bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide range local resistance imaging on fragile materials by conducting probe atomic force microscopy in intermittent contact mode
Authors: Vecchiola Aymeric , Chrétien Pascal , Delprat Sophie , Bouzehouane Karim , Schneegans Olivier , Seneor Pierre , Mattana Richard , Tatay Sergio , Geffroy Bernard , Bonnassieux Yvan , Mencaraglia Denis , Houzé Frédéric
Published: June 2016

An imaging technique associating a slowly intermittent contact mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a home-made multi-purpose resistance sensing device is presented. It aims at extending the widespread resistance measurements classically operated in contact mode AFM to broaden their application fields to soft materials (molecular electronics, biology) and fragile or weakly anchored nano-objects, for which nanoscale electrical characterization is highly demanded and often proves to be a challenging task in contact mode. Compared with the state of the art concerning less aggressive solutions for AFM electrical imaging, our technique brings a significantly wider range of resistance measurement (over 10 decades) without any manual switching, which is a major advantage for the characterization of materials with large on-sample resistance variations. After describing the basics of the set-up, we report on preliminary investigations focused on academic samples of self-assembled monolayers with various thicknesses as a demonstrator of the imaging capabilities of our instrument, from qualitative and semi-quantitative viewpoints. Then two application examples are presented, regarding an organic photovoltaic thin film and an array of individual vertical carbon nanotubes. Both attest the relevance of the technique for the control and optimization of technological processes.
Effects of diamagnetic Ga dilution on the Faraday response of bismuth-doped iron garnet films
Authors: Garzarella A. , Shinn M. A. , Wu Dong Ho
Published: June 2016

In bismuth-doped iron garnets, diamagnetic dilution of Fe with Ga is a well-known method to increase the Faraday rotation response under externally applied magnetic fields. It is found, however, that while this method improves responsivity at larger field strengths, the responsivity under smaller fields (which are more typical in sensing applications) is generally unaffected by Ga doping. The data indicate that the low-field responsivity is limited by anomalous pinning effects in the rotational magnetization process of the ferromagnetic domains. To overcome this, a magnetic biasing technique was developed, which enhances responsivity by activating Barkhausen steps in the films to free the domains from their pinning sites.
Extrinsic chirality: Tunable optically active reflectors and perfect absorbers
Authors: Plum Eric
Published: June 2016

Conventional three-dimensional (3D) chiral media can exhibit optical activity for transmitted waves, but optical activity for reflected waves is negligible. This work shows that mirror asymmetry of the experimental arrangement—extrinsic 3D chirality—leads to giant optical activity for reflected waves with fundamentally different characteristics. It is demonstrated experimentally that extrinsically 3D-chiral illumination of a lossy metasurface backed by a mirror enables tunable circular dichroism and circular birefringence as well as perfect absorption of circularly polarized waves. In contrast, such polarization phenomena vanish for conventional optically active media backed by a mirror.
A new identification method in sampled quadrant analysis for wall-bounded turbulence
Authors: Shi Yipeng , Xia Zhenhua , Chen Shiyi
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a new identification method in sampled quadrant analysis was introduced to single out the larger ejection-type (Q2) and sweep-type (Q4) motions which directly contribute to the total Reynolds shear stress in an average sense. Different from previous ones, the threshold Rc in the present method is not an adjustable parameter, but a determined value by data. The singled-out objects by using the present method form 3D “force structures” that directly contribute to the skin-friction coefficient.
Dielectric, ferroelectric, and thermodynamic properties of silicone oil modified PVDF films for energy storage application
Authors: Luo Bingcheng , Wang Xiaohui , Sun Hui , Li Longtu
Published: June 2016

Silicone oil modified poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) films were fabricated by the blending, casting, and hot-molding methods. The dielectric constant was increased for the 7.4 wt. % and 17.0 wt. % silicone oil modified P(VDF-HFP) films, while the dielectric loss for all blend films are decreased. D-E loops of 7.4 wt. % and 17.0 wt. % silicone oil modified P(VDF-HFP) films become slimmer than the pristine P(VDF-HFP) films. The maximum discharged energy density of 10.3 J/cm3 was obtained in 7.4 wt. % silicone oil modified P(VDF-HFP) films at the external electric field of 398 kV/mm. The Gibbs energy, miscibility, and phase behavior of binary mixture of P(VDF-HFP) silicone oil were investigated using molecular simulations and the extended Flory–Huggins model revealing favorable interactions and compatibility between P(VDF-HFP) and silicone oil.
Inhibitions of FASN suppress triglyceride synthesis via the control of malonyl-CoA in goat mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Luo J. , Zhu J. J. , Sun Y. T. , Shi H. B. , Li J.
Published: June 2016

