bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arabidopsis CPSF30‐L gene plays an essential role in nitrate signaling and regulates the nitrate transceptor gene NRT1.1
Authors: Li Zehui , Wang Rongchen , Gao Yangyang , Wang Chao , Zhao Lufei , Xu Na , Chen Kuo‐En , Qi Shengdong , Zhang Min , Tsay Yi‐Fang , Crawford Nigel M. , Wang Yong
Published: August 2017

Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to adapt to fluctuating environmental nitrogen availability. However, more underlying genes regulating the response to nitrate have yet to be characterized.

We report here the identification of a nitrate regulatory mutant whose mutation mapped to the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor 30 gene (CPSF30‐L). In the mutant, induction of nitrate‐responsive genes was inhibited independent of the ammonium conditions and was restored by expression of the wild‐type 65 kDa encoded by CPSF30‐L.

Molecular and genetic evidence suggests that CPSF30‐L works upstream of NRT1.1 and independently of NLP7 in response to nitrate. Analysis of the 3′‐UTR of NRT1.1 showed that the pattern of polyadenylation sites was altered in the cpsf30 mutant. Transcriptome analysis revealed that four nitrogen‐related clusters were enriched in the differentially expressed genes of the cpsf30 mutant. Nitrate uptake was decreased in the mutant along with reduced expression of the nitrate transporter/sensor gene NRT1.1, while nitrate reduction and amino acid content were enhanced in roots along with increased expression of several nitrate assimilatory genes.

These findings indicate that the 65 kDa protein encoded by CPSF30‐L mediates nitrate signaling in part by regulating NRT1.1 expression, thus adding an important component to the nitrate signaling network.
Triggering a false alarm: wounding mimics prey capture in the carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Authors: Pavlovič Andrej , Jakšová Jana , Novák Ondřej
Published: August 2017

In the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), the sequence of events after prey capture resembles the well‐known plant defence signalling pathway in response to pathogen or herbivore attack. Here, we used wounding to mimic prey capture to show the similarities and differences between botanical carnivory and plant defence mechanisms.

We monitored movement, electrical signalling, jasmonate accumulation and digestive enzyme secretion in local and distal (systemic) traps in response to prey capture, the mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs and wounding.

The Venus flytrap cannot discriminate between wounding and mechanical trigger hair stimulation. Both induced the same action potentials, rapid trap closure, hermetic trap sealing, the accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA) and its isoleucine conjugate (JA‐Ile), and the secretion of proteases (aspartic and cysteine proteases), phosphatases and type I chitinase. The jasmonate accumulation and enzyme secretion were confined to the local traps, to which the stimulus was applied, which correlates with the propagation of electrical signals and the absence of a systemic response in the Venus flytrap.

In contrast to plant defence mechanisms, the absence of a systemic response in carnivorous plant may represent a resource‐saving strategy. During prey capture, it could be quite expensive to produce digestive enzymes in the traps on the plant without prey.
Does stress influence sleep patterns, food intake, weight gain, abdominal obesity and weight loss interventions and vice versa?
Authors: Geiker N. R. W. , Astrup A. , Hjorth M. F. , Sjödin A. , Pijls L. , Markus C. Rob
Published: August 2017

Decades of research have reported only weak associations between the intakes of specific foods or drinks and weight gain and obesity. Randomized controlled dietary intervention trials have only shown very modest effects of changes in nutrient intake and diet composition on body weight in obese subjects. This review summarizes the scientific evidence on the role mental stress (either in or not in association with impaired sleep) may play in poor sleep, enhanced appetite, cravings and decreased motivation for physical activity. All these factors contribute to weight gain and obesity, possibly via decreasing the efficacy of weight loss interventions. We also review evidence for the role that lifestyle and stress management may play in achieving weight loss in stress‐vulnerable individuals with overweight.
Measurement Properties of the Central Sensitization Inventory: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scerbo Thomas , Colasurdo Joseph , Dunn Sally , Unger Jacob , Nijs Jo , Cook Chad
Published: August 2017

Background and objective

Central sensitization (CS) is a phenomenon associated with several medical diagnoses, including postcancer pain, low back pain, osteoarthritis, whiplash, and fibromyalgia. CS involves an amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that results in pain hypersensitivity. The purpose of this systematic review was to gather published studies of a widely used outcome measure (the Central Sensitization Inventory [CSI]), determine the quality of evidence these publications reported, and examine the measurement properties of the CSI.

Databases and data treatment

Four databases were searched for publications from 2011 (when the CSI was developed) to July 2017. The Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist was applied to evaluate methodological quality and risk of bias. In instances when COSMIN did not offer a scoring system for measurement properties, qualitative analyses were performed.

Results

Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Quality of evidence examined with the COSMIN checklist was determined to be good to excellent for all studies for their respective measurement property reports. Interpretability measures were consistent when publications were analyzed qualitatively, and construct validity was strong when examined alongside other validated measures relating to CS.

