bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of reproduction in two co-occurring Great Barrier Reef sponges
Authors: Abdul Wahab Muhammad Azmi , de Nys Rocky , Holzman Ross , Schneider Caroline Luise , Whalan Steve
Published: December 2016

Reproduction is a key biological process that underpins the persistence and maintenance of populations. However, information on the reproductive biology of Great Barrier Reef (GBR) sponges is depauperate. The present study established the reproductive biology of two co-occurring GBR sponges, namely Ianthella basta (Verongida) and Ircinia sp. (Dictyoceratida). Sponges were haphazardly sampled (monthly) over a period of 1 year. Histological analysis of samples established the sexuality, development, seasonality, gametogenesis and fecundity of the two species, as well as the effects of temperature on reproduction. I. basta is oviparous, whereas Ircinia sp. is viviparous. The mode of sexuality in I. basta could not be determined, because male propagules were not detected, whereas Ircinia sp. is a simultaneous hermaphrodite. Reproduction in I. basta is unique within the verongids and co-occurring oviparous species, with peak reproduction occurring at the minimum annual temperature (23°C) and spawning occurring as the temperature increased above 23.4°C. Reproduction in Ircinia sp. corresponded to patterns reported for other viviparous GBR species, with an increase in reproductive propagules, peak sperm release, fertilisation and spawning occurring at temperatures above 25°C. Fecundity in I. basta and Ircinia sp. is high compared with other sponge species in the region, which may contribute to their apparent abundance on the GBR.
Whole-GUV patch-clamping
Authors: Garten Matthias , Mosgaard Lars D. , Bornschlögl Thomas , Dieudonné Stéphane , Bassereau Patricia , Toombes Gilman E. S.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Although membrane composition and tension modulate the activity of ion channels and transporters, this protein–membrane coupling has been challenging to study due to the difficulty of controlling membrane properties in cells and technical limitations of existing in vitro systems. This work demonstrates that the whole-cell patch-clamp technique is stabilized by a dynamic passivation mechanism that can be used to control and measure the current and voltage of intact giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), a cell-sized model biomimetic system in which the membrane composition, tension, and shape can be readily controlled. The resulting “whole-GUV” configuration will permit electrophysiological studies of ion channels and transporters in a membrane with a defined composition and physiologically relevant range of tensions.
Microstructure and mechanical property characterisation of aluminium–steel joints fabricated using ultrasonic additive manufacturing
Authors: Sridharan Niyanth , Wolcott Paul , Dapino Marcelo , Babu Sudarsanam Suresh
Published: December 2016

Driven by the interest to weld steel and aluminium in the solid state to prevent intermetallic formation, 9 kW ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) has been used to fabricate Al 6061-4130 steel dissimilar metal builds. In addition, Al 6061-Al-6061 builds were fabricated using similar techniques to provide a baseline for mechanical property measurement. Mechanical testing performed using pushpin testing shows that steel–aluminium dissimilar metal welds fail across multiple layers while Al–Al welds delaminate from the substrate. Multi-scale characterisation indicates that the change in failure morphology is due to the formation of metallurgical bonds in the Al–steel builds. Texture analysis shows identical textures at the interface of Al–steel, Al–Al and Al–Ti joints; showing that the bond formation in all cases relies extensively on plastic deformation across multiple materials. In addition, no changes to the bonding mechanism occurred when the materials used as foils and substrate were swapped.
Corrosion behaviour of friction-bit-joined and weld-bonded AA7075-T6/galvannealed DP980
Authors: Lim Yong Chae , Squires Lile , Pan Tsung-Yu , Miles Michael , Keum Jong Kahk , Song Guang-Ling , Wang Yanli , Feng Zhili
Published: December 2016

Joining of aluminium alloys 7075-T6 and galvannealed dual phase 980 steel was achieved by friction bit joining (FBJ) and weld-bonding (FBJ + adhesive) processes. Accelerated laboratory-scale corrosion tests were performed on both FBJ only and weld-bonded specimens to study joint strength under a corrosive environment. Static lap shear tests showed that both FBJ only and weld-bonded cases generally retained more than 80% of the joint strength of non-corroded specimens at the end of corrosion testing. The presence of Zn/Fe coating on the steel substrate resulted in improved corrosion resistance for FBJ specimens, compared to joints produced with bare steel. An optical microscopy was used for cross-sectional analysis of corroded specimens. Some corrosion on the joining bit was observed near the bit head. However, the joining bit was still intact on the steel substrate, indicating that the primary bond was sound.
Friction stir welding of 25%SiC/2124Al composite with optimal mechanical properties and minimal tool wear
Authors: Fernández R. , Ibáñez J. , Cioffi F. , Verdera D. , González-Doncel G.
Published: December 2016