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the key enzyme for de novo fatty acid synthesis from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. All the steps involved in fatty acid synthesis by FASN have been clearly defined in monogastrics and ruminants. However, there are no data on the mechanism of how FASN affects triglyceride synthesis. Inhibition of FASN in goat mammary epithelial cells by C75, a synthetic inhibitor of FASN activity, and shRNA markedly suppressed the accumulation of triglyceride in goat mammary epithelial cells. Meanwhile, C75 treatment significantly reduced the relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1). Corresponding to the suppression of lipid accumulation, both of C75 and shRNA also decreased the mRNA expression of GPAM, AGPAT6 and DGAT2, all of which are related to triglyceride synthesis. The fact that treatment of malonyl-CoA decreased the expression of these genes is consistent with the results of shRNA treatment. Furthermore, the supplement of malonyl-CoA enhanced the suppression on GPAM, AGPAT6, LPIN1, DGAT1 and DGAT2. The results underscore the role of malonyl-CoA in inhibition of FASN in regulating triglyceride synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells.
Nutritive characteristics, mineral concentrations and dietary cation–anion difference of feeds used within grazing-based dairy farms in Australia
Authors: Rugoho Innocent , Gourley Cameron J. P. , Hannah Murray C.
Published: June 2016

Feed types consumed by cows on 44 contrasting dairy farms from all major dairy regions in Australia were identified and sampled on five occasions over a 15-month period to determine nutritive characteristics and mineral concentrations. Perennial ryegrass was the most dominant and commonly used forage, although a broad range of other home-grown forages was also grazed or conserved. Almost all farms utilised cereal or legume grains or grain-based concentrates, as well as a range of by-products and mineral additives. The present study has documented, for the first time, the nutritive characteristics, mineral concentrations and dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) of the broad variety of feed types used on dairy farms across Australia, and has also highlighted the substantial variation that can occur among and within feed types. While there were effects of season, region and some defined farm-management practices on important nutrients for specific feeds, among-farm variation was generally large. These results suggest that farmers and nutritionists should be mindful when formulating dairy rations using feed nutritive characteristics and mineral concentrations reported in feed databases, as there is a potential for considerable variation in specific feeds. In particular, these defined differences suggest that appropriate feed testing of grazed pasture and conserved forage should be undertaken on at least a seasonal basis to monitor changes in nutritive characteristics and mineral concentrations, so as to optimise dietary formulation for the nutrition of grazing dairy cows.
Efficacy of baited remote underwater video systems and bait type in the cool-temperature zone for monitoring ‘no-take’ marine reserves
Authors: Walsh Aidan T. , Barrett Neville , Hill Nicole
Published: June 2016

Cool-temperate reef fish assemblages are often poorly described below 20m because of depth limitations of conventional diver-based visual census. The recent development of baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) provide an alternative quantitative sampling method. Despite being used in warmer temperate and tropical waters and cool-temperate waters in Victoria, initial trials of vertical BRUVs in Tasmania, Australia, provided poor results. Our study explored possible reasons for this, including using horizontal BRUVs and various baits across a depth gradient. We examined the fish fauna in, and adjacent to, a small, but long-established, no-take marine reserve to assess the potential for BRUVs to enhance monitoring programs in exposed coastal environments. Significant differences in the fish assemblage were described relating to location, depth and bait type, with pilchards being an effective bait type. Fish abundance and species richness increased with depth. The research validated BRUVs for monitoring deep-reef systems in Tasmania, reinforced the importance of depth in structuring fish assemblages and identified the range of observable species in this region that may not be fully captured with diver-based surveys alone. Power analyses were conducted using the data generated here to inform the amount of replication needed to detect biologically meaningful differences in targeted fish assemblages in subsequent studies examining the response of no-take marine reserves to protection. This facilitates future assessments of the effectiveness of Tasmanian no-take reserves and allows for more broad-scale studies that can address a range of ecological and conservation questions.
Sedimentation in dryland river waterholes: a threat to aquatic refugia?
Authors: Reid Michael A. , Thoms Martin C. , Chilcott Stephen , Fitzsimmons Kathryn
Published: June 2016

