bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Strategic Design of an Opto-Chemical Security Device with Resettable and Reconfigurable Password Based Upon Dual Channel Two-in-One Chemosensor Molecule
Authors: Majumdar Tapas , Haldar Basudeb , Mallick Arabinda
Published: February 2017

A simple strategy is proposed to design and develop an intelligent device based on dual channel ion responsive spectral properties of a commercially available molecule, harmine (HM). The system can process different sets of opto-chemical inputs generating different patterns as fluorescence outputs at specific wavelengths which can provide an additional level of protection exploiting both password and pattern recognitions. The proposed system could have the potential to come up with highly secured combinatorial locks at the molecular level that could pose valuable real time and on-site applications for user authentication.
Structure and dynamics of Type III periplasmic proteins VcFhuD and VcHutB reveal molecular basis of their distinctive ligand binding properties
Authors: Agarwal Shubhangi , Dey Sanjay , Ghosh Biplab , Biswas Maitree , Dasgupta Jhimli
Published: February 2017

Molecular mechanisms of xenosiderophore and heme acquisitions using periplasmic binding protein (PBP) dependent ATP-binding cassette transporters to scavenge the essential nutrient iron are elusive yet in Vibrio cholerae. Our current study delineates the structures, dynamics and ligand binding properties of two Type III PBPs of V. cholerae, VcFhuD and VcHutB. Through crystal structures and fluorescence quenching studies we demonstrate unique features of VcFhuD to bind both hydroxamate and catecholate type xenosiderophores. Like E. coli FhuD, VcFhuD binds ferrichrome and ferri-desferal using conserved Tryptophans and R102. However, unlike EcFhuD, slightly basic ligand binding pocket of VcFhuD could favour ferri-enterobactin binding with plausible participation of R203, along with R102, like it happens in catecholate binding PBPs. Structural studies coupled with spectrophotometric and native PAGE analysis indicated parallel binding of two heme molecules to VcHutB in a pH dependent manner, while mutational analysis established the relative importance of Y65 and H164 in heme binding. MD simulation studies exhibited an unforeseen inter-lobe swinging motion in Type III PBPs, magnitude of which is inversely related to the packing of the linker helix with its neighboring helices. Small inter-lobe movement in VcFhuD or dramatic twisting in VcHutB is found to influence ligand binding.
The CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis is a novel regulator of VEGFR2 expression in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sakaue Tomohisa , Sakakibara Iori , Uesugi Takahiro , Fujisaki Ayako , Nakashiro Koh-ichi , Hamakawa Hiroyuki , Kubota Eiji , Joh Takashi , Imai Yuuki , Izutani Hironori , Higashiyama Shigeki
Published: February 2017

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is an essential receptor for the homeostasis of endothelial cells. In this study, we showed that NEDD8-conjugated Cullin3 (CUL3)-based ubiquitin E3 (UbE3) ligase plays a crucial role in VEGFR2 mRNA expression. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with MLN4924, an inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, or with CUL3 siRNA drastically lost their response to VEGF due to the intense decrease in VEGFR2 expression. Moreover, speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) and death-domain associated protein (DAXX) were involved in the CUL3 UbE3 ligase complex as a substrate adaptor and a substrate, respectively. Knockdown of SPOP and CUL3 led to the upregulation of DAXX protein and downregulation of VEGFR2 levels. These levels were inversely correlated with one another. In addition, simultaneous knockdown of SPOP and DAXX completely reversed the downregulation of VEGFR2 levels. Moreover, the CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis had the same effects on NOTCH1, DLL4 and NRP1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that the CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis plays a very important role in endothelial cell function by targeting key angiogenic regulators.
CCR7 deficient inflammatory Dendritic Cells are retained in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Clarkson Benjamin D. , Walker Alec , Harris Melissa G. , Rayasam Aditya , Hsu Martin , Sandor Matyas , Fabry Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2017

Dendritic cells (DC) accumulate in the CNS during neuroinflammation, yet, how these cells contribute to CNS antigen drainage is still unknown. We have previously shown that after intracerebral injection, antigen-loaded bone marrow DC migrate to deep cervical lymph nodes where they prime antigen-specific T cells and exacerbate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Here, we report that DC migration from brain parenchyma is dependent upon the chemokine receptor CCR7. During EAE, both wild type and CCR7−/− CD11c-eYFP cells infiltrated into the CNS but cells that lacked CCR7 were retained in brain and spinal cord while wild type DC migrated to cervical lymph nodes. Retention of CCR7-deficient CD11c-eYFP cells in the CNS exacerbated EAE. These data are the first to show that CD11chighDC use CCR7 for migration out of the CNS, and in the absence of this receptor they remain in the CNSin situand exacerbate EAE.
CRISPR knockout rat cytochrome P450 3A1/2 model for advancing drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics research
Authors: Lu Jian , Shao Yanjiao , Qin Xuan , Liu Daozhi , Chen Ang , Li Dali , Liu Mingyao , Wang Xin
Published: February 2017