In this research, 8-mm-thick plates of 25%SiC/2124Al composite have been joined successfully by using an un-threaded WC–Co tool which showed minimal tool wear. Decreasing the rotational and advancing speeds is a key factor to obtain successful joints. Defect-free welds, and a joint efficiency (100UTSjoint/UTSBaseMaterial) of up to 97%, can be achieved if a high forge force, Fz, (above some 15 kN) is reached. Proportionality between the torque, M, and Fz is observed. High Fz values, and corresponding M, lead to high values of the total energy per unit length of weld, Htot, supplied by the tool to the workpiece. It is proposed that most of this energy is spent in plastic deformation of the high strength composite.
Characterization of meningeal type 2 innate lymphocytes and their response to CNS injury
Authors: Gadani Sachin P. , Smirnov Igor , Wiltbank Ashtyn T. , Overall Christopher C. , Kipnis Jonathan
Published: December 2016

The meningeal space is occupied by a diverse repertoire of immune cells. Central nervous system (CNS) injury elicits a rapid immune response that affects neuronal survival and recovery, but the role of meningeal inflammation remains poorly understood. Here, we describe type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) as a novel cell type resident in the healthy meninges that are activated after CNS injury. ILC2s are present throughout the naive mouse meninges, though are concentrated around the dural sinuses, and have a unique transcriptional profile. After spinal cord injury (SCI), meningeal ILC2s are activated in an IL-33–dependent manner, producing type 2 cytokines. Using RNAseq, we characterized the gene programs that underlie the ILC2 activation state. Finally, addition of wild-type lung-derived ILC2s into the meningeal space of IL-33R−/− animals partially improves recovery after SCI. These data characterize ILC2s as a novel meningeal cell type that responds to SCI and could lead to new therapeutic insights for neuroinflammatory conditions.
Structural identifiability of equilibrium ligand-binding parameters
Authors: Middendorf Thomas R. , Aldrich Richard W.
Published: December 2016

Understanding the interactions of proteins with their ligands requires knowledge of molecular properties, such as binding site affinities and the effects that binding at one site exerts on binding at other sites (cooperativity). These properties cannot be measured directly and are usually estimated by fitting binding data with models that contain these quantities as parameters. In this study, we present a general method for answering the critical question of whether these parameters are identifiable (i.e., whether their estimates are accurate and unique). In cases in which parameter estimates are not unique, our analysis provides insight into the fundamental causes of nonidentifiability. This approach can thus serve as a guide for the proper design and analysis of protein–ligand binding experiments. We show that the equilibrium total binding relation can be reduced to a conserved mathematical form for all models composed solely of bimolecular association reactions and to a related, conserved form for all models composed of arbitrary combinations of binding and conformational equilibria. This canonical mathematical structure implies a universal parameterization of the binding relation that is consistent with virtually any physically reasonable binding model, for proteins with any number of binding sites. Matrix algebraic methods are used to prove that these universal parameter sets are structurally identifiable (SI; i.e., identifiable under conditions of noiseless data). A general approach for assessing and understanding the factors governing practical identifiability (i.e., the identifiability under conditions of real, noisy data) of these SI parameter sets is presented in the companion paper by Middendorf and Aldrich (2017. J. Gen. Physiol. https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.201611703).
A “quantum” Ramsey theorem for operator systems
Authors: Weaver Nik
Published: December 2016

Let

V

\mathcal {V}

be a linear subspace of

M
n

(

C

)

M_n(\mathbb {C})

which contains the identity matrix and is stable under the formation of Hermitian adjoints. We prove that if

n
n

is sufficiently large, then there exists a rank

k
k

orthogonal projection

P
P

such that

dim

(
P

V

P
)
=
1

\textrm {dim}(P\mathcal {V}P) = 1

or

k
2

k^2

.
Gauss map of the skew mean curvature flow
Authors: Song Chong
Published: December 2016

The skew mean curvature flow (SMCF) is a natural generalization of the famous vortex filament equation. In this note, we show that the Gauss map of the SMCF satisfies a Schrödinger flow equation. In this regard, we explore the geometry of the oriented Grassmannian manifold explicitly by embedding it into the exterior product space.
Critical metrics of the volume functional on manifolds with boundary
Authors: Baltazar H. , Ribeiro E.
Published: December 2016

The goal of this article is to study the space of smooth Riemannian structures on compact manifolds with boundary that satisfies a critical point equation associated with a boundary value problem. We provide an integral formula which enables us to show that if a critical metric of the volume functional on a connected

n
n

-dimensional manifold

M
n

M^n

with boundary

∂
M

\partial M

has parallel Ricci tensor, then

M
n

M^n

is isometric to a geodesic ball in a simply connected space form

R

n

\mathbb {R}^{n}

,

H

n

\mathbb {H}^{n}

or

S

n

\mathbb {S}^{n}

.
Multivariate polynomial approximation in the hypercube
Authors: Trefethen Lloyd
Published: December 2016