In dryland river systems subject to prolonged low and no flow periods, waterholes, or sections of river channel that are deep relative to the rest of the channel and that retain water for longer periods of no flow, provide refugia for aquatic biota and hence are critical to the resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This study examined physical, chemical and bio-stratigraphy in refugial waterholes situated along four distributaries of the Lower Balonne River system in semi-arid Australia. In doing so we reconstructed environmental histories for the waterholes, calculated how sedimentation rates have changed in response to land use change over the past two centuries, and assessed whether they are threatened by increased sedimentation through potential effects on waterhole depth and hence persistence times and habitat quality. Our study found that sedimentation rates have increased substantially since European settlement, most likely in response to removal of groundcover by grazers. The increased sediment accumulation rates are estimated to have reduced persistence times during low and no flow periods of the waterholes by 2–4 months. Despite evidence from other similar systems in Australia that increased influx of sediment coincided with loss of submerged macrophytes, stratigraphic records of preserved pollen and diatoms did not provide consistent evidence of biotic or habitat quality changes within the waterholes associated with European settlement.
Carryover effects drive competitive dominance in spatially structured environments
Authors: Van Allen Benjamin G. , Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Communities do not exist in a vacuum; instead, they are connected to each other through dispersal of interacting species. As a result, understanding how changes to the quality of habitat patches affect communities across the whole landscape is critical in our human-dominated world and changing climate. When individuals disperse, they “carry” traits shaped by their natal environment to their destinations. Using replicated laboratory landscapes with two competing species, we show that these historic effects of natal habitats have dramatic influences on community structure at all spatial scales and multiple dispersal rates. Such historic effects are ubiquitous in nature, suggesting that changes to local habitat quality can have important effects on regional community structure.
Hierarchical structures of amorphous solids characterized by persistent homology
Authors: Hiraoka Yasuaki , Nakamura Takenobu , Hirata Akihiko , Escolar Emerson G. , Matsue Kaname , Nishiura Yasumasa
Published: June 2016

Significance

Persistent homology is an emerging mathematical concept for characterizing shapes of data. In particular, it provides a tool called the persistence diagram that extracts multiscale topological features such as rings and cavities embedded in atomic configurations. This article presents a unified method using persistence diagrams for studying the geometry of atomic configurations in amorphous solids. The method highlights hierarchical structures that conventional techniques could not have treated appropriately.
Activation of the molecular chaperone, sigma 1 receptor, preserves cone function in a murine model of inherited retinal degeneration
Authors: Wang Jing , Saul Alan , Roon Penny , Smith Sylvia B.
Published: June 2016

Significance

The role of sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R) in rescuing cone photoreceptor function was investigated in
Pde6β

rd10

(
rd10
) mice, a model of severe retinal degeneration. Sig1R, a putative molecular chaperone, is implicated in several human neurodegenerative diseases. We administered (+)-pentazocine, a high-affinity Sig1R ligand, to
rd10
mice, which lose rod and subsequently cone photoreceptor cells (PRC) within the first few weeks of life, rendering them completely blind. Regular administration of (+)-pentazocine rescued cone PRC responses, which were markedly preserved and were similar to those in wild-type mice. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of significant preservation of retinal function as a consequence of Sig1R activation. The data are highly relevant to potential therapeutic interventions in human retinal disease.
OX40L blockade protects against inflammation-driven fibrosis
Authors: Elhai Muriel , Avouac Jérôme , Hoffmann-Vold Anna Maria , Ruzehaji Nadira , Amiar Olivia , Ruiz Barbara , Brahiti Hassina , Ponsoye Matthieu , Fréchet Maxime , Burgevin Anne , Pezet Sonia , Sadoine Jérémy , Guilbert Thomas , Nicco Carole , Akiba Hisaya , Heissmeyer Vigo , Subramaniam Arun , Resnick Robert , Molberg Øyvind , Kahan André , Chiocchia Gilles , Allanore Yannick
Published: June 2016

Significance

Fibrosis is a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Until now, there has been no effective therapy to prevent or counteract the fibrotic process. This article describes the effect of the blockade of a late costimulatory molecule to prevent inflammation-driven skin, lung, and vessel fibrosis and to induce regression of established dermal fibrosis in vivo in complementary murine models of systemic sclerosis, a prototypic autoimmune fibrotic disease. This article also reveals an unexpected role of this protein as a biomarker of worsening fibrosis that might help delineate the prognosis of patients in clinical practice more accurately.
Disentangling mechanisms involved in collagen pyridinoline cross-linking: The immunophilin FKBP65 is critical for dimerization of lysyl hydroxylase 2
Authors: Gjaltema Rutger A. F. , van der Stoel Miesje M. , Boersema Miriam , Bank Ruud A.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Collagens are structural extracellular matrix proteins that provide mechanical support to tissues. To gain stability, collagens can form pyridinoline cross-links via enzymatically formed intermediates initiated by lysyl hydroxylase (LH) 2. Individuals with mutations in the gene encoding LH2 share highly overlapping traits with individuals with mutations in the gene encoding the immunophilin FKBP65 that shows no LH activity. We found that FKBP65 is necessary for the dimerization of LH2, which is required for activity of LH2. Collagen cross-linking plays important roles in bone diseases as well as in such pathologies as cancer and fibrosis. Our study has elucidated a mechanism of how to interfere in a specific type of collagen cross-linking and can help advance the design of new treatments toward these pathologies.
Shock synthesis of quasicrystals with implications for their origin in asteroid collisions
Authors: Asimow Paul D. , Lin Chaney , Bindi Luca , Ma Chi , Tschauner Oliver , Hollister Lincoln S. , Steinhardt Paul J.
Published: June 2016