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A accounts for nearly 30% of the total CYP enzymes in the human liver and participates in the metabolism of over 50% of clinical drugs. Moreover, CYP3A plays an important role in chemical metabolism, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. New animal models are needed to investigate CYP3A functions, especially for drug metabolism. In this report, Cyp3a1/2 double knockout (KO) rats were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and then were characterized for viability and physiological status. The Cyp3a1/2 double KO rats were viable and fertile, and had no obvious physiological abnormities. Compared with the wild-type (WT) rat, Cyp3a1/2 expression was completely absent in the liver of the KO rat. In vitro and in vivo metabolic studies of the CYP3A1/2 substrates indicated that CYP3A1/2 was functionally inactive in double KO rats. The Cyp3a1/2 double KO rat model was successfully generated and characterized. The Cyp3a1/2 KO rats are a novel rodent animal model that will be a powerful tool for the study of the physiological and pharmacological roles of CYP3A, especially in drug and chemical metabolism in vivo.
Anomalous resistivity upturn in epitaxial L21-Co2MnAl films
Authors: Zhu L. J. , Zhao J. H.
Published: February 2017

Despite of the great scientific and technology interest, highly ordered full-Heusler L21-Co2MnAl films have remained a big challenge in terms of the availability and the electrical transport. Here we report the controllable growth and the intriguing transport behavior of epitaxial L21-Co2MnAl films, which exhibit a low-temperature (T) resistivity upturn with a pronounced T1/2 dependence, a robust independence of magnetic fields, and a close relevance to structural disorder. The resistivity upturn turns out to be qualitatively contradictory to weak localization, particle-particle channel electron-electron interaction (EEI), and orbital two-channel Kondo effect, leaving a three-dimensional particle-hole channel EEI the most likely physical source. Our result highlights a considerable tunability of the structural and electronic disorder of magnetic films by varying growth temperature, affording unprecedented insights into the origin of the resistivity upturn.
Horizontal sliding of kilometre-scale hot spring area during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Ishibashi Jun’ichiro , Ishitsuka Kazuya , Kamata Ryuichi
Published: February 2017

We report horizontal sliding of the kilometre-scale geologic block under the Aso hot springs (Uchinomaki area) caused by vibrations from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mw 7.0). Direct borehole observations demonstrate the sliding along the horizontal geological formation at ~50 m depth, which is where the shallowest hydrothermal reservoir developed. Owing to >1 m northwest movement of the geologic block, as shown by differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR), extensional open fissures were generated at the southeastern edge of the horizontal sliding block, and compressional deformation and spontaneous fluid emission from wells were observed at the northwestern edge of the block. The temporal and spatial variation of the hot spring supply during the earthquake can be explained by the horizontal sliding and borehole failures. Because there was no strain accumulation around the hot spring area prior to the earthquake and gravitational instability could be ignored, the horizontal sliding along the low-frictional formation was likely caused by seismic forces from the remote earthquake. The insights derived from our field-scale observations may assist further research into geologic block sliding in horizontal geological formations.
Detection of viral respiratory pathogens in mild and severe acute respiratory infections in Singapore
Authors: Jiang Lili , Lee Vernon Jian Ming , Cui Lin , Lin Raymond , Tan Chyi Lin , Tan Linda Wei Lin , Lim Wei-yen , Leo Yee-Sin , Low Louie , Hibberd Martin , Chen Mark I-Cheng
Published: February 2017

To investigate the performance of laboratory methods and clinical case definitions in detecting the viral pathogens for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) from a prospective community cohort and hospital inpatients, nasopharyngeal swabs from cohort members reporting ARIs (community-ARI) and inpatients admitted with ARIs (inpatient-ARI) were tested by Singleplex Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (SRT-PCR), multiplex RT-PCR (MRT-PCR) and pathogen-chip system (PathChip) between April 2012 and December 2013. Community-ARI and inpatient-ARI was also combined with mild and severe cases of influenza from a historical prospective study as mild-ARI and severe-ARI respectively to evaluate the performance of clinical case definitions. We analysed 130 community-ARI and 140 inpatient-ARI episodes (5 inpatient-ARI excluded because multiple pathogens were detected), involving 138 and 207 samples respectively. Detection by PCR declined with days post-onset for influenza virus; decrease was faster for community-ARI than for inpatient-ARI. No such patterns were observed for non-influenza respiratory virus infections. PathChip added substantially to viruses detected for community-ARI only. Clinical case definitions discriminated influenza from other mild-ARI but performed poorly for severe-ARI and for older participants. Rational strategies for diagnosis and surveillance of influenza and other respiratory virus must acknowledge the differences between ARIs presenting in community and hospital settings.
Scaling analysis of field-tuned superconductor–insulator transition in two-dimensional tantalum thin films
Authors: Park Sungyu , Shin Junghyun , Kim Eunseong
Published: February 2017

The superconductor–insulator (SI) transition in two-dimensional Ta thin films is investigated by controlling both film thickness and magnetic field. An intriguing metallic phase appears between a superconducting and an insulating phase within a range of film thickness and magnetic field. The temperature and electric field scaling analyses are performed to investigate the nature of the SI transition in the thickness-tuned metallic and superconducting samples. The critical exponents product of νz obtained from the temperature scaling analysis is found to be approximately 0.67 in the entire range of film thickness. On the other hand, an apparent discrepancy is measured in the product of ν(z + 1) by the electric filed analysis. The product values are found to be about 1.37 for the superconducting films and about 1.86 for the metallic films respectively. We find that the discrepancy is the direct consequence of electron heating that introduces additional dissipation channels in the metallic Ta films.
Water use efficiency in a primary subtropical evergreen forest in Southwest China
Authors: Song Qing-Hai , Fei Xue-Hai , Zhang Yi-Ping , Sha Li-Qing , Liu Yun-Tong , Zhou Wen-Jun , Wu Chuan-Sheng , Lu Zhi-Yun , Luo Kang , Gao Jin-Bo , Liu Yu-Hong
Published: February 2017