A theorem is proved concerning approximation of analytic functions by multivariate polynomials in the

s
s

-dimensional hypercube. The geometric convergence rate is determined not by the usual notion of degree of a multivariate polynomial, but by the Euclidean degree, defined in terms of the 2-norm rather than the 1-norm of the exponent vector

k

\mathbf {k}

of a monomial

x
1

k
1

⋯

x
s

k
s

x_1^{k_1}\cdots \kern .8pt x_s^{k_s}

.
Association of Household Wealth Index, Educational Status, and Social Capital with Hypertension Awareness, Treatment, and Control in South Asia
Authors: Gupta Rajeev , Kaur Manmeet , Islam Shofiqul , Mohan Viswanathan , Mony Prem , Kumar Rajesh , Kutty Vellappillil Raman , Iqbal Romaina , Rahman Omar , Deepa Mohan , Antony Justy , Vijaykumar Krishnapillai , Kazmi Khawar , Yusuf Rita , Mohan Indu , Panwar Raja Babu , Rangarajan Sumathy , Yusuf Salim
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

Hypertension control rates are low in South Asia. To determine association of measures of socioeconomic status (wealth, education, and social capital) with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control among urban and rural subjects in these countries we performed the present study.

METHODS

We enrolled 33,423 subjects aged 35–70 years (women 56%, rural 53%, low-education status 51%, low household wealth 25%, low-social capital 33%) in 150 communities in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh during 2003–2009. Prevalence of hypertension and its awareness, treatment, and control status and their association with wealth, education, and social capital were determined.

RESULTS

Age-, sex-, and location-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in men was 31.5% (23.9–40.2%) and women was 32.6% (24.9–41.5%) with variations in prevalence across study sites (urban 30–56%, rural 11–43%). Prevalence was significantly greater in urban locations, older subjects, and participants with more wealth, greater education, and lower social capital index. Hypertension awareness was in 40.4% (urban 45.9, rural 32.5), treatment in 31.9% (urban 37.6, rural 23.6), and control in 12.9% (urban 15.4, rural 9.3). Control was lower in men and younger subjects. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were significantly lower, respectively, in lowest vs. highest wealth index tertile (26.2 vs. 50.6%, 16.9 vs. 44.0%, and 6.9 vs. 17.3%, P < 0.001) and lowest vs. highest educational status tertile (31.2 vs. 48.4%, 21.8 vs. 42.1%, and 7.8 vs. 19.2%, P < 0.001) while insignificant differences were observed in lowest vs. highest social capital index (38.2 vs. 36.1%, 35.1 vs. 27.8%, and 12.5 vs. 9.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows low hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in South Asia. Lower wealth and educational status are important in low hypertension awareness, treatment, and control.
Implementation of a Rapid Genotypic Assay to Promote Targeted Ciprofloxacin Therapy of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a Large Health System
Authors: Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Humphries Romney M. , Hemarajata Peera , Bhatti Ashima , Pandori Mark W. , Siedner Mark J. , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2016

Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a top threat to public health. In November 2015, UCLA Health introduced a rapid gyrase A (gyrA) genotypic assay for prediction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. We found a significant reduction in ceftriaxone use with a concomitant increase in targeted therapy.
Sustained Antibody Responses 6 Years Following 1, 2, or 3 Doses of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine in Adolescent Fijian Girls, and Subsequent Responses to a Single Dose of Bivalent HPV Vaccine: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Toh Zheng Quan , Russell Fiona M. , Reyburn Rita , Fong James , Tuivaga Evelyn , Ratu Tupou , Nguyen Cattram D. , Devi Rachel , Kama Mike , Matanitobua Silivia , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Garland Suzanne M. , Sinha Rohit , Frazer Ian , Tikoduadua Lisi , Kado Joseph , Rafai Eric , Mulholland Edward K. , Licciardi Paul V.
Published: December 2016

Background.

The duration of antibody response following reduced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses has not been determined. We compared the antibody responses in girls previously vaccinated with zero, 1, 2, or 3 doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV; Gardasil, Merck) 6 years previously.

Methods.

A prospective cohort study was undertaken in 200 Fijian girls 15–19 years of age. Approximately equal numbers of girls from 2 main ethnic groups (Fijians of Indian descent [FID] and Indigenous Fijians [iTaukei]) in Fiji were recruited for each dosage groups. Blood was drawn before and 28 days following a single dose of bivalent HPV vaccine (2vHPV; Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline). We measured neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against HPV-6, -11, -16, and -18 using the pseudovirion-based neutralization assay.

Results.

After 6 years (before a dose of 2vHPV was given), the geometric mean NAb titers for all 4 HPV types were not statistically different between 2-dose (2D) and 3-dose (3D) recipients: HPV-6 (3D: 2216 [95% confidence interval {CI},1695–2896]; 2D: 1476 [95% CI, 1019–2137]; P = .07), HPV-11 (3D: 4431 [95% CI, 3396–5783]; 2D: 2951 [95% CI, 1984–4390]; P = .09), HPV-16 (3D: 3373 [95% CI, 2511–4530]; 2D: 3275 [95% CI, 2452–4373]; P = .89); HPV-18 (3D: 628 [95% CI: 445–888]; 2D: 606 [95% CI, 462–862]; P = .89), and were higher in FID than iTaukei girls. Although 1-dose recipients had significantly lower NAb titers than 2-/3-dose recipients, their NAb titers were 5- to 30-fold higher than unvaccinated girls. Post-2vHPV NAb titers against HPV-16 and -18 were not statistically different between girls who received 1, 2, or 3 doses of 4vHPV previously.