Significance

The singular occurrence, to date, of natural quasicrystals requires an explanation both of the possibility and of the rarity of their formation outside of the laboratory. Successful synthesis by an experimental shock, with starting materials similar to the exotic intermetallic alloys in the Khatyrka meteorite, demonstrates a mechanism that is feasible in space but not in any natural setting on Earth. The previously unrecognized composition of the synthesized quasicrystal, the first, to our knowledge, to be created by shocking discrete bulk starting materials, demonstrates a method for discovery of previously unknown quasicrystal compositions.
Liquid drops attract or repel by the inverted Cheerios effect
Authors: Karpitschka Stefan , Pandey Anupam , Lubbers Luuk A. , Weijs Joost H. , Botto Lorenzo , Das Siddhartha , Andreotti Bruno , Snoeijer Jacco H.
Published: June 2016

Significance

The Cheerios effect is the attraction of solid particles floating on liquids, mediated by surface tension forces. We demonstrate experimentally that a similar interaction can also occur for the inverse case, liquid particles on the surface of solids, provided that the solid is sufficiently soft. Remarkably, depending on the thickness of the solid layer, the interaction can be either purely attractive or become repulsive. A theoretical model, in excellent agreement with the experimental data, shows that the interaction requires both elasticity and capillarity. Interactions between objects on soft substrates could play an important role in phenomena of cell–cell interaction and cell adhesion to biological tissues, and be exploited to engineer soft smart surfaces for controlled drop coalescence and colloidal assembly.
Complexity of the
Ruminococcus flavefaciens
cellulosome reflects an expansion in glycan recognition
Authors: Venditto Immacolata , Luis Ana S. , Rydahl Maja , Schückel Julia , Fernandes Vânia O. , Vidal-Melgosa Silvia , Bule Pedro , Goyal Arun , Pires Virginia M. R. , Dourado Catarina G. , Ferreira Luís M. A. , Coutinho Pedro M. , Henrissat Bernard , Knox J. Paul , Baslé Arnaud , Najmudin Shabir , Gilbert Harry J. , Willats William G. T. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Plant cell wall (PCW) polysaccharide degradation is an important biological and industrial process. Noncatalytic carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) fulfill a critical targeting function in PCW depolymerization.
Ruminococcus flavefaciens
synthesizes a highly efficient PCW degrading apparatus. Here, six previously unidentified
R. flavefaciens
CBM families were identified that targeted β-glucans, β-mannans, and pectins. Crystal structures of these CBMs revealed that recognition of β-glucans and β-mannans was mediated by differences in the conformation of conserved aromatic residues in the ligand binding cleft. A cluster of basic residues in CBM77 confers calcium-independent recognition of homogalacturonan. This report shows that the expansion of protein modules in the cellulosome of
R. flavefaciens
contributes to an extended CBM profile that supports efficient PCW degradation.
Real-time transposable element activity in individual live cells
Authors: Kim Neil H. , Lee Gloria , Sherer Nicholas A. , Martini K. Michael , Goldenfeld Nigel , Kuhlman Thomas E.
Published: June 2016

Significance

We have followed in real time how transposable elements, or “jumping genes,” move around in the genome of a living organism. Using a simple plasmid-borne transposable element, we have measured directly and precisely how frequently cells are affected by transposable elements and what factors contribute to their activity. We find the activity of this simple transposable element to be surprisingly rich, depending upon the host cell’s growth and environmental factors. Application of this system to more complex natural transposable elements will enable a quantitative understanding of these fundamental dynamical elements of all genomes, informing our understanding of genome plasticity and the mutations that can give rise to disease and drive evolution.
Chemical properties of lipids strongly affect the kinetics of the membrane-induced aggregation of α-synuclein
Authors: Galvagnion Céline , Brown James W. P. , Ouberai Myriam M. , Flagmeier Patrick , Vendruscolo Michele , Buell Alexander K. , Sparr Emma , Dobson Christopher M.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the presence in the brains of patients of proteinaceous deposits whose main component is α-synuclein. This protein interacts with membranes as part of its biological function, but this interaction also modulates its kinetics of aggregation. Here, we show that, despite the fact that α-synuclein binds to different types of membranes, it only forms amyloid fibrils in the presence of the most soluble lipids investigated here. This finding is of particular significance because it shows that modifications of the chemical properties of lipids, such as those associated with oxidation and ageing, could be a key determinant of the switch between functional and deleterious interactions between α-synuclein and membranes.
Achieving climate connectivity in a fragmented landscape
Authors: McGuire Jenny L. , Lawler Joshua J. , McRae Brad H. , Nuñez Tristan A. , Theobald David M.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Many plants and animals will need to move large distances to track preferred climates, but fragmentation and barriers limit their movements. We asked to what degree and where species will be able to track suitable climates. We demonstrate that only 41% of US natural land area is currently connected enough to allow species to track preferred temperatures as the planet warms over the next 100 years. If corridors allowed movement between all natural areas, species living in 65% of natural area could track their current climates, allowing them to adjust to 2.7 °C more temperature change. The greatest benefits result from connecting low-lying natural areas, especially in the southeastern United States. Facilitating movement will be crucial for preventing biodiversity losses.
Highly specific SNP detection using 2D graphene electronics and DNA strand displacement
Authors: Hwang Michael T. , Landon Preston B. , Lee Joon , Choi Duyoung , Mo Alexander H. , Glinsky Gennadi , Lal Ratnesh
Published: June 2016