We calculated water use efficiency (WUE) using measures of gross primary production (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) from five years of continuous eddy covariance measurements (2009–2013) obtained over a primary subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest in southwestern China. Annual mean WUE exhibited a decreasing trend from 2009 to 2013, varying from ~2.28 to 2.68 g C kg H2O−1. The multiyear average WUE was 2.48 ± 0.17 (mean ± standard deviation) g C kg H2O−1. WUE increased greatly in the driest year (2009), due to a larger decline in ET than in GPP. At the diurnal scale, WUE in the wet season reached 5.1 g C kg H2O−1 in the early morning and 4.6 g C kg H2O−1 in the evening. WUE in the dry season reached 3.1 g C kg H2O−1 in the early morning and 2.7 g C kg H2O−1 in the evening. During the leaf emergence stage, the variation of WUE could be suitably explained by water-related variables (relative humidity (RH), soil water content at 100 cm (SWC_100)), solar radiation and the green index (Sgreen). These results revealed large variation in WUE at different time scales, highlighting the importance of individual site characteristics.
Surface induced dissociation as a tool to study membrane protein complexes
Authors: Harvey Sophie R. , Liu Yang , Liu Wen , Wysocki Vicki H. , Laganowsky Arthur
Published: February 2017

Native ion mobility mass spectrometry (MS) and surface induced dissociation (SID) are applied to study the integral membrane protein complexes AmtB and AqpZ.
Modelling of the charge carrier mobility in disordered linear polymer materials
Authors: Toman Petr , Menšík Miroslav , Bartkowiak Wojciech , Pfleger Jiří
Published: February 2017

Concentration dependence of the hole mobility in the crystalline and amorphous P3HT calculated for different values of the local energetic disorder σε.
Effects of multivalent hexacyanoferrates and their ion pairs on water molecule dynamics measured with terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: DiTucci Matthew J. , Böhm Fabian , Schwaab Gerhard , Williams Evan R. , Havenith Martina
Published: February 2017

Broadband Fourier transform terahertz spectroscopy reveals that dynamical perturbations to the low-frequency dynamics of water molecules by multivalent hexacyanoferrate salts extend beyond the primary solvation shell.
The mechanism of an asymmetric ring-opening reaction of epoxide with amine catalyzed by a metal–organic framework: insights from combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics calculations
Authors: Doitomi Kazuki , Xu Kai , Hirao Hajime
Published: February 2017

QM/MM computations suggest that the asymmetric ring-opening reaction of epoxide with amine is controlled by CH–π interactions between aniline and a naphthol moiety.
Hyphenated techniques in speciation analysis of polyoxometalates: identification of individual [PMo12−xVxO40]−3−x (x = 1–3) in the reaction mixtures by high performance liquid chromatography and atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Shuvaeva O. V. , Zhdanov A. A. , Romanova T. E. , Abramov P. A. , Sokolov M. N.
Published: February 2017

Identification of polyoxometalate species generated in self-assembly reactions by HPLC-ICP-AES.
Confinement effect of monolayer MoS2 quantum dots on conjugated polyimide and promotion of solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Ma Chenghai , Zhu Haoyue , Zhou Jun , Cui Zhiwei , Liu Teng , Wang Yicong , Wang Ying , Zou Zhigang
Published: February 2017

Monolayer MoS2 quantum dot (MQD) confined polyimide demonstrates 360% enhancement in hydrogen production compared to Pt/PI under solar light.
Understanding factors controlling depolymerization and polymerization in catalytic degradation of β-ether linked model lignin compounds by versatile peroxidase
Authors: Zeng Jijiao , Mills Matthew J. L. , Simmons Blake A. , Kent Michael S. , Sale Kenneth L.
Published: February 2017

Insights into reaction conditions and structural features of lignin that facilitate its versatile peroxidase catalyzed depolymerization.
Spectral emission enhancement by an electric pulse for LIBS and LAMIS
Authors: Bol'shakov Alexander A. , Mao Xianglei , Russo Richard E.
Published: February 2017

This is the original research on the significant intensity enhancement in atomic and molecular emission in laser ablation plasma reheated by an electric pulse.
Synthetic applications of vinyl cyclopropane opening
Authors: Meazza Marta , Guo Hao , Rios Ramon
Published: February 2017

Vinyl cyclopropanes are amongst the most useful building blocks in organic synthesis. In this review we give an overview of their applications, focusing on the present century.
Research progress regarding Si-based anode materials towards practical application in high energy density Li-ion batteries
Authors: Li Jin-Yi , Xu Quan , Li Ge , Yin Ya-Xia , Wan Li-Jun , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: February 2017

Key aspects of Si-based anode materials towards practical applications.
Improved photodynamic activities of liposome-incorporated [60]fullerene derivatives bearing a polar group
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Mae Tomoya , Ueda Masafumi , Sugikawa Kouta , Shigeto Hajime , Funabashi Hisakage , Kuroda Akio , Akiyama Motofusa
Published: February 2017