Conclusions.

Two doses of 4vHPV provide similar NAb titers as 3 doses for 6 years, although the clinical significance is unknown. A single dose of 4vHPV elicits antibodies that persisted for at least 6 years, and induced immune memory, suggesting possible protection against HPV vaccine types after a single dose of 4vHPV.
OUTCOMES OF ANTI-VEGF THERAPY IN CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER MACULAR SURGERY
Authors: Hua Duc Anh , Casella Antonio M. , Berrocal Maria H. , Han Dennis , Alshareef Rayan A. , Quiroz-Mercado Hugo , Arevalo J. Fernando , Chhablani Jay
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To report treatment outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) presenting after macular surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 7 eyes of 7 patients, who were diagnosed to have CNV after macular surgery and were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Collected data included demographic details; history of present illness; surgical procedure; and clinical examination including visual acuity at presentation and follow-up with imaging and management. Main outcome measures were resolution of CNV activity at the last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included change in visual acuity at final follow-up from baseline, number of injections, treatment free interval, and adverse events.

Results:

Seven eyes of 7 patients (2 females and 5 males), which underwent macular surgery (4 macular hole repairs and 3 epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal), were included in this study. Two eyes had drusen at the time of surgery; however, five eyes had no preexisting conditions. Mean interval between surgery and CNV development was 21.07 ± 38.55 months (range, 2 months–9 years). All patients had undergone intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (range, 2–15; mean number: 5.85) with one eye requiring additional photodynamic therapy (PDT) and focal laser. Visual acuity was unchanged with inactive CNV at the last visit in all eyes after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The mean follow-up duration after the development of CNV was 35.5 months (range, 6.5 months–8 years).

Conclusion:

Choroidal neovascularization occurring after otherwise successful macular surgery is uncommon with unknown predisposing factors. This entity appears to have poor visual outcome with currently available anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.
Customizing Extensor Reconstruction in Vascularized Toe Joint Transfers to Finger Proximal Interphalangeal Joints: A Strategic Approach for Correcting Extensor Lag
Authors: Loh Charles Yuen Yung , Hsu Chung-Chen , Lin Cheng-Hung , Chen Shih-Heng , Lien Shwu-Huei , Lin Chih-Hung , Wei Fu-Chan , Lin Yu-Te
Published: December 2016

Background:

Vascularized toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfer allows the restoration of damaged joints. However, extensor lag and poor arc of motion have been reported. The authors present their outcomes of treatment according to a novel reconstructive algorithm that addresses extensor lag and allows for consistent results postoperatively.

Methods:

Vascularized toe joint transfers were performed in a consecutive series of 26 digits in 25 patients. The average age was 30.5 years, with 14 right and 12 left hands. Reconstructed digits included eight index, 10 middle, and eight ring fingers. Simultaneous extensor reconstructions were performed and eight were centralization of lateral bands, five were direct extensor digitorum longus–to–extensor digitorum communis repairs, and 13 were central slip reconstructions.

Results:

The average length of follow-up was 16.7 months. The average extension lag was 17.9 degrees. The arc of motion was 57.7 degrees (81.7 percent functional use of pretransfer toe proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion). There was no significant difference in the reconstructed proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion for the handedness (p = 0.23), recipient digits (p = 0.37), or surgical experience in vascularized toe joint transfer (p = 0.25). The outcomes of different techniques of extensor mechanism reconstruction were similar in terms of extensor lag, arc of motion, and reconstructed finger arc of motion compared with the pretransfer toe proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion.

Conclusion:

With this treatment algorithm, consistent outcomes can be produced with minimal extensor lag and maximum use of potential toe proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Adipose Extracellular Matrix/Stromal Vascular Fraction Gel: A Novel Adipose Tissue–Derived Injectable for Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Yao Yao , Dong Ziqing , Liao Yunjun , Zhang Pan , Ma Jingjing , Gao Jianhua , Lu Feng
Published: December 2016

Background:

Adipose-derived stem cells and other stromal vascular fraction cells were used more often for stem cell therapy, even though limitations such as poor cell retention rate, complicated and expensive isolation processes, and the use of specific laboratory equipment need to be overcome.

Methods:

Here, the authors developed a novel but simple method for generating an injectable mixture of stromal vascular fraction cells and native adipose extracellular matrix. It is a purely mechanical process in which lipoaspirate is processed into an extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel. The standard processing procedure was established using quantized tests. The therapeutic potential of the product for wound healing was then tested.