Significance

We describe the first, to our knowledge, integrated dynamic DNA nanotechnology and 2D material electronics to overcome current limitations for the detection of DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Electrical detection of DNA has been advancing rapidly to achieve high specificity, sensitivity, and portability. However, the actual implementation of DNA detection is still in infancy because of low specificity, especially for analytically optimal and practically useful length of target DNA strands. Most of the research to date has focused on the enhancement of the sensitivity of DNA biosensors, whereas the specificity problem has remained unsolved. The low specificity is primarily attributed to the nonspecific binding during hybridization of the probe and the target DNA. Here, we have addressed these limitations by designing a functional prototype of electrical biosensors for SNP detection.
Conformational dynamics of a G-protein α subunit is tightly regulated by nucleotide binding
Authors: Goricanec David , Stehle Ralf , Egloff Pascal , Grigoriu Simina , Plückthun Andreas , Wagner Gerhard , Hagn Franz
Published: June 2016

Significance

G proteins are molecular switches for cellular signaling induced by G-protein–coupled receptor activation. The Gα subunit is the central timer of signal transduction regulated by GTP hydrolysis, which returns the system to its inactive state. Although previous work has characterized the structural states of Gα during the GTPase cycle, we show here that Gα is highly dynamic in the apo and GDP-bound states but in complex with GTP is completely rigid and is locked in a defined domain orientation. These insights help demonstrate that the conformational plasticity of G proteins is a central feature of their switching functionality.
Tau accumulation induces synaptic impairment and memory deficit by calcineurin-mediated inactivation of nuclear CaMKIV/CREB signaling
Authors: Yin Yaling , Gao Di , Wang Yali , Wang Zhi-Hao , Wang Xin , Ye Jinwang , Wu Dongqin , Fang Lin , Pi Guilin , Yang Ying , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Lu Chengbiao , Ye Keqiang , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: June 2016

Significance

Memory deterioration is a characteristic clinical symptom in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the mechanisms underlying the memory loss are poorly understood. Here, we found that intraneuronal tau accumulation, the hallmark pathology seen in AD brains, induced a remarkable dephosphorylation/inactivation of nuclear cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), an important memory-associated protein. Further studies demonstrated that the abnormal tau accumulation could activate calcineurin, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase and cause CREB dephosphorylation. Importantly, simultaneous inhibition of calcineurin remarkably attenuated tau-induced CREB inactivation and memory deficits. These findings not only reveal new mechanisms underlying AD memory deficits, but also provide a potential drug target for arresting tauopathies.
Structural basis of adhesive binding by desmocollins and desmogleins
Authors: Harrison Oliver J. , Brasch Julia , Lasso Gorka , Katsamba Phinikoula S. , Ahlsen Goran , Honig Barry , Shapiro Lawrence
Published: June 2016

Significance

Desmosomes are crucial for the integrity of tissues that undergo mechanical stress. Their intercellular attachments are assembled from desmogleins (Dsgs) and desmocollins (Dscs), two families of specialized cadherins whose structures and interactions have remained uncharacterized. Our study demonstrates family-wise heterophilic interactions between these proteins, with all Dsgs forming adhesive dimers with all Dscs. Crystal structures of ectodomains from Dsg2 and Dsg3 and from Dsc1 and Dsc2 show binding through a strand-swap mechanism similar to that of classical cadherins, which we show underlie heterophilic interactions. Conserved compatibly charged amino acids in the interfaces promote heterophilic Dsg:Dsc interactions. We show that Dsg:Dsc heterodimers represent the fundamental adhesive unit of desmosomes and provide a structural framework for understanding the extracellular assembly of desmosomes.
Transmembrane channel-like (
tmc
) gene regulates
Drosophila
larval locomotion
Authors: Guo Yanmeng , Wang Yuping , Zhang Wei , Meltzer Shan , Zanini Damiano , Yu Yue , Li Jiefu , Cheng Tong , Guo Zhenhao , Wang Qingxiu , Jacobs Julie S. , Sharma Yashoda , Eberl Daniel F. , Göpfert Martin C. , Jan Lily Yeh , Jan Yuh Nung , Wang Zuoren
Published: June 2016