A liposome-incorporated C60 derivative bearing a polar group showed higher photodynamic activity than the system incorporating pristine C60 because of its high 1O2 generation ability, as well as its localization in the liposomes.
Construction of a visible light-driven hydrocarboxylation cycle of alkenes by the combined use of Rh(i) and photoredox catalysts
Authors: Murata Kei , Numasawa Nobutsugu , Shimomaki Katsuya , Takaya Jun , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: February 2017

A visible light-driven catalytic cycle for hydrocarboxylation of alkenes with CO2 was established using a combination of a Rh(i) complex as a carboxylation catalyst and [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) as a photoredox catalyst.
Twist it! The acid-dependent isomerization of homoleptic carbenic iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Osiak Jaroslaw G. , Setzer Tobias , Jones Peter G. , Lennartz Christian , Dreuw Andreas , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Johannes Hans-Hermann
Published: February 2017

An acid mediated isomerization technique allows the conversion of meridional homoleptic carbenic iridium(iii) complexes into their facial counterparts.
Electrochemical synthesis of benzoxazoles from anilides – a new approach to employ amidyl radical intermediates
Authors: Gieshoff Tile , Kehl Anton , Schollmeyer Dieter , Moeller Kevin D. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: February 2017

The electroorganic synthesis of a variety of benzoxazoles starting from easy accessible anilides is reported.
Light-driven hydrogen production from aqueous solutions based on a new Dubois-type nickel catalyst
Authors: Zhou Y. , Yang S. , Huang J.
Published: February 2017

We developed a new water soluble CdSe/Ni hybrid, which yields remarkable photon-to-H2 efficiency among all noble-metal free systems based on synthetic Ni molecular catalysts.
The synthesis of unconventional stoichiometric compounds in the K–Br system at high pressures
Authors: Patel Nishant N. , Verma Ashok K. , Mishra A. K. , Sunder Meenakshi , Sharma Surinder M.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of two new stoichiometric compounds, namely KBr3and KBr5, at high pressures in the K–Br system is reported.
Influence of lanthanide ion energy levels on luminescence of corresponding metalloporphyrins
Authors: Zhao Huimin , Zang Lixin , Guo Chengshan
Published: February 2017

Energy transfer between the 4f energy levels of lanthanide ions and HMME determines whether lanthanide porphyrins can exhibit RTP.
Fluorinated aminoanthranilamides: non-native amino acids for bringing proteomic approaches to charge-transfer systems
Authors: Larsen-Clinton Jillian M. , Espinoza Eli M. , F. Mayther Maximillian , Clark John , Tao Christina , Bao Duoduo , Larino Christa M. , Wurch Michelle , Lara Stephanie , Vullev Valentine I.
Published: February 2017

A highly selective substitution leads to a set of unique non-native amino acids that can serve as building blocks for molecular electrets.
Controllable decomposition of Ca(BH4)2 for reversible hydrogen storage
Authors: Yan Y. , Rentsch D. , Remhof A.
Published: February 2017

The formation of CaB6 from the thermal decomposition of Ca(BH4)2 goes along two distinct routes, i.e. via CaB2H6 or elemental boron as a reaction intermediate, depending on temperature.
Bismuth⋯π arene versus bismuth⋯halide coordination in heterocyclic diorganobismuth(iii) compounds with transannular N→Bi interaction
Authors: Toma Ana Maria , Pop Alexandra , Silvestru Anca , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich , Mehring Michael
Published: February 2017

The hypervalent diorganobismuth(iii) halides of type [RCH2N(CH2C6H4)2]BiX, (R = Ph, Bz, and MeO) show a strong tendency to associate either by Bi⋯X or by Bi⋯π arene secondary interactions.
KFeCuTe2: a new compound to study the removal of interstitial Fe in layered tellurides
Authors: Sun Fan , Guo Zhongnan , Liu Ning , Lin Kun , Wang Da , Yuan Wenxia
Published: February 2017

A KFeCuTe2 single crystal has been synthesized by the self-flux method. This new compound exhibits as an antiferromagnetic Mott semiconductor.
Direct determination of zinc in plasma by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using palladium/magnesium and EDTA matrix modification with high temperature pyrolysis
Authors: Stevens Brian J. , Hare Dominic J. , Volitakis Irene , Cherny Robert A. , Roberts Blaine R.
Published: February 2017

A new graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method is presented for the analysis of zinc in small volume biological samples.
EnhancerPred2.0: predicting enhancers and their strength based on position-specific trinucleotide propensity and electron–ion interaction potential feature selection
Authors: He Wenying , Jia Cangzhi
Published: February 2017

Enhancers arecis-acting elements that play major roles in upregulating eukaryotic gene expression by providing binding sites for transcription factors and their complexes.
Transthyretin amyloidosis: an under-recognized neuropathy and cardiomyopathy
Authors: Galant Natalie J. , Westermark Per , Higaki Jeffrey N. , Chakrabartty Avijit
Published: February 2017

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is an underdiagnosed and important type of cardiomyopathy and/or polyneuropathy that requires increased awareness within the medical community. Raising awareness among clinicians about this type of neuropathy and lethal form of heart disease is critical for improving earlier diagnosis and the identification of patients for treatment. The following review summarizes current criteria used to diagnose both hereditary and wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) amyloidosis, tools available to clinicians to improve diagnostic accuracy, available and newly developing therapeutics, as well as a brief biochemical and biophysical background of TTR amyloidogenesis.
The millimeter and sub-millimeter rotational spectrum of triple 13C-substituted ethyl cyanide
Authors: Pienkina A. O. , Margulès L. , Motiyenko R. A. , Müller H. S. P. , Guillemin J.-C.
Published: February 2017

Context. A recently published astronomical detection of all three doubly 13C-substituted ethyl cyanides toward Sgr B2(N2) motivated us to investigate triple 13C isotopic species that are expected to be also present in the ISM.

