaya Gökay
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a stochastic multi-criteria decision-making approach to solute the warehouse location problem in the stochastic environment which contains uncertain condition.

Design/methodology/approach

In developed approach, the weight of criteria was calculated by using the stochastic analytic hierarchy process (SAHP) method. Alternative ranking was made and evaluated by fuzzy VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje).

Findings

This study dealt with warehouse location selection problem of a supermarket that has sellers in many regions in Turkey and selected proper warehouse.

Originality/value

This study combined SAHP and fuzzy VIKOR methods as a solution approach for warehouse location selection problems.