Conclusions

An assessment of the published measurement studies of the CSI suggest the tool generates reliable and valid data that quantify the severity of several symptoms of CS.
Root characteristic system improves drought tolerance in orchardgrass
Authors: Abtahi Mozhgan , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: August 2017

Plant genotypes with higher drought tolerance through improved root characteristics are poorly studied in orchardgrass. In the current research, 30 orchardgrass genotypes were polycrossed and the resulting half‐sib families evaluated under both normal and water stress environments. Under water stress conditions, values for most root traits decreased at 0–30 cm soil depth, while at 30–60 cm depths, the root length (RL), root area (RA), root volume, percentage of root dry weight (RDW) and the ratio of root to shoot were increased. We identified drought‐tolerant genotypes with a high combining ability for root characteristics and a high yield potential. High estimates of heritability as well as genetic variation for root traits indicated that phenotypic selection would be successful in order to achieve genetic progress. Indirect selection to improve dry matter yield was most efficient when selecting for RL and RDW under water stress conditions. Significant associations between a drought tolerance index and RL, RA and root volume confirmed the importance of these traits in conferring drought tolerance of orchardgrass.
Median canaliform dystrophy of Heller after cryotherapy
Authors: Damevska Katerina , Duma Silvija , Pollozhani Nora
Published: August 2017

Cryotherapy, widely used in the treatment of common warts, can cause long‐term side effects when used in the treatment of warts near the nail bed. Here we present the case of a 11‐year‐old girl who developed canaliform dystrophy and long‐term hypopigmentation following cryotherapy of warts on the proximal nail folds.
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in a 6‐year‐old boy
Authors: Li Alvin W. , Weed Jason G. , Stamey Christopher R. , Subtil Antonio , Tomayko Mary M. , Antaya Richard J.
Published: August 2017

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare subepidermal blistering disorder characterized by an acute vesiculobullous eruption in a subset of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. BSLE most commonly affects young women and only rarely affects children. Herein we report a rare case of BSLE in a 6‐year‐old boy.
Recent controversies about MDR and XDR‐TB: Global implementation of the WHO shorter MDR‐TB regimen and bedaquiline for all with MDR‐TB?
Authors: Dheda Keertan , Cox Helen , Esmail Aliasgar , Wasserman Sean , Chang Kwok Chiu , Lange Christoph
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) is now the biggest infectious disease killer worldwide. Although the estimated incidence of TB has marginally declined over several years, it is out of control in some regions including in Africa. The advent of multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) and extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB) threatens to further destabilize control in several regions of the world. Drug‐resistant TB constitutes a significant threat because it underpins almost 25% of global TB mortality, is associated with high morbidity, is a threat to healthcare workers and is unsustainably costly to treat. The advent of highly resistant TB with emerging bacillary resistance to newer drugs has raised further concern. Encouragingly, in addition to preventative strategies, several interventions have recently been introduced to curb the drug‐resistant TB epidemic, including newer molecular diagnostic tools, new (bedaquiline and delamanid) and repurposed (linezolid and clofazimine) drugs and shorter and individualized treatment regimens. However, there are several controversies that surround the use of new drugs and regimens, including whether, how and to what extent they should be used, and who specifically should be treated so that outcomes are optimally improved without amplifying the burden of drug resistance, and other potential drawbacks, thus sustaining effectiveness of the new drugs. The equipoise surrounding these controversies is discussed and some recommendations are provided.
Charles V's universal empire in the Compendio of Antonio Doria
Authors: Salonia Matteo
Published: August 2017

Habsburg intellectuals claimed that Charles V (1500–1558) was chosen by God to coordinate the defence of Christendom against the Ottoman Empire and to take care of the spiritual wellbeing of all Christians by fighting heresy. The Genoese captain Antonio Doria (c.1495–1577) was among the writers describing Charles as a pious and benevolent universal monarch and endorsing his military and political project. In the work entitled ‘Compendio’ (1571), Doria gives an account of the events taking place in the world during Charles's reign. This document is significant not only because Doria (with his more famous cousin Andrea) took part in several of the military episodes here recounted, but also because Genoa had joined the empire without losing its independence. Therefore, Antonio Doria's ‘Compendio’ represents an important source if we want to understand the reception of (and contribution to) sixteenth‐century imperial propaganda in the Italian context. After briefly presenting Doria's career and Genoa's republican culture, this article shows the global perspective of the text and argues that we can find in it an endorsement of Habsburg governance and an attempt to (re)order recent events within a universal, supranational framework. The final section briefly compares the ‘Compendio’ with two contemporary histories.
Effects of Acknowledging Uncertainty about Earthquake Risk Estimates on San Francisco Bay Area Residents’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Intentions
Authors: Nakayachi Kazuya , Johnson Branden B. , Koketsu Kazuki
Published: August 2017