Aims. We aim to present an experimental study of the rotational spectrum of triple 13C-substituted ethyl cyanide, 13CH313CH213CN, in the frequency range 150–990 GHz. We want to use the determined spectroscopic parameters for searching for 13CH313CH213CN in ALMA data. The main objective of this work is to provide accurate frequency predictions to search for this molecule in the Galactic center source Sagittarius B2(N) and to facilitate its detection in space.

Methods. The laboratory rotational spectrum of 13CH313CH213CN has been recorded with the Lille’s fast DDS solid-state spectrometer between 150 GHz and 990 GHz.

Results. More than 4000 rotational transitions were identified in the laboratory. The quantum numbers reach J = 115 and Ka = 39. Watson’s Hamiltonian in the A and S reductions were used to analyze the spectra. Accurate spectroscopic parameters were determined. The rotational spectra of the 13C containing species CH3CH2CN have been assigned, thus allowing the determination of the rotational and centrifugal distortion constants
PLCε1 regulates SDF-1α–induced lymphocyte adhesion and migration to sites of inflammation
Authors: Strazza Marianne , Azoulay-Alfaguter Inbar , Peled Michael , Smrcka Alan V. , Skolnik Edward Y. , Srivastava Shekhar , Mor Adam
Published: February 2017

Significance

We performed a screen to identify unique proteins regulating T-cell adhesion downstream of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. We identified that the guanine exchange factor mediating stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α)/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) activation is phospholipase Cε 1 (PLCε1). Experiments to separate the dual-enzymatic function of PLCε1 uncover necessary contributions of the CDC25, Pleckstrin homology, and Ras-associating domains, but not phospholipase activity, to its guanine exchange activity. In the mouse model of contact sensitivity, we have shown a necessary role for PLCε1 in T-cell recruitment to the site of secondary challenge, but not for priming after antigen sensitization. We uncover a signaling pathway that mediates SDF-1α–induced T-cell adhesion and suggest that PLCε1 is a potential specific target for future antiinflammatory drugs.
Mitochondrial damage elicits a TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-mediated antiviral response
Authors: Kozaki Tatsuya , Komano Jun , Kanbayashi Daiki , Takahama Michihiro , Misawa Takuma , Satoh Takashi , Takeuchi Osamu , Kawai Taro , Shimizu Shigeomi , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Akira Shizuo , Saitoh Tatsuya
Published: February 2017

Significance

Accumulating evidence shows that type I interferons (IFNs) induce an antiviral response. Retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors detect Sindbis virus (SINV) RNA and mediate signaling to IFN-β promoter stimulator-1, an adaptor that functions on the surface of healthy mitochondria, to induce transcriptional activation of IFNs. Zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is induced by IFNs and binds with SINV RNA to promote RNA degradation. We recently found an organelle stress-induced IFN-independent antiviral response. On SINV infection, BCL2-associated X protein and BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 cause mitochondria damage, leading to a nuclear-to-cytoplasmic redistribution of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (TIPARP), a ZAP-like protein. TIPARP binds with SINV RNA to promote RNA degradation. Therefore, mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk plays a vital role in the host defense against RNA viruses.
RUNX1 cooperates with FLT3-ITD to induce leukemia
Authors: Behrens Kira , Maul Katrin , Tekin Nilgün , Kriebitzsch Neele , Indenbirken Daniela , Prassolov Vladimir , Müller Ursula , Serve Hubert , Cammenga Jörg , Stocking Carol
Published: February 2017

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is induced by the cooperative action of deregulated genes that perturb self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. Internal tandem duplications (ITDs) in the FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase are common mutations in AML, confer poor prognosis, and stimulate myeloproliferation. AML patient samples with FLT3-ITD express high levels of RUNX1, a transcription factor with known tumor-suppressor function. In this study, to understand this paradox, we investigated the impact of RUNX1 and FLT3-ITD coexpression. FLT3-ITD directly impacts on RUNX1 activity, whereby up-regulated and phosphorylated RUNX1 cooperates with FLT3-ITD to induce AML. Inactivating RUNX1 in tumors releases the differentiation block and down-regulates genes controlling ribosome biogenesis. We identified Hhex as a direct target of RUNX1 and FLT3-ITD stimulation and confirmed high HHEX expression in FLT3-ITD AMLs. HHEX could replace RUNX1 in cooperating with FLT3-ITD to induce AML. These results establish and elucidate the unanticipated oncogenic function of RUNX1 in AML. We predict that blocking RUNX1 activity will greatly enhance current therapeutic approaches using FLT3 inhibitors.
Tracial approximation is stable
Authors: Elliott George , Fan Qingzhai
Published: February 2017

Let

Ω
\Omega

be a class of unital C

∗

^*

-algebras such that

Ω
\Omega

is closed under tensoring with matrix algebras and taking unital hereditary C

∗

^*

-subalgebras and such that

t
s
r
(
B
)
=
1

tsr(B)=1

and the Cuntz semigroup Cu

(
B
)