Significance

Locomotion requires peripheral sensory feedback from mechanosensitive proprioceptors. The molecular mechanisms underlying this proprioceptive locomotion control are largely unknown. Here we report that
tmc
, the
Drosophila
ortholog of the mammalian deafness gene
tmc1
, is expressed in larval peripheral sensory neurons and that these neurons require transmembrane channel-like (TMC) to respond to bending of the larval body. We further report that loss of TMC function causes locomotion defects. Finally, mammalian TMC1/2 are shown to rescue locomotion defects in
tmc
mutant larvae, providing evidence for a functional conservation between
Drosophila
and mammalian TMC proteins.
Solution NMR structure of CsgE: Structural insights into a chaperone and regulator protein important for functional amyloid formation
Authors: Shu Qin , Krezel Andrzej M. , Cusumano Zachary T. , Pinkner Jerome S. , Klein Roger , Hultgren Scott J. , Frieden Carl
Published: June 2016

Significance

Curli are functional amyloids produced on the surface of many gram-negative bacteria. These amyloids, consisting primarily of CsgA, are involved in cell adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation. CsgE is a periplasmic accessory protein that plays a central role in curli biogenesis by its interaction with CsgA and with the pore protein CsgG. To understand the mechanism of curli formation, it is critical to determine the structure of the proteins that are required for their formation. Here, we report the atomic solution structure of a double mutant of CsgE, as determined by NMR. The study reveals unique structural features of CsgE and provides insights into the assembly of the secretion channel and the regulation of curli biogenesis.
Compositionally gradient PVD CrAlSiN films: structural examination and oxidation resistance
Authors: Chaliampalias D. , Pliatsikas N. , Pavlidou E. , Kolaklieva K. , Kakanakov R. , Vouroutzis N. , Patsalas P. , Polychroniadis E. K. , Chrissafis K. , Vourlias G.
Published: June 2016

The thermal stability and the resistance against oxidation of quaternary compositionally gradient CrAlSiN coatings deposited on steel substrate are investigated by examining their structural, morphological and chemical features before and after oxidation tests, as well as by quantitative thermal analysis. The as-deposited samples exhibit a columnar structure, with each column consisting of nanocrystals as fine as 20 nm. The as-deposited coating is mainly composed of Cr xAl1− xN solid solution nanocrystals, which are embedded in an amorphous SiN x matrix. When exposed to high-temperature dry air environment the coated samples exhibit remarkable stability as they remained intact up to 800°C. Over 800°C, elements from the substrate outdiffused and modified the chemical content of the film, but still remain oxidation-resistant up to 900°C.
The impact of workplace spirituality on food service worker turnover intention
Authors: Beehner Christopher Gerard , Blackwell Mary Jill
Published: June 2016

In 2015, employee turnover was a significant problem in the food service industry. In order to reduce employee turnover, researchers have examined the relationship between workplace spirituality and turnover intention in limited industries and geographic areas. The purpose of this quantitative experimental two group pretest–posttest study was to determine whether the implementation of a workplace spirituality program impacted turnover intention in food service organizations. The sample consisted of 53 employees of a multi-location quick-service restaurant in the state of Florida. An ANCOVA showed that when controlling for pretest, the effect of a workplace spirituality program on turnover intention was not significant (p = .274), suggesting workplace spirituality interventions may not be an appropriate turnover intention mitigation method within the food service industry. The current findings add to the literature suggesting industry differences should be considered when examining the impact of workplace spirituality on turnover intention.
Families of Riemann surfaces, uniformization and arithmeticity
Authors: González-Diez Gabino , Reyes-Carocca Sebastián
Published: June 2016

A consequence of the results of Bers and Griffiths on the uniformization of complex algebraic varieties is that the universal cover of a family of Riemann surfaces, with base and fibers of finite hyperbolic type, is a contractible

2
−

2-

dimensional domain that can be realized as the graph of a holomorphic motion of the unit disk.

In this paper we determine which holomorphic motions give rise to these uniformizing domains and characterize which among them correspond to arithmetic families (i.e. families defined over number fields). Then we apply these results to characterize the arithmeticity of complex surfaces of general type in terms of the biholomorphism class of the

2
−

2-

dimensional domains that arise as universal covers of their Zariski open subsets. For the important class of Kodaira fibrations this criterion implies that arithmeticity can be read from the universal cover. All this is very much in contrast with the corresponding situation in complex dimension one, where the universal cover is always the unit disk.
Agglomeration Effects in Ontario's Dairy Farming
Authors: Hailu Getu , James Deaton B.
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the agglomeration hypothesis, which states that a firm's productive efficiency is increased by closer proximity to other firms. Using a stochastic input distant function with heteroskedastic inefficiency effects, we find that the density of Ontario dairy farms has a significant positive economic effect on production efficiency. The finding has implications for understanding agricultural firm location and farmer‐led efforts to preserve agricultural farming activities in specific locations.
Comparison of In Vivo and In Vitro Methods for Blood Feeding ofPhlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Laboratory
Authors: Denlinger David S. , Li Andrew Y. , Durham Susan L. , Lawyer Phillip G. , Anderson Joseph L. , Bernhardt Scott A.
Published: June 2016

Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli is a medically important insect that has been successfully colonized in the laboratory, and blood feeding is critical for colony propagation. There has been much interest in developing established protocols for in vitro blood-feeding systems. The objective of this study was to determine if a Parafilm membrane and a hog’s gut membrane could be successfully used with in vitro feeding systems. We evaluated percentages ofP. papatasi females that blood fed on different blood-feeding systems (a mouse, a Hemotek feeder, or a glass feeder) used with either a Parafilm or a hog’s gut membrane, with cohorts of 250 and 500P. papatasi females, and with or without external exhalations. For all feeding system combinations, femaleP. papatasi blood fed in higher percentages when in cohorts of 500 individuals and in the presence of exhalations. Higher percentages ofP. papatasi fed on a mouse, but this study also demonstrates thatP. papatasi will readily feed with in vitro feeding systems using a Parafilm membrane or a hog’s gut membrane. This study suggests that femaleP. papatasi may use an invitation effect to blood feed and are attracted to blood sources via chemical olfaction cues, both of which have been characterized in other blood-feeding arthropods. Our study demonstrates that a Parafilm membrane or a hog’s gut membrane, in conjunction with the Hemotek or glass feeder system, is potentially a viable alternative to live rodents to blood feed a colony ofP. papatasi.
Structure and possible function of a G-quadruplex in the long terminal repeat of the proviral HIV-1 genome
Authors: De Nicola Beatrice , Lech Christopher J. , Heddi Brahim , Regmi Sagar , Frasson Ilaria , Perrone Rosalba , Richter Sara N. , Phan Anh Tuân
Published: June 2016

The long terminal repeat (LTR) of the proviral human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 genome is integral to virus transcription and host cell infection. The guanine-rich U3 region within the LTR promoter, previously shown to form G-quadruplex structures, represents an attractive target to inhibit HIV transcription and replication. In this work, we report the structure of a biologically relevant G-quadruplex within the LTR promoter region of HIV-1. The guanine-rich sequence designated LTR-IV forms a well-defined structure in physiological cationic solution. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of this sequence reveals a parallel-stranded G-quadruplex containing a single-nucleotide thymine bulge, which participates in a conserved stacking interaction with a neighboring single-nucleotide adenine loop. Transcription analysis in a HIV-1 replication competent cell indicates that the LTR-IV region may act as a modulator of G-quadruplex formation in the LTR promoter. Consequently, the LTR-IV G-quadruplex structure presented within this work could represent a valuable target for the design of HIV therapeutics.
Candida albicans Transcriptional Profiling Within Biliary Fluid From a Patient With Cholangitis, Before and After Antifungal Treatment and Surgical Drainage
Authors: Clancy Cornelius J. , Meslin Camille , Badrane Hassan , Cheng Shaoji , Losada Liliana C. , Nierman William C. , Vergidis Pascalis , Clark Nathan L. , Nguyen M. Hong
Published: June 2016

We used ribonucleic acid sequencing to profile Candida albicans transcription within biliary fluid from a patient with cholangitis; samples were collected before and after treatment with fluconazole and drainage. Candida albicans transcriptomes at the infection site distinguished treated from untreated cholangitis. After treatment, 1131 C. albicans genes were differentially expressed in biliary fluid. Up-regulated genes were enriched in hyphal growth, cell wall organization, adhesion, oxidation reduction, biofilm, and fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis. This is the first study to define Candida global gene expression during deep-seated human infection. Successful treatment of cholangitis induced C. albicans genes involved in fluconazole responses and pathogenesis.
Using a Standardized Clinical Quantitative Sensory Testing Battery to Judge the Clinical Relevance of Sensory Differences Between Adjacent Body Areas
Authors: Dimova Violeta , Oertel Bruno G. , Lötsch Jörn
Published: June 2016

Background:

Skin sensitivity to sensory stimuli varies among different body areas. A standardized clinical quantitative sensory testing (QST) battery, established for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain, was used to assess whether the magnitude of differences between test sites reaches clinical significance.

Methods:

Ten different sensory QST measures derived from thermal and mechanical stimuli were obtained from 21 healthy volunteers (10 men) and used to create somatosensory profiles bilateral from the dorsum of the hands (the standard area for the assessment of normative values for the upper extremities as proposed by the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain) and bilateral at volar forearms as a neighboring nonstandard area. The parameters obtained were statistically compared between test sites.

Results:

Three of the 10 QST parameters differed significantly with respect to the “body area,” that is, warmth detection, thermal sensory limen, and mechanical pain thresholds. After z-transformation and interpretation according to the QST battery’s standard instructions, 22 abnormal values were obtained at the hand. Applying the same procedure to parameters assessed at the nonstandard site forearm, that is, z-transforming them to the reference values for the hand, 24 measurements values emerged as abnormal, which was not significantly different compared with the hand (P=0.4185).