We test here the risk communication proposition that explicit expert acknowledgment of uncertainty in risk estimates can enhance trust and other reactions. We manipulated such a scientific uncertainty message, accompanied by probabilities (20%, 70%, implicit [“will occur”] 100%) and time periods (10 or 30 years) in major (≥magnitude 8) earthquake risk estimates to test potential effects on residents potentially affected by seismic activity on the San Andreas fault in the San Francisco Bay Area (n = 750). The uncertainty acknowledgment increased belief that these specific experts were more honest and open, and led to statistically (but not substantively) significant increases in trust in seismic experts generally only for the 20% probability (vs. certainty) and shorter versus longer time period. The acknowledgment did not change judged risk, preparedness intentions, or mitigation policy support. Probability effects independent of the explicit admission of expert uncertainty were also insignificant except for judged risk, which rose or fell slightly depending upon the measure of judged risk used. Overall, both qualitative expressions of uncertainty and quantitative probabilities had limited effects on public reaction. These results imply that both theoretical arguments for positive effects, and practitioners’ potential concerns for negative effects, of uncertainty expression may have been overblown. There may be good reasons to still acknowledge experts’ uncertainties, but those merit separate justification and their own empirical tests.
Optimal Mission Abort Policy for Systems Operating in a Random Environment
Authors: Levitin Gregory , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: August 2017

Many real‐world critical systems, e.g., aircrafts, manned space flight systems, and submarines, utilize mission aborts to enhance their survivability. Specifically, a mission can be aborted when a certain malfunction condition is met and a rescue or recovery procedure is then initiated. For systems exposed to external impacts, the malfunctions are often caused by the consequences of these impacts. Traditional system reliability models typically cannot address a possibility of mission aborts. Therefore, in this article, we first develop the corresponding methodology for modeling and evaluation of the mission success probability and survivability of systems experiencing both internal failures and external shocks. We consider a policy when a mission is aborted and a rescue procedure is activated upon occurrence of the mth shock. We demonstrate the tradeoff between the system survivability and the mission success probability that should be balanced by the proper choice of the decision variable m. A detailed illustrative example of a mission performed by an unmanned aerial vehicle is presented.
Psychometric testing of the Iceland Health Care Practitioner Illness Beliefs Questionnaire among school nurses
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun , Looman Wendy , Tryggvadottir Gudny Bergthora , Garwick Ann
Published: August 2017

Background

Beliefs have been found to have an effect on how people deal with illness. Therefore, knowing healthcare practitioners’ beliefs about specific high frequency illnesses are vital when caring for vulnerable populations such as school‐age children with chronic illnesses or disorders.

Aim

To psychometrically test the Iceland Health Care Practitioner Illness Beliefs Questionnaire for healthcare professionals who are working with families of school‐age children with asthma and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Design

The Iceland Health Care Practitioner Illness Beliefs Questionnaire is a 7‐item Likert‐type instrument with four additional open‐ended questions that was developed from the Iceland Family Illness Belief Questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to measure a provider's beliefs about their understanding of the meaning of the illness situation for families. The questionnaire was administered to 162 school nurses in Iceland and the state of Minnesota.

Method

Two condition‐specific versions of the Iceland Health Care Practitioner Illness Beliefs Questionnaire were developed in this study: one to measure beliefs about families of children with asthma and one to measure beliefs about families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Higher scores on the questionnaire indicate that healthcare professionals are more confident in their illness beliefs. After initial development, the questionnaire was translated into English. Participants completed the questionnaire using an online survey platform and parallel study procedures in both countries.

Results

Based on exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis, the Iceland Health Care Practitioner Illness Beliefs Questionnaire was found to have a one‐factor solution with good construct validity (Cronbach's α = 0.91). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the one‐factor solution (Cronbach's α = 0.91).

Conclusion

This instrument is a promising tool for measuring illness beliefs among healthcare practitioners in clinical and research settings.
Employee effort – reward balance and first‐level manager transformational leadership within elderly care
Authors: Keisu Britt‐Inger , Öhman Ann , Enberg Birgit
Published: August 2017

Background

Negative aspects, staff dissatisfaction and problems related to internal organisational factors of working in elderly care are well‐known and documented. Much less is known about positive aspects of working in elderly care, and therefore, this study focuses on such positive factors in Swedish elderly care. We combined two theoretical models, the effort–reward imbalance model and the Transformational Leadership Style model. The aim was to estimate the potential associations between employee‐perceived transformational leadership style of their managers, and employees' ratings of effort and reward within elderly care work.

Methods

The article is based on questionnaires distributed at on‐site visits to registered nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists (high‐level education) and assistant nurses (low‐level education) in nine Swedish elderly care facilities. In order to grasp the positive factors of work in elderly care, we focused on balance at work, rather than imbalance.

Results

We found a significant association between employees' effort–reward balance at work and a transformational leadership style among managers. An association was also found between employees' level of education and their assessments of the first‐level managers.