(B)

is almost unperforated for any

B
∈
Ω

B\in \Omega

. Then

A
∈

A\in

TA

Ω
\Omega

for any unital C

∗

^*

-algebra

A
∈

A\in

TA(TA

Ω
)

\Omega )

. As an application, this result can be used to study tracially quasidiagonal C

∗

^*

-algebra extensions of tracial topological rank no more than one.
Spatial Patterns of Market Participation and Resource Extraction: Fuelwood Collection in Northern Uganda
Authors: Miteva Daniela A. , Kramer Randall A. , Brown Zachary S. , Smith Martin D.
Published: February 2017

While distance to markets is a key determinant of market participation for households that are dependent on natural resources, the distance to the resource stock is also essential. Thus, a household's location with respect to markets and the resource stock determines household market participation and associated resource degradation. Applying a discrete‐choice framework for fuelwood collection in a developing country, we characterize the spatial pattern of market participation regimes and forest use. All else being equal, autarkic households are closest to the forest and furthest from the market, buyer households are closest to the market and furthest from the forest, and seller households are at intermediate distances. Empirical tests based on survey data from northern Uganda support the predictions from our theoretical model. Our findings have important implications for understanding the spatial patterns of forest degradation and determining the control group when designing impact evaluations of the effectiveness of development and conservation interventions.
Trophic impact of Atlantic bluefin tuna migrations in the North Sea
Authors: Mariani Patrizio , Andersen Ken H. , Lindegren Martin , MacKenzie Brian R.
Published: February 2017

Large highly migratory predators can have major impacts on local marine ecosystems by reducing prey populations and leading to trophic cascades that affect the entire fish community. These trophic interactions are typically non-linear and can alter both the migratory behaviour of the predator and the stability of the fish community. The impact of a migrating top-predator is investigated here for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Sea. Bluefin tuna has been absent from the region for half-century, but recent years have seen recovery of migrations and a return of bluefin tuna in the area. We use a size spectrum model to analyse the trophic impact of the returning tuna on the entire fish community, under scenarios with varying levels of tuna consumption and fishing mortality on the prey. We show that with high level of prey fishing mortality in the North Sea, the effect of a tuna re-colonization results in only limited trophic cascades. However, high tuna consumption or changes in fishing mortality may result in a sudden recruitment failure of small-pelagic fish due to cascading effects on the fish community. In present-day conditions, the level of tuna consumption that triggers recruitment failure is lower at increasing fishing mortalities on their prey, providing indications for the future sustainable management of both small-pelagics and bluefin tuna in the area.
User-centered design of discharge warnings tool for colorectal surgery patients
Authors: Naik Aanand D , Horstman Molly J , Li Linda T , Paasche-Orlow Michael K , Campbell Bryan , Mills Whitney L , Herman Levi I , Anaya Daniel A , Trautner Barbara W , Berger David H
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Readmission following colorectal surgery, typically due to surgery-related complications, is common. Patient-centered discharge warnings may guide recognition of early complication signs after colorectal surgery.

Materials and Methods: User-centered design of a discharge warnings tool consisted of iterative health literacy review and a heuristic evaluation with human factors and clinical experts as well as patient end users to establish content validity and usability.

Results: Literacy evaluation of the prototype suggested >12th-grade reading level. Subsequent revisions reduced reading level to 8th grade or below. Contents were formatted during heuristic evaluation into 3 action-oriented zones (green, yellow, and red) with relevant warning lexicons. Usability testing demonstrated comprehension of this 3-level lexicon and recognition of appropriate patient actions to take for each level.

Discussion: We developed a discharge warnings tool for colorectal surgery using staged user-centered design. The lexicon of surgical discharge warnings could structure communication among patients, caregivers, and clinicians to improve post-discharge care.
Increases in Cranial Volume with Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction in 31 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Salokorpi Niina , Vuollo Ville , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Satanin Leonid , Nestal Zibo Heleia , Ylikontiola Leena P , Pirttiniemi Pertti , Sándor George K , Serlo Willy
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Posterior cranial vault distraction (PCVD) is a technique widely used in surgical treatment of craniosynostosis when cranial expansion is required. It has proven to be safe and to allow a significant increase of intracranial volume.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate increases in intracranial volume as a result of PCVD performed in Oulu Craniofacial center using 2 different methods based on 3-dimensional (3-D) photogrammetric imaging or plain skull radiographs.

METHODS

All children less than 16 yr of age who were treated by PCVD (n = 31) from 2009 to 2015 at the Oulu Craniofacial Center were included. All patients were followed at outpatient clinics with plain radiographs performed for follow-up. In 5 patients, additional 3-D photogrammetric imaging was done pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean intracranial volume increase was 25.0%, ranging from 16.9% to 39.4%. In 5 patients, the increase in volume was calculated from the photogrammetric 3-D images comprising a mean of 17.4%. Volume calculations from cephalograms in the same patients gave a mean of 20.8%. Whether the distraction was a primary operation or patient had undergone previous cranioplasty did not influence the achieved volumetric results. There were no statistically significant differences in the distraction results between different diagnostic groups.