Results:

Extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel derived from lipoaspirate and processed using a standard Coleman technique, followed by 1 minute of mechanical processing by passage back and forth between two 10-ml syringes at a flow rate of 10 ml/second, showed the highest adipose-derived stem cell and endothelial cell density. The stromal vascular fraction cells within the product also showed potential for multipotent differentiation similar to that of normal fat samples. In addition, the product showed better therapeutic results than stromal vascular fraction cell suspension when used to treat a nude mouse model of wound healing.

Conclusions:

Extracellular matrix/stromal vascular fraction gel is an autologous injectable derived from native extracellular matrix and is a functional cellular component generated using a simple mechanical process. As such, it may offer a novel mode of tissue repair suitable for clinical application in stem cell therapies.
The stentable
in vitro
artery: an instrumented platform for endovascular device development and optimization
Authors: Antoine Elizabeth E. , Cornat François P. , Barakat Abdul I.
Published: December 2016

Although vascular disease is a leading cause of mortality,
in vitro
tools for controlled, quantitative studies of vascular biological processes in an environment that reflects physiological complexity remain limited. We developed a novel
in vitro
artery that exhibits a number of unique features distinguishing it from tissue-engineered or organ-on-a-chip constructs, most notably that it allows deployment of endovascular devices including stents, quantitative real-time tracking of cellular responses and detailed measurement of flow velocity and lumenal shear stress using particle image velocimetry. The wall of the stentable
in vitro
artery consists of an annular collagen hydrogel containing smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and whose lumenal surface is lined with a monolayer of endothelial cells (ECs). The system has
in vivo
dimensions and physiological flow conditions and allows automated high-resolution live imaging of both SMCs and ECs. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we imaged and quantified EC wound healing, SMC motility and altered shear stresses on the endothelium after deployment of a coronary stent. The stentable
in vitro
artery provides a unique platform suited for a broad array of research applications. Wide-scale adoption of this system promises to enhance our understanding of important biological events affecting endovascular device performance and to reduce dependence on animal studies.
Statistical testing and power analysis for brain-wide association study
Authors: Gong Weikang , Wan Lin , Lu Wenlian , Ma Liang , Cheng Fan , Cheng Wei , Grünewald Stefan , Feng Jianfeng
Published: December 2016

The identification of connexel-wise associations, which involves examining functional connectivities between pairwise voxels across the whole brain, is both statistically and computationally challenging. Although such a connexel-wise methodology has recently been adopted by brain-wide association studies (BWAS) to identify connectivity changes in several mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism and depression [Cheng et al., 2015a,b, 2016], the multiple correction and power analysis methods designed specifically for connexel-wise analysis are still lacking. Therefore, we herein report the development of a rigorous statistical framework for connexel-wise significance testing based on the Gaussian random field theory. It includes controlling the family-wise error rate (FWER) of multiple hypothesis testings using topological inference methods, and calculating power and sample size for a connexel-wise study. Our theoretical framework can control the false-positive rate accurately, as validated empirically using two resting-state fMRI datasets. Compared with Bonferroni correction and false discovery rate (FDR), it can reduce false-positive rate and increase statistical power by appropriately utilizing the spatial information of fMRI data. Importantly, our method considerably reduces the computational complexity of a permutation-or simulation-based approach, thus, it can efficiently tackle large datasets with ultra-high resolution images. The utility of our method is shown in a case-control study. Our approach can identify altered functional connectivities in a major depression disorder dataset, whereas existing methods failed. A software package is available athttps://github.com/weikanggong/BWAS.
Acidic pH-dependent depletion ofMycobacterium tuberculosisthiol pools potentiates antibiotics and oxidizing agents
Authors: Coulson Garry B. , Johnson Benjamin K. , Colvin Christopher J. , Fillinger Robert J. , Zheng Huiqing , Haiderer Elizabeth R. , Hammer Neal D. , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: December 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) must sense and adapt to immune pressures such as acidic pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during pathogenesis. The goal of this study was to isolate compounds that inhibit acidic pH resistance, thus defining virulence pathways that are vulnerable to chemotherapy. Here we report that the acidic pH-dependent compound AC2P36 depletes intracellular thiol pools, sensitizes Mtb to killing by acidic pH, and potentiates the bactericidal activity of isoniazid, clofazimine, and oxidizing agents. We show that the pHdependent activity of AC2P36 is associated with metabolic stress at acidic pH and a pHdependent accumulation of intracellular ROS. Mechanism of action studies show that AC2P36 directly depletes Mtb thiol pools. These data support a model where chemical depletion of Mtb thiol pools at acidic pH enhances sensitivity to oxidative damage, resulting in bacterial killing and potentiation of antibiotics.
Isolation and Gene Flow in a Speciation Continuum in Newts
Authors: Pabijan Maciej , Zieliński Piotr , Dudek Katarzyna , Stuglik Michał , Babik Wiesław
Published: December 2016