Conclusions

We conclude that the first‐level manager is an important actor for achieving a good workplace within elderly care, since she/he influences employees' psychosocial working environment. We also conclude that there are differences and inequalities, in terms of well‐being, effort and reward at the work place, between those with academic training and those without, in that the former group to a higher degree evaluated their first‐level manager to perform a transformational leadership style, which in turn is beneficial for their psychosocial work environment. Consequently, this (re)‐produce inequalities in terms of well‐being, effort and reward among the employees at the work place.
Fall prevention by nursing assistants among community‐living elderly people. A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fahlström Gunilla , Kamwendo Kitty , Forsberg Jenny , Bodin Lennart
Published: August 2017

Falls among elderly are a major public health issue in Sweden. The aim was to determine whether nursing assistants can prevent falls by supervising community‐living elderly individuals with a history of falling in performing individually designed home exercise programmes. A randomised controlled trial was performed in Sweden, in eight municipalities in the county of Örebro, during 2007–2009. Community‐living persons 65 years or older having experienced at least one fall during the last 12 months were included. The intervention group consisted of 76 participants, and there were 72 in the control group. The interventions were free of charge and were shared between a physiotherapist and a nursing assistant. The former designed a programme aiming to improve balance, leg strength and walking ability. The nursing assistant supervised the performance of activities during eight home visits during a 5‐month intervention period. The measures and instruments used were health‐related quality of life (SF‐36), activity of daily living (ADL‐staircase), balance, (Falls Efficacy Scale, and Berg Balance Scale), walking ability (Timed Up and Go and the 3‐metre walking test), leg strength, (chair stand test). All participants were asked to keep a structured calendar of their physical exercise, walks and occurrence of falls during their 12‐month study period. Hospital healthcare consumption data were collected. Although the 5‐month intervention did not significantly decrease the risk for days with falls, RR 1.10 (95% CI 0.58, 2.07), p = 0.77, significant changes in favour of the intervention group were noted for balance (p = 0.03), ADL (p = 0.035), bodily pain (p = 0.003) and reported health transition over time (p = 0.008) as well as less hospital care due to fractures (p = 0.025). Additional studies with more participants are needed to establish whether or not falls can be significantly prevented with this model which is workable in home‐based fall prevention.
The determinants of meaning of pain following an acute traumatic injury
Authors: Slomp Florence J. , Mayan Maria J. , Lasiuk Gerri C. , Dick Bruce D.
Published: August 2017

Rationale and aims

Meaning is an integral aspect of life that drives behaviours, actions and emotions. Perception of pain is believed to be affected by the meaning of pain. Our primary aim was to investigate and discuss the determinants of meaning in acute pain following a traumatic injury.

Methodological design

Using the Interpretive Description approach, a method of qualitative inquiry, 13 adults hospitalised due to their accidental injuries were recruited. Semi‐structured interviews that were digitally recorded were used to collect the data. Ethical approval was received by our local Health Research Ethics Board, and all relevant ethical standards were followed as outlined in the approved ethics proposal.

Findings

The three primary determinants of meaning during an acute pain event, or the experience of acute pain include permanence of injuries, incongruence of care quality, and personal responses to the injury and care received. Although the permanence of an injury is lasting, we did not find any emotional response to this fact while the participants were hospitalised. The emotion characterising the personal response to the perceived poor quality of hospital care received was anxiety.

Conclusion

Both the technical and personal components of healthcare quality have the potential to increase the perception of pain. Meanings in an acute pain event are primarily related to the determinants of incongruent care and the personal response to that determinant: anxiety.
Systemic Treatment with a miR‐146a Mimic Suppresses Endotoxin Sensitivity and Partially Protects Mice from the Progression of Acute Graft‐versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Gartner J. G. , Durston M. M. , Booth S. A. , Ellison C. A.
Published: August 2017

Acute GVHD (aGVHD) is driven by interactions between the allogenic T cell response, inflammation, tissue injury and microbial products that enter the circulation when protective barriers such as the intestinal epithelium become compromised. Mice with aGVHD become hypersensitive to LPS, secreting large quantities of inflammatory mediators that exacerbate tissue injury. We hypothesized that microRNA (miR) modulators could be used in vivo to mitigate LPS hypersensitivity, altering the course of aGVHD. Using the C57BL/6 → (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F1‐hybrid model of aGVHD, we measured intestinal permeability over time and used a qPCR array to detect concomitant changes in the expression levels of certain microRNAs (miRs) in the intestine. Large increases in permeability were seen on day 15, when endotoxemia becomes detectable and GVHD‐associated histopathological lesions develop. Amongst the miRs with altered expression levels were some that regulate sensitivity to endotoxin. We chose to focus on miR‐146a and treated recipient mice systemically with a miR‐146a mimic early in the GVH reaction. This led to a reduction in the burst of IFNγ that likely plays a priming role in the mechanism underlying heightened sensitivity to endotoxin. LPS‐induced TNFα release and GVHD‐associated weight loss were also diminished and survival was prolonged. In summary, systemic treatment with a miR‐146a mimic dampens the heightened sensitivity to LPS that occurs concomitantly with increased intestinal permeability and provides partial protection from the progression of acute GVHD.
The Illness Associations of Police Violence: Differential Relationships by Ethnoracial Composition
Authors: Sewell Abigail A.
Published: August 2017