CONCLUSION

PCVD is an effective surgical method to increase intracranial volume in a variety of clinical entities. Volumetric results of this procedure could be easily evaluated using 3-D photogrammetric imaging or plane radiographs that expose the patients to only low ionizing radiation doses.
Canker Stain: A Lethal Disease Destroying Iconic Plane Trees
Authors: Tsopelas Panaghiotis , Santini Alberto , Wingfield Michael J. , Wilhelm de Beer Z.
Published: February 2017

In Europe, both Oriental plane and London plane trees are seriously threatened by the invasive fungal pathogen Ceratocystis platani (Walter) Engelbr. & T.C. Harr., the causal agent of canker stain disease (CSD) of plane trees. The fungus is considered to be indigenous to North America and was accidently introduced into Europe during World War II, where it continues to spread clonally. The impact of CSD in Europe can be compared with notorious tree diseases such as Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight, and more recently Ash dieback, which have all caused devastating losses to natural woody ecosystems and ornamental trees. In Italy and France, C. platani has caused widespread mortality to London plane trees and the pathogen has also been recorded in Switzerland and Spain. However, the most dramatic impact of the disease has been in Greece in natural stands of Oriental plane. The objective of this feature article is to review current knowledge regarding CSD and to highlight the dramatic and devastating nature of the disease. An important aim is also to highlight the risk of C. platani spreading northward in Europe and eastward to Asia in the natural and cultivated range of oriental and London plane.
Characterization of Canna yellow mottle virus in a New Host, Alpinia purpurata, in Hawaii
Authors: Zhang Jingxin , Dey Kishore K. , Lin Birun , Borth Wayne B. , Melzer Michael J. , Sether Diane , Wang Yanan , Wang I-Chin , Shen Huifang , Pu Xiaoming , Sun Dayuan , Hu John S.
Published: February 2017

Canna yellow mottle virus (CaYMV) is an important badnavirus infecting Canna spp. worldwide. This is the first report of CaYMV in flowering ginger (Alpinia purpurata) in Hawaii, where it is associated with yellow mottling and necrosis of leaves, vein streaking, and stunted plants. We have sequenced CaYMV in A. purpurata (CaYMV-Ap) using a combination of next-generation sequencing and traditional Sanger sequencing techniques. The complete genome of CaYMV-Ap was 7,120 bp with an organization typical of other Badnavirus species. Our results indicated that CaYMV-Ap was present in the episomal form in infected flowering ginger. We determined that this virus disease is prevalent in Hawaii and could potentially have significant economic impact on the marketing of A. purpurata as cut flowers. There is a potential concern that the host range of CaYMV-Ap may expand to include other important tropical plants.
Two ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Strains Recently Found in California Harbor Different Prophages
Authors: Zheng Z. , Wu F. , Kumagai L. B. , Polek M. , Deng X. , Chen J.
Published: February 2017

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), an α-proteobacterium, is associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB; yellow shoot disease). In California, two cases of CLas have been detected in Los Angeles County, one in Hacienda Heights in 2012 and the other in San Gabriel in 2015. Although all infected trees were destroyed in compliance with a state mandate, citrus industry stakeholder concerns about HLB in California are high. Little is known about the biology of CLas, particularly the California strains, hindering effective HLB management efforts. In this study, next-generation sequencing technology (Illumina MiSeq) was employed to characterize the California CLas strains. Data sets containing >4 billion (Giga) bp of sequence were generated from each CLas sample. Two prophages (P-HHCA1-2 and P-SGCA5-1) were identified by the MiSeq read mapping technique referenced to two known Florida CLas prophage sequences, SC1 and SC2. P-HHCA1-2 was an SC2-like or Type 2 prophage of 38,989 bp in size. P-SGCA5-1 was an SC1-like or Type 1 prophage of 37,487 bp in size. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P-HHCA1-2 was part of an Asiatic lineage within the Type 2 prophage group. Similarly, P-SGCA5-1 was part of an Asiatic lineage within Type 1 prophage group. The Asiatic relatedness of both P-HHCA1-2 and P-SGCA5-1 was further presented by single nucleotide polymorphism analysis at terL (encoding prophage terminase) that has been established for CLas strain differentiation. The presence of different prophages suggests that the two California CLas strains could have been introduced from different sources. An alternative explanation is that there was a mixed CLas population containing the two types of prophages, and limited sampling in a geographic region may not accurately depict the true CLas diversity. More accurate pathway analysis may be achieved by including more strains collected from the regions.
Sexual Reproduction in the Citrus Black Spot Pathogen,Phyllosticta citricarpa
Authors: Tran Nga T. , Miles Andrew K. , Dietzgen Ralf G. , Dewdney Megan M. , Zhang Ke , Rollins Jeffrey A. , Drenth André
Published: February 2017

Citrus black spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa) causes fruit blemishes and premature fruit drop, resulting in significant economic losses in citrus growing areas with summer rainfall across the globe. The mating type locus of P. citricarpa has recently been characterized, revealing the heterothallic nature of this pathogen. However, insight into the occurrence of mating and the impact of completing the sexual cycle of P. citricarpa was lacking. To investigate the occurrence and impact of sexual reproduction, we developed a method to reliably, and for the first time, produce ascospores of P. citricarpa on culture media. To demonstrate meiosis during the mating process, we identified recombinant genotypes through multilocus genotyping of single ascospores. Because the process of fertilization was not well understood, we experimentally determined that fertilization of P. citricarpa occurs via spermatization. Our results demonstrate that P. citricarpa is heterothallic and requires isolates of different MAT idiomorphs to be in direct physical contact, or for spermatia to fulfill their role as male elements to fertilize the receptive organs, in order to initiate the mating process. The impact of mating on the epidemiology of citrus black spot in the field is discussed.
An Articulating Antibiotic Cement Spacer for First-stage Reconstruction for Infected Total Elbow Arthroplasty
Authors: Williams Kanishka E. , MacLean Simon , Jupiter Jesse , Bain Gregory I.
Published: February 2017