Because reproductive isolation often evolves gradually, differentiating lineages may retain the potential for genetic exchange for prolonged periods, providing an opportunity to quantify and understand the fundamental role of gene flow during speciation. Here we delimit taxa, reconstruct the phylogeny and infer gene flow in newts of theLissotriton vulgarisspecies complex based on 74 nuclear markers sampled from 127 localities. We demonstrate that distinct lineages along the speciation continuum in newts exchange nontrivial amounts of genes, affecting their evolutionary trajectories. By integrating a wide array of methods, we delimit nine taxa and show that two principle factors have driven their genetic differentiation: time since the last common ancestor determining levels of shared ancestral polymorphism, and shifts in geographic distributions determining the extent of secondary contact. Post-divergence gene flow, indicative of evolutionary non-independence, has been most extensive between sister and non-sister taxa in Central Europe, while four southern European lineages have acquired the population genetic hallmarks of independent species (L. graecus,L. kosswigi,L. lantzi,L. schmidtleri). We obtained strong statistical support for widespread mtDNA introgression, previously suggested by discordance between mtDNA phylogeny and morphology. Our study suggests that long-term evolution in structured populations that may periodically exchange genes may be common: although some of these populations may become extinct or fuse, others will acquire complete reproductive isolation and will carry signatures of this complex history in their genomes.
Speciation trajectories in recombining bacterial species
Authors: Marttinen Pekka , Hanage William P.
Published: December 2016

While speciation in eukaryotes is well-studied, a controversy over the nature of bacterial species due to recombination between distant strains continues. It is generally agreed that bacterial diversity can be classified into genetically and ecologically cohesive units, but what produces such variation is a topic of intensive research. Recombination may maintain coherent species of frequently recombining bacteria, but the emergence of distinct clusters within a recombining species, and the impact of habitat structure in this process are not well described, limiting our understanding of how new species are created. Here we present a model of bacterial evolution in overlapping habitat space. We show three different outcomes are possible for a pair of clusters, depending on the size of their habitat overlap: fast divergence with little interaction between the clusters, slow divergence with frequent recombination between the clusters, and stationary or near stationary population structure, where the clusters remain at an equilibrium distance for an indefinite time. We fit our model to two data sets. In Streptococcus pneumoniae, we find a genomically and ecologically distinct subset, held at a relatively constant genetic distance from the majority of the population through frequent recombination with it, while in Campylobacter jejuni, we find a minority population we predict will continue to diverge at a higher rate. This approach may predict and define speciation trajectories in multiple bacterial species.
Non-random mating and information theory
Authors: Carvajal-Rodríguez A.
Published: December 2016

In this work, mate choice is modeled by means of the abstract concept of mutual mating propensity. This only assumes that different type of couples can have different mating success. The model is adequate for any population where mating occurs among distinct types. There is no extra assumption about particular mating scheme or preference model. The concept of mutual mating propensity permits to express the observed change in the mating phenotypes as the gain in information with respect to random mating. The obtained expression is a form of the Price equation in which the mapping between ancestral and descendant population is substituted by a mapping between random mating and non random mating population.

At the same time, this framework provides the connection between mate choice and the exact mathematical partition of the choice effects, namely sexual isolation, sexual selection and a mixed effect. The sexual selection component is the sum of the intra-sexual male and female selection.

The proposed framework helps to unveil previously hidden invariants. For example, if the mutual preference between partner types is multiplicative there is no sexual isolation (inter-sexual selection) effect on the frequencies, i.e. the only possible effect of mate choice is intra-sexual selection. On the contrary, whatever the contribution of each partner to the mutual preference, if it comes as a non-multiplicative factor, there is at least an inter-sexual selection detectable effect.

This new view over the mate choice problem, permits to develop general mating propensity models and to make predictions of the mate choice effects that may emerge from such models. This possibility opens up the way for setting a general theory of model fitting and multimodel inference for mate choice.

Thus, it is suggested that the proposed framework, by describing mate choice as the flow of information due to non-random mating, provides a new important setting for exploring different mating models and their consequences.
The Constancy of Colored After-Images
Authors: Zeki Semir , Cheadle Samuel , Pepper Joshua , Mylonas Dimitris
Published: December 2016

We undertook psychophysical experiments to determine whether the color of the after-image produced by viewing a colored patch which is part of a complex multi-colored scene depends on the wavelength-energy composition of the light reflected from that patch. Our results show that, just as the color of a patch which is part of a complex scene is independent of the wavelength-energy composition of the light coming from it alone, but depends as well on the wavelength-energy composition of the light coming from its surrounds, so is the color of its after-image. Hence, traditional accounts of after-images as being the result of retinal adaptation or the perceptual result of physiological opponency, are inadequate. We propose instead that the color of after-images is generated after colors themselves are generated in the visual brain.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtiiformin FOR1 and profilin PRF1 are optimized for acute rapid actin filament assembly
Authors: Christensen Jenna R. , Craig Evan W. , Glista Michael J. , Mueller David M. , Li Yujie , Sees Jennifer A. , Huang Shengping , Mets Laurens J. , Kovar David R. , Avasthi Prachee
Published: December 2016