Previous research suggests police surveillance practices confer health risks to community members. This study examines whether the public health burden of excessive or ethnoracially inequitable police use of force are amplified or buffered by ethnoracial composition. Multilevel models are used to assess data from the 2009–2012 New York City Community Health Survey merged at the United Hospital Fund level with data from the 2009–2012 New York City Stop, Question, and Frisk Database. The illness associations of ethnoracial composition are amplified by the areal density of police use of force but buffered by the disproportionate police use of force against minorities. Specifically, living in minority communities with a high concentration of use of force by police against pedestrians is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and obesity. However, living in areas with a heavy presence of whites where there are large racial differences in police use of force is associated with an increased risk of poor/fair self‐rated health, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. The article concludes by considering the implications of the findings for better understanding the racialized nature of police violence and the consequences of place in distributing surveillance stress and structuring legal cynicism.
Sequence analysis of ABO and its homologues is valid for species identification
Authors: Sano R. , Fukuda H. , Takahashi Y. , Takahashi K. , Kubo R. , Kobayashi M. , Fujihara J. , Takeshita H. , Kominato Y.
Published: August 2017

Background

ABO and its paralogues, such as A3GALT2 and GGTA1, encoding α1,3‐Gal(NAc) transferases, belong to the glycosyltransferase 6 (GT6) gene family. We have developed an alternative method for the identification of species based on sequence variations within the GT6 gene family, which is applicable to degraded DNA.

Methods/Materials

DNA samples prepared from control mammalian species, together with an unknown sample, were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified using one universal primer pair targeting the sequences in the last coding exons of the GT6 gene family, yielding 141‐bp products derived from those multiple loci. After cloning, sequence determination and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis, phylogenetic trees were constructed.

Results

Comparison of the sequences obtained with those references showed good concordance with each of the starting species of mammals. This system was able to identify ‘mouse’ or ‘rodent’ as the origin of the unknown sample.

Conclusion

For the identification of species, genotyping of ABO and its homologues would be applicable for the analysis of degraded DNA samples. Although the method employed in this study is likely valid for mammals, it would not be suitable for birds, fish and reptiles. It may be possible to improve the present method for use with other species by employing an alternative universal primer set.
Assessment of schistosomiasis and soil‐transmitted helminths prevalence in school‐aged children and opportunities for integration of control in local health services in Kwilu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Inocencio da Luz R. , Linsuke S. , Lutumba P. , Hasker E. , Boelaert M.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil‐transmitted helminths (STH) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to assess the capacity of the local health centres for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Cross‐sectional school‐based survey in two health districts in the Province of Kwilu. We collected a stool and a urine sample for parasitological examination. Urine filtration and duplicate Kato‐Katz thick smears were used for the diagnosis of SCH. Health centres were evaluated using a structured questionnaire.

Results

In total, 526 children participated in the study and the overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection was 8.9% (95% CI: 3.5–13.2) in both districts. The prevalence was higher in Mosango (11.7%; 95% CI: 8.9–14.8) than Yasa Bonga district (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.1–11.4). Urine filtration showed that Schistosoma haematobium infection was not present. The combined STH infection prevalence was 58.1% in both districts; hookworm infection was the most common STH found in 52.9% (95% CI: 29.3–62.4) of subjects, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 9.3% (95% CI: 5.8–15.5) and Trichuris trichiura 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9–4.9). Mixed STH infections were observed as well as SCH‐STH coinfection.

Conclusion

Further mapping of both SCH and STH burden is needed, and coverage of preventive chemotherapy in school‐aged children should be increased.
The high‐quality genome of Brassica napus cultivar ‘ZS11’ reveals the introgression history in semi‐winter morphotype
Authors: Sun Fengming , Fan Guangyi , Hu Qiong , Zhou Yongming , Guan Mei , Tong Chaobo , Li Jiana , Du Dezhi , Qi Cunkou , Jiang Liangcai , Liu Weiqing , Huang Shunmou , Chen Wenbin , Yu Jingyin , Mei Desheng , Meng Jinling , Zeng Peng , Shi Jiaqin , Liu Kede , Wang Xi , Wang Xinfa , Long Yan , Liang Xinming , Hu Zhiyong , Huang Guodong , Dong Caihua , Zhang He , Li Jun , Zhang Yaolei , Li Liangwei , Shi Chengcheng , Wang Jiahao , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen , Guan Chunyun , Xu Xun , Liu Shengyi , Liu Xin , Chalhoub Boulos , Hua Wei , Wang Hanzhong
Published: August 2017