Management of an infected total elbow replacement is a significant clinical challenge. Although preservation of the prosthesis is ideal, a 2-stage revision is often necessary. Unlike lower limb arthroplasty, antibiotic spacers are not commercially available. Monoblock cement spacers do not allow elbow movements and are therefore associated with severe stiffness and scarring, leading to poor clinical outcomes. In our paper we present a simple and novel technique for constructing an articulating antibiotic-impregnated spacer for use as an implant for a 1-stage revision of an infected elbow arthroplasty.
Bedside Glucose Monitoring—Is it Safe? A New, Regulatory-Compliant Risk Assessment Evaluation Protocol in Critically Ill Patient Care Settings*
Authors: DuBois Jeffrey Anton , Slingerland Robbert Jan , Fokkert Marion , Roman Alain , Tran Nam Khoa , Clarke William , Sartori David Alan , Palmieri Tina Louise , Malic Andrei , Lyon Martha Elizabeth , Lyon Andrew William
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

New data have emerged from ambulatory and acute care settings about adverse patient events, including death, attributable to erroneous blood glucose meter measurements and leading to questions over their use in critically ill patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published new, more stringent guidelines for glucose meter manufacturers to evaluate the performance of blood glucose meters in critically ill patient settings. The primary objective of this international, multicenter, multidisciplinary clinical study was to develop and apply a rigorous clinical accuracy assessment algorithm, using four distinct statistical tools, to evaluate the clinical accuracy of a blood glucose monitoring system in critically ill patients.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

Five international medical and surgical ICUs.

Patients:

All patients admitted to critical care settings in the centers.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Glucose measurements were performed on 1,698 critically ill patients with 257 different clinical conditions and complex treatment regimens. The clinical accuracy assessment algorithm comprised four statistical tools to assess the performance of the study blood glucose monitoring system compared with laboratory reference methods traceable to a definitive standard. Based on POCT12-A3, the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute standard for hospitals about hospital glucose meter procedures and performance, and Parkes error grid clinical accuracy performance criteria, no clinically significant differences were observed due to patient condition or therapy, with 96.1% and 99.3% glucose results meeting the respective criteria. Stratified sensitivity and specificity analysis (10 mg/dL glucose intervals, 50–150 mg/dL) demonstrated high sensitivity (mean = 95.2%, sd = ± 0.02) and specificity (mean = 95. 8%, sd = ± 0.03). Monte Carlo simulation modeling of the study blood glucose monitoring system showed low probability of category 2 and category 3 insulin dosing error, category 2 = 2.3% (41/1,815) and category 3 = 1.8% (32/1,815), respectively. Patient trend analysis demonstrated 99.1% (223/225) concordance in characterizing hypoglycemic patients.

Conclusions:

The multicomponent, clinical accuracy assessment algorithm demonstrated that the blood glucose monitoring system was acceptable for use in critically ill patient settings when compared to the central laboratory reference method. This clinical accuracy assessment algorithm is an effective tool for comprehensively assessing the validity of whole blood glucose measurement in critically ill patient care settings.
A Quasi-Experimental, Before-After Trial Examining the Impact of an Emergency Department Mechanical Ventilator Protocol on Clinical Outcomes and Lung-Protective Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Fuller Brian M. , Ferguson Ian T. , Mohr Nicholas M. , Drewry Anne M. , Palmer Christopher , Wessman Brian T. , Ablordeppey Enyo , Keeperman Jacob , Stephens Robert J. , Briscoe Cristopher C. , Kolomiets Angelina A. , Hotchkiss Richard S. , Kollef Marin H.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of an emergency department mechanical ventilation protocol on clinical outcomes and adherence to lung-protective ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design:

Quasi-experimental, before-after trial.

Setting:

Emergency department and ICUs of an academic center.

Patients:

Mechanically ventilated emergency department patients experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome while in the emergency department or after admission to the ICU.

Interventions:

An emergency department ventilator protocol which targeted variables in need of quality improvement, as identified by prior work: 1) lung-protective tidal volume, 2) appropriate setting of positive end-expiratory pressure, 3) oxygen weaning, and 4) head-of-bed elevation.

Measurements and Main Results:

A total of 229 patients (186 preintervention group, 43 intervention group) were studied. In the emergency department, the intervention was associated with significant changes (p < 0.01 for all) in tidal volume, positive end-expiratory pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen administration, and head-of-bed elevation. There was a reduction in emergency department tidal volume from 8.1 mL/kg predicted body weight (7.0–9.1) to 6.4 mL/kg predicted body weight (6.1–6.7) and an increase in lung-protective ventilation from 11.1% to 61.5%, p value of less than 0.01. The intervention was associated with a reduction in mortality from 54.8% to 39.5% (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17–0.83; p = 0.02) and a 3.9 day increase in ventilator-free days, p value equals to 0.01.

Conclusions:

This before-after study of mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome demonstrates that implementing a mechanical ventilator protocol in the emergency department is feasible and associated with improved clinical outcomes.