The regulated assembly of multiple filamentous actin (F-actin) networks from an actin monomer pool is important for a variety of cellular processes.Chlamydomonas reinhardtiiis a unicellular green alga expressing a conventional and divergent actin that is an emerging system for investigating the complex regulation of actin polymerization. One actin network that contains exclusively conventional F-actin inChlamydomonasis the fertilization tubule, a mating structure at the apical cell surface in gametes. In addition to two actin genes,Chlamydomonasexpresses a profilin (PRF1) and four formin genes (FOR1-4), one of which (FOR1) we have characterized for the first time. We found that unlike typical profilins, PRF1 prevents unwanted actin assembly by strongly inhibiting both F-actin nucleation and barbed end elongation at equimolar concentrations to actin. However, FOR1 stimulates the assembly of rapidly elongating actin filaments from PRF1-bound actin. PRF1 further favors FOR1-mediated actin assembly by potently inhibiting Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin assembly. Furthermore,for1andprf1-1mutants, as well as the small molecule formin inhibitor SMIFH2, prevent fertilization tubule formation in gametes, suggesting that polymerization of F-actin for fertilization tubule formation is a primary function of FOR1. Together, these findings indicate that FOR1 and PRF1 cooperate to selectively and rapidly assemble F-actin at the right time and place.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

TheChlamydomonas reinhardtiiformin FOR1 initiates rapid assembly of fertilization tubule actin filaments from monomers associated with the actin-assembly inhibitor profilin PRF1.
CADEM: calculate X-ray diffraction of epitaxial multilayers
Authors: Komar Paulina , Jakob Gerhard
Published: December 2016

Epitaxial multilayers and superlattice (SL) structures are gaining increasing importance as they offer the opportunity to create artificial crystals with new functionalities. These crystals deviate from the parent bulk compounds not only in terms of the lattice constants but also in the symmetry classification, which renders calculation of their X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns tedious. Nevertheless, XRD is essential to get information on the multilayer/SL structure such as, for example, out-of-plane lattice constants, strain relaxation and period length of the crystalline SL. This article presents a powerful yet simple program, based on the general one-dimensional kinematic X-ray diffraction theory, which calculates the XRD patterns of tailor-made multilayers and thus enables quantitative comparison of measured and calculated XRD data. As the multilayers are constructed layer by layer, the final material stack can be entirely arbitrary. Moreover, CADEM is very flexible and can be straightforwardly adapted to any material system. The source code of CADEM is available as supporting material for this article.
Q|R: quantum-based refinement
Authors: Zheng Min , Reimers Jeffrey R. , Waller Mark P. , Afonine Pavel V.
Published: December 2016

Quantum-based refinement utilizes chemical restraints derived from quantum-chemical methods instead of the standard parameterized library-based restraints used in refinement packages. The motivation is twofold: firstly, the restraints have the potential to be more accurate, and secondly, the restraints can be more easily applied to new molecules such as drugs or novel cofactors. Here, a new project calledQ|Raimed at developing quantum-based refinement of biomacromolecules is under active development by researchers at Shanghai University together withPHENIXdevelopers. The central focus of this long-term project is to develop software that is built on top of open-source components. A development version ofQ|Rwas used to compare quantum-based refinements with standard refinement using a small model system.
Are competition and corporate social responsibility compatible?
Authors: Quairel-Lanoizelee Françoise
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between CSR and competition to contribute to the CSR concept through analysis of the conditions for its implementation. While fierce global competition has negative environmental and social impacts and may lead large companies to act irresponsibly, corporate social responsibility (CSR) academic literature, especially stakeholder theory, pays little attention to competition and market pressure. It only highlights the competitive advantage a CSR strategy represents for companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This work draws upon the academic literature in economics and strategic management, on mainstream CSR papers and on the official disclosure and communication from companies listed on the “CAC 40” of the French stock market. In this paper, the authors use the definition of corporate responsibility which integrates companies’ environmental and social concerns into all their activities.

Findings

The following three major findings arise. First, on a theoretical level and in terms of corporate disclosure on CSR, a large gap in how the economic view and the CSR view of competition are represented was noticed. Second, the limitations of the competitive advantage obtained by CSR strategy was observed while the “demand for virtue” is weak even if the stakeholders’ “expectations” for responsible practices are strong. The author proposes a typology of CSR strategies related to competitive situations. Third, the author underlines the paradox of the CSR competitive advantage: specifically, it is gained only if not imitable; i.e. if companies prevent the mimetic practices which could spread best practices for sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the limits of the CSR concept within the liberal paradigm. The authors argue that the mainstream theoretical CSR framework based on the hypothesis of the convergence between firms’ objectives and the common interest is not relevant. The framework of the neo-institutional theory is more appropriate to analyse the mimetic behaviour in competitive markets and corporate commitments in sector-based codes of conduct that define new norms of social quality.
South Africa’s bold and unique experiment in CSR practice
Authors: Mersham Gary Malcolm , Skinner Chris
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the current practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in South Africa, its linkage to corporate social investment (CSI), the impact of new Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation and the contribution that South African public relations practice can have on the development challenges facing the continent of Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data and reports drawn from various industry and evaluative sources is interpreted in the context of key contemporary elements of practice. The last part of the article provides a theoretical discussion of the public relations role as a “change” agent in South Africa and for the continent of Africa as a whole.