Allotetraploid oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an agriculturally important crop. Cultivation and breeding of B. napus by humans has resulted in numerous genetically diverse morphotypes with optimized agronomic traits and ecophysiological adaptation. To further understand the genetic basis of diversification and adaptation, we report a draft genome of an Asian semi‐winter oilseed rape cultivar ‘ZS11’ and its comprehensive genomic comparison with the genomes of the winter‐type cultivar ‘Darmor‐bzh’ as well as two progenitors. The integrated BAC‐to‐BAC and whole‐genome shotgun sequencing strategies were effective in the assembly of repetitive regions (especially young long terminal repeats) and resulted in a high‐quality genome assembly of B. napus ‘ZS11’. Within a short evolutionary period (~6700 years ago), semi‐winter‐type ‘ZS11’ and the winter‐type ‘Darmor‐bzh’ maintained highly genomic collinearity. Even so, certain genetic differences were also detected in two morphotypes. Relative to ‘Darmor‐bzh’, both two subgenomes of ‘ZS11’ are closely related to its progenitors, and the ‘ZS11’ genome harbored several specific segmental homoeologous exchanges (HEs). Furthermore, the semi‐winter‐type ‘ZS11’ underwent potential genomic introgressions with B. rapa (Ar). Some of these genetic differences were associated with key agronomic traits. A key gene of A03.FLC3 regulating vernalization‐responsive flowering time in ‘ZS11’ was first experienced HE, and then underwent genomic introgression event with Ar, which potentially has led to genetic differences in controlling vernalization in the semi‐winter types. Our observations improved our understanding of the genetic diversity of different B. napus morphotypes and the cultivation history of semi‐winter oilseed rape in Asia.
Model for the role of auxin polar transport in patterning of the leaf adaxial–abaxial axis
Authors: Shi Jianmin , Dong Jiaqiang , Xue Jingshi , Wang Hua , Yang Zhongnan , Jiao Yuling , Xu Lin , Huang Hai
Published: August 2017

Leaf adaxial–abaxial polarity refers to the two leaf faces, which have different types of cells performing distinct biological functions. In 1951, Ian Sussex reported that when an incipient leaf primordium was surgically isolated by an incision across the vegetative shoot apical meristem (SAM), a radialized structure without an adaxial domain would form. This led to the proposal that a signal, now called the Sussex signal, is transported from the SAM to emerging primordia to direct leaf adaxial–abaxial patterning. It was recently proposed that instead of the Sussex signal, polar transport of the plant hormone auxin is critical in leaf polarity formation. However, how auxin polar transport functions in the process is unknown. Through live imaging, we established a profile of auxin polar transport in and around young leaf primordia. Here we show that auxin polar transport in lateral regions of an incipient primordium forms auxin convergence points. We demonstrated that blocking auxin polar transport in the lateral regions of the incipient primordium by incisions abolished the auxin convergence points and caused abaxialized leaves to form. The lateral incisions also blocked the formation of leaf middle domain and margins and disrupted expression of the middle domain/margin‐associated marker gene WUSCHEL‐RELATED HOMEOBOX 1 (SlWOX1). Based on these results we propose that the auxin convergence points are required for the formation of leaf middle domain and margins, and the functional middle domain and margins ensure leaf adaxial–abaxial polarity. How middle domain and margins function in the process is discussed.
The Language of Data Program: Use of Gaming to Promote Critical Appraisal Skills
Authors: Granger Bradi B. , Rogers Jennifer , Miller Corinne , Martin Karen , Olson DaiWai M.
Published: August 2017

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the learning and implementation of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741-6787
Simulation of Micro/Nanopowder Mixing Characteristics for Dry Spray Additive Manufacturing of Li-Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Ludwig Brandon , Liu Jin , Liu Yangtao , Zheng Zhangfeng , Wang Yan , Pan Heng
Published: August 2017

A new dry spraying additive manufacturing method for Li-ion batteries has been developed to replace the conventional slurry-casting technique for manufacturing Li-ion battery electrodes. A dry spray manufacturing process can allow for the elimination of the time- and energy-intensive slurry drying process needed due to the use solvents to make the electrodes. Previous studies into the new manufacturing method have shown successful fabrication of electrodes which have strong electrochemical and mechanical performance. Li-ion battery electrodes typically consist of three basic materials: active material (AM), binder particle additives (BPA), and conductive particle additives (CPA). In this paper, a discrete element method (DEM) simulation was developed and used to study the mixing characteristics of dry electrode powder materials. Due to the size of the particles being in the submicron to micron size range, the mixing characteristics are heavily dependent on van der Waals adhesive forces between the particles. Therefore, the effect the Li-ion battery electrode material surface energy has on the mixing characteristics was studied. Contour plots based on the DEM simulation results where the surface energy components of selected material types are changed were used to predict the mixing characteristics of different particle systems. For the cases studied, it is found that experimental mixing results are representative of the results of the DEM simulations.
Caspofungin on ARGET-ATRP grafted PHEMA polymers: Enhancement and selectivity of prevention of attachment of Candida albicans
Authors: Michl Thomas D. , Giles Carla , Mocny Piotr , Futrega Kathryn , Doran Michael R. , Klok Harm-Anton , Griesser Hans J. , Coad Bryan R.
Published: August 2017