Conclusions:

Sensory differences between neighboring body areas are statistically significant, reproducing prior knowledge. This has to be considered in scientific assessments where a small variation of the tested body areas may not be an option. However, the magnitude of these differences was below the difference in sensory parameters that is judged as abnormal, indicating a robustness of the QST instrument against protocol deviations with respect to the test area when using the method of comparison with a 95 % confidence interval of a reference dataset.
Use of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire in research and clinical practice: a comprehensive scoping review
Authors: Sydora Beate C. , Fast Hilary , Campbell Sandy , Yuksel Nese , Lewis Jacqueline E. , Ross Sue
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was developed as a validated research tool to measure condition-specific QOL in early postmenopausal women. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review to explore the extent of MENQOL's use in research and clinical practice to assess its value in providing effective, adequate, and comparable participant assessment information.

Methods:

Thirteen biomedical and clinical databases were systematically searched with “menqol” as a search term to find articles using MENQOL or its validated derivative MENQOL-Intervention as investigative or clinical tools from 1996 to November 2014 inclusive. Review articles, conference abstracts, proceedings, dissertations, and incomplete trials were excluded. Additional articles were collected from references within key articles. Three independent reviewers extracted data reflecting study design, intervention, sample characteristics, MENQOL questionnaire version, modifications and language, recall period, and analysis detail. Data analyses included categorization and descriptive statistics.

Results:

The review included 220 eligible papers of various study designs, covering 39 countries worldwide and using MENQOL translated into more than 25 languages. A variety of modifications to the original questionnaire were identified, including omission or addition of items and alterations to the validated methodological analysis. No papers were found that described MENQOL's use in clinical practice.

Conclusions:

Our study found an extensive and steadily increasing use of MENQOL in clinical and epidemiological research over 18 years postpublication. Our results stress the importance of proper reporting and validation of translations and variations to ensure outcome comparison and transparency of MENQOL's use. The value of MENQOL in clinical practice remains unknown.
How does adjuvant chemotherapy affect menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life after breast cancer?
Authors: Marino Jennifer L. , Saunders Christobel M. , Emery Laura I. , Green Helena , Doherty Dorota A. , Hickey Martha
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine the association between adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life.

Methods:

Participants attended a menopause clinic with a dedicated service for cancer survivors at a large tertiary women's hospital. Information about breast cancer treatments including adjuvant chemotherapy was collected from medical records. Menopausal symptoms were recorded with the Greene Climacteric Scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, Breast Cancer, and Endocrine Symptom Subscales. Sexual symptoms were recorded using Fallowfield's Sexual Activity Questionnaire. Quality of life was measured with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scales.

Results:

The severity of vasomotor, psychological, or sexual symptoms (apart from pain) did not differ between those who had received adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 339) and other breast cancer survivors (n = 465). After adjustment for current age, time since menopause, and current use of antiestrogen endocrine therapy, the risk of “severe pain” with sexual intercourse was twice as common after chemotherapy (31.6% vs 20.0%, odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% CI 1.25-3.79). Those treated with chemotherapy were more likely to report “severe problems” with physical well-being (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.12-3.28) and lower breast cancer-specific quality of life (OR 1.89 95% CI 1.13-3.18), but did not differ in other quality of life measures.

Conclusions:

In this large study of breast cancer patients presenting to a specialty menopause clinic, previous chemotherapy was not associated with current vasomotor or psychological symptoms. Severe pain with intercourse was significantly more common in those treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.
Prevalence and association between objective signs and subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy: the AGATA study
Authors: Cagnacci Angelo , Carbone Maria M. , Palma Federica
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and association of subjective symptoms and objective signs of vaginal atrophy (VA).

Methods:

A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed on 913 postmenopausal women consulting 22 gynecological outpatient services. The prevalence of subjective symptoms and objective signs of VA was stratified by years since menopause and related to each other.

Results:

In women a year after menopause the prevalence of vaginal dryness was 62% to 67%, of dyspareunia 67.5%, of itching 40%, of burning 48%, and of dysuria 15%. In women years after menopause the prevalence of vaginal dryness and dysuria was higher (85% and 30%, respectively) and that of itching and burning did not exceed 50% and 52%, respectively. The prevalence of dyspareunia was 75% in postmenopausal women after 6 years, but the rate decreased to about 41% years later. The prevalence of objective signs was also different. In women 1 year after menopause the prevalence of basic pH was 78%; of mucosal pallor, rugae thinning, and objective vaginal dryness about 60% to 62%; of mucosal fragility 35%; and of the presence of petechiae 15% to 20%. The prevalence of all objective signs was progressively higher with time since menopause reaching a value of 90% for pH > 5, mucosal pallor, and rugae thinning; of 80% for mucosal fragility; and of 51% for petechiae. There was no strict association between signs and symptoms, apart from subjective and objective vaginal dryness (k index = 0.820; sensitivity 0.96; specificity 0.82).

Conclusions:

The results show that objective signs and subjective symptoms of VA have a different prevalence distribution in the years after menopause and are not strictly associated.