Findings

The South African Government’s prescriptive stance on transformation and BEE has thrust the reconsideration of CSR onto every corporate agenda in South Africa. With set targets and expenditure requirements, CSI has become a performance-driven pursuit among businesses seeking to improve their overall BEE scores. At the Pan-African level, a generic model of African public relations with a strong developmental focus is required for the education and training of public relations professionals.

Research limitations/implications

African public relations practice challenges accepted normative approaches in the conceptualisation of a sustainable new global model of the profession. More research will be needed to show how the African humanist approach might impact on the debate about the political, social and economic relevance of the profession in society and the reputation of the profession worldwide.

Originality/value

This study provides historical context for recent developments in public relations in South Africa, providing insights into the direction of the development of public relations practice in Africa.
The ethics of care as a determinant for stakeholder inclusion and CSR perception in business education
Authors: André Kévin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show that among business students, care ethics is a determinant for corporate social responsibility (CSR) perception and stakeholder inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a quantitative approach. The population for this study consisted of students from a leading French business school.

Findings

Stakeholder inclusion is related to care ethics among students. CSR perception is related to stakeholder perception. CSR perception is related to care ethics.

Research limitations/implications

Population sampled has cultural and curricula specificities. Further research should extend the findings to other populations.

Practical implications

If business schools want their students to implement CSR when they later become managers, they should build a bridge in the curriculum between business ethics education based on the care theory (“educare”) and CSR teaching.

Originality/value

Empirical exploration of the relationship between teaching CSR and teaching care ethics has not been undertaken. Relationship between care ethics and stakeholder theory has been addressed in the literature but only from a theoretical perspective and not from an empirical perspective.
Free will in social and psychological contracts
Authors: Rousseau Denise M.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the scientific standing of the concept of free will and its role and functioning in social and psychological contracts. It updates Rousseau (2012).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper.

Findings

Social structures that support the exercise of free will are central to the functioning of both social and psychological contracts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the debate in the natural and social sciences regarding the existence and functioning of free will in everyday life.

Practical implications

Highlights the importance of the configuration of choices or options people have to promote expression of free will.

Social implications

Social contracts that support or provide attractive options are key to the expression of free will.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate in the natural and social sciences regarding the existence and functioning of free will in everyday life.
Sublingual immunization with Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine effectively induces immunity through both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice
Authors: Lee Eun‐Young , Kim Joo‐Young , Lee Deuk‐Ki , Yoon Il‐Sub , Ko Hae Li , Chung Ji‐Woo , Chang Jun , Nam Jae‐Hwan
Published: December 2016

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis. Although there are four classes of vaccines against JEV, all of them are administered by s.c or i.m injection. Here, the effectiveness of sublingual (s.l.) administration of a JEV live‐attenuated vaccine or recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vaccine, including JEV prM/E, was investigated. The mice were immunized three times i.m. or s.c. One week after the final immunization by both s.l. and i.m. routes, the titers of IgG1 induced by the recombinant MVA vaccine were higher than those induced by the live‐attenuated vaccine, whereas the titers of IgG2a induced by the live‐attenuated vaccine were higher than those induced by the recombinant MVA vaccine. However, both vaccines induced neutralizing antibodies when given by either s.l. or i.m. routes, indicating that both vaccines induce appropriate Th1 and Th2 cell responses through the s.l. and i.m. routes. Moreover, both vaccines protected against induction of proinflammatory cytokines and focal spleen white pulp hyperplasia after viral challenge. Virus‐specific IFN‐γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells appeared to increase in mice immunized via both s.l. and i.m. routes. Interestingly, virus‐specific IL‐17+ CD4+ T cells increased significantly only in the mice immunized via the s.l. route; however, the increased IL‐17 did not affect pathogenicity after viral challenge. These results suggest that s.l. immunization may be as useful as i.m. injection for induction of protective immune responses against JEV by both live‐attenuated and recombinant MVA vaccines.
Comparison of neutrophil functions between two strains of inbred mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaohuan , Zhao Sainan , Sun Luping , Li Wenqing , Glogauer Michael , Hu Yan
Published: December 2016

In this study, differences between two strains of inbred mice in aspects of neutrophil function, namely Rac1 expression, chemotaxis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), were determined. Neutrophils from CBA/CaH mice exhibited weaker Rac1 expression and a slower chemotactic gradient than BALB/c mice. Furthermore, PMA‐ or fMLP‐stimulated neutrophils from CBA/CaH mice generated much less superoxide and NETs than similarly stimulated neutrophils from BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that neutrophils from BALB/c mice are functionally more efficient than those from CBA/CaH mice.