There is a need for coatings for biomedical devices and implants that can prevent the attachment of fungal pathogens while allowing human cells and tissue to appose without cytotoxicity. Here, the authors study whether a poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) coating can suppress attachment and biofilm formation by Candida albicans and whether caspofungin terminally attached to surface-tethered polymeric linkers can provide additional benefits. The multistep coating scheme first involved the plasma polymerization of ethanol, followed by the attachment of α-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBB) onto surface hydroxyl groups of the plasma polymer layer. Polymer chains were grafted using surface initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization with 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, yielding PHEMA layers with a dry thickness of up to 89 nm in 2 h. Hydroxyl groups of PHEMA were oxidized to aldehydes using the Albright–Goldman reaction, and caspofungin was covalently immobilized onto them using reductive amination. While the PHEMA layer by itself reduced the growth of C. albicans biofilms by log 1.4, the addition of caspofungin resulted in a marked further reduction by >4 log units to below the threshold of the test. The authors have confirmed that the predominant mechanism of action is caused by antifungal drug molecules that are covalently attached to the surface, rather than out-diffusing from the coating. The authors confirm the selectivity of surface-attached caspofungin in eliminating fungal, not mammalian cells by showing no measurable toxicity toward the myeloid leukaemia suspension cell line KG-1a.
Tailored polyelectrolyte thin film multilayers to modulate cell adhesion
Authors: Muzzio Nicolás E. , Pasquale Miguel A. , Moya Sergio E. , Azzaroni Omar
Published: August 2017

The layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) from natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes constitutes a very versatile and simple strategy to modify surfaces and modulate cell behavior. PEMs assembled from natural polyelectrolytes are very appealing for biological and medical applications due to their high biocompatibility. However, PEMs from natural polyelectrolytes display poor cell adhesion as they are soft materials with an elasticity modulus of a few kilopascal. In this report, the authors present results on the modulation of cell adhesion of different immortalized cell lines by PEMs. Two strategies are employed to vary cell adhesion: (1) a heterogeneous polyelectrolyte multilayer is assembled employing a rigid bottom block including a synthetic polyelectrolyte with a soft upper block of natural polyelectrolytes and (2) polyelectrolyte multilayers from natural polyelectrolytes are thermally annealed after assembly. The physicochemical characteristics of the PEMs change upon thermal treatment. Depending on the composition of the polyelectrolyte multilayer, cell adhesion may be enhanced or reduced. Based on the impact on PEM properties and cell adhesion caused by thermal annealing, a temperature gradient is applied to a PEM of poly-l-lysine/alginate to induce a spatial variation of PEM properties, resulting in a gradient in cell adhesion. The strategies shown here can be employed as simple alternatives to tailor PEM properties by means of fully biocompatible procedures.
Masking release effects of a standard and a regional linguistic variety
Authors: Brouwer Susanne
Published: August 2017

Previous research has shown that the more similar the target and the masker signal, the harder it is to segregate the two streams effectively [i.e., target-masker linguistic similarity hypothesis, e.g., Brouwer, Van Engen, Calandruccio, and Bradlow (2012). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131(2), 1449–1464]. The present study examined whether this hypothesis holds when a standard variety of a language (Dutch) is paired with one of its regional varieties (Limburgian). Dutch and Limburgian listeners were tested on a speech-in-speech recognition task to investigate whether familiarity with the target and/or maskers influenced their performance. The findings provide support for the hypothesis and suggest an influence of Limburgians' bidialectal status.
Blockade of surface-bound TGF-β on regulatory T cells abrogates suppression of effector T cell function in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Budhu Sadna , Schaer David A. , Li Yongbiao , Toledo-Crow Ricardo , Panageas Katherine , Yang Xia , Zhong Hong , Houghton Alan N. , Silverstein Samuel C. , Merghoub Taha , Wolchok Jedd D.
Published: August 2017

Targeting a cytokine on the surface of regulatory T cells inhibits their suppression of tumor cell killing by effector T cells.
Activation of master virulence regulator PhoP in acidic pH requires the
Salmonella
-specific protein UgtL
Authors: Choi Jeongjoon , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: August 2017

The
Salmonella
-specific protein UgtL augments acid-induced activation of a virulence regulator.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(404)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2017

This week’s articles describe potential therapeutic strategies to reduce hydrocephaly in infants, to kill liver cancer cells, and to improve MeCP2-associated neurological disorders.
Papers of note in
Science
357
(6353)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2017

This week’s articles describe the signals mediating gut microbe activation of T cells, skin patterning in development, and photosynthesis.
Pharmacological Basis of CD101 Efficacy: Exposure Shape Matters
Authors: Lakota Elizabeth A. , Bader Justin C. , Ong Voon , Bartizal Ken , Miesel Lynn , Andes David R. , Bhavnani Sujata M. , Rubino Christopher M. , Ambrose Paul G. , Lepak Alexander J.
Published: August 2017

CD101 is a novel echinocandin with concentration-dependent fungicidal activity
in vitro
and a long half-life (∼133 h in humans, ∼70 to 80 h in mice). Given these characteristics, it is likely that the shape of the CD101 exposure (i.e., the time course of CD101 concentrations) influences efficacy. To test this hypothesis, doses which produce the same total area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were administered to groups of neutropenic ICR mice infected with
Candida albicans
R303 using three different schedules. A total CD101 dose of 2 mg/kg was administered as a single intravenous (i.v.) dose or in equal divided doses of either 1 mg/kg twice weekly or 0.29 mg/kg/day over 7 days. The studies were performed using a murine disseminated candidiasis model. Animals were euthanized at 168 h following the start of treatment. Fungi grew well in the no-treatment control group and showed variable changes in fungal density in the treatment groups. When the CD101 AUC from 0 to 168 h (AUC
0–168
) was administered as a single dose, a >2 log
10
CFU reduction from the baseline at 168 h was observed. When twice-weekly and daily regimens with similar AUC values were administered, net fungal stasis and a >1 log
10
CFU increase from the baseline were observed, respectively. These data support the hypothesis that the shape of the CD101 AUC influences efficacy. Thus, CD101 administered once per week demonstrated a greater degree of fungal killing than the same dose divided into twice-weekly or daily regimens.
Efficacy of Humanized Exposures of Cefiderocol (S-649266) against a Diverse Population of Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Monogue Marguerite L. , Tsuji Masakatsu , Yamano Yoshinori , Echols Roger , Nicolau David P.
Published: August 2017

Cefiderocol (S-649266) is a novel siderophore cephalosporin with potent
in vitro
activity against clinically encountered multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative isolates; however, its spectrum of antibacterial activity against these difficult-to-treat isolates remains to be fully explored
in vivo
. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of cefiderocol humanized exposures in a neutropenic murine thigh model to support a suitable MIC breakpoint. Furthermore, we compared cefiderocol's efficacy with humanized exposures of meropenem and cefepime against a subset of these phenotypically diverse isolates. Ninety-five Gram-negative isolates were studied. Efficacy was determined as the change in log
10
CFU at 24 h compared with 0-h controls. Bacterial stasis or ≥1 log reduction in 67 isolates with MICs of ≤4 μg/ml was noted in 77, 88, and 85% of
Enterobacteriaceae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, respectively. For isolates with MICs of ≥8 μg/ml, bacterial stasis or ≥1 log
10
reduction was observed in only 2 of 28 (8
Enterobacteriaceae
, 19
A. baumannii
, and 1
P. aeruginosa
) strains. Against highly resistant meropenem and cefepime organisms, cefiderocol maintained its
in vivo
efficacy. Overall, humanized exposures of cefiderocol produced similar reductions in bacterial density for organisms with MICs of ≤4 μg/ml, whereas isolates with MICs of ≥8 μg/ml generally displayed bacterial growth in the presence of the compound. Data derived in the current study will assist with the delineation of MIC susceptibility breakpoints for cefiderocol against these important nosocomial Gram-negative pathogens; however, additional clinical data are required to substantiate these observations.
Salmonella FraE, an Asparaginase Homolog, Contributes to Fructose-Asparagine but Not Asparagine Utilization
Authors: Sabag-Daigle Anice , Sengupta Anindita , Blunk Henry M. , Biswas Pradip K. , Cron Mary Claire , Bogard Alexander J. , Behrman Edward J. , Gopalan Venkat , Ahmer Brian M. M.
Published: August 2017

Salmonella enterica
can utilize fructose-asparagine (F-Asn) as a source of carbon and nitrogen. This capability has been attributed to five genes in the
fra
locus. Previously, we determined that mutations in
fraB
(deglycase),
fraD
(kinase), or
fraA
(transporter) eliminated the ability of
Salmonella
to grow on F-Asn, while a mutation in
fraE
allowed partial growth. We hypothesized that FraE, a putative periplasmic fructose-asparaginase, converts F-Asn to NH
4
+
and fructose-aspartate (F-Asp). FraA could then transport F-Asp into the cytoplasm for subsequent catabolism. Here, we report that growth of the
fraE
mutant on F-Asn is caused by a partially redundant activity provided by AnsB, a periplasmic asparaginase. Indeed, a
fraE ansB
double mutant is unable to grow on F-Asn. Moreover, biochemical assays using periplasmic extracts of mutants that express only FraE or AnsB confirmed that each of these enzymes converts F-Asn to F-Asp and NH
4
+
. However, FraE does not contribute to growth on asparagine. We tested and confirmed the hypothesis that a
fraE ansB
mutant can grow on F-Asp, while mutants lacking
fraA
,
fraD
, or
fraB
cannot. This finding provides strong evidence that FraA transports F-Asp but not F-Asn from the periplasm to the cytoplasm. Previously, we determined that F-Asn is toxic to a
fraB
mutant due to the accumulation of the FraB substrate, 6-phosphofructose-aspartate (6-P-F-Asp). Here, we found that, as expected, a
fraB
mutant is also inhibited by F-Asp. Collectively, these findings contribute to a better understanding of F-Asn utilization by
Salmonella
.

IMPORTANCE
Salmonella
is able to utilize fructose-asparagine (F-Asn) as a nutrient. We recently reported that the disruption of a deglycase enzyme in the F-Asn utilization pathway inhibits the growth of
Salmonella
in mice and recognized this pathway as a novel and specific drug target. Here, we characterize the first step in the pathway wherein FraE hydrolyzes F-Asn to release NH
4
+
and F-Asp in the periplasm of the cell. A
fraE
mutant continues to grow slowly on F-Asn due to asparaginase activity encoded by
ansB
.