bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of microRNA-22 prevents high-fat diet induced dyslipidemia and increases energy expenditure without affecting cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Diniz Gabriela Placoná , Huang Zhan-Peng , Liu Jianming , Chen Jinghai , Ding Jian , Fonseca Renata Inzinna , Barreto-Chaves Maria Luiza , Donato Jose , Hu Xiaoyun , Wang Da-Zhi
Published: November 2017

Obesity is associated with development of diverse diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia. MiRNA-22 (miR-22) is a critical regulator of cardiac function and targets genes involved in metabolic processes. Previously, we generated miR-22 null mice and we showed that loss of miR-22 blunted cardiac hypertrophy induced by mechanohormornal stress. In the present study, we examined the role of miR-22 in the cardiac and metabolic alterations promoted by high-fat (HF) diet. We found that loss of miR-22 attenuated the gain of fat mass and prevented dyslipidemia induced by HF diet, although the body weight gain, or glucose intolerance and insulin resistance did not seem to be affected. Mechanistically, loss of miR-22 attenuated the increased expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and inflammation mediated by HF diet. Similarly, we found that miR-22 mediates metabolic alterations and inflammation induced by obesity in the liver. However, loss of miR-22 did not appear to alter HF diet induced cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis in the heart. Our study therefore establishes miR-22 as an important regulator of dyslipidemia and suggests it may serve as a potential candidate in the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with obesity.
A Conjunctival Vascular Malformation as a Rare Presenting Sign of Wyburn–Mason Syndrome
Authors: Buyse Gunnar , Lagae Lieven , Demaerel Philippe , Kesteloot Frank , Casteels Ingele , Knoors Louise
Published: November 2017

Wyburn–Mason syndrome is a rare condition that is characterized by ipsilateral arteriovenous malformations affecting the eye, brain, and facial skin. A conjunctival vascular dilation can be a rare ocular presenting sign. We report a 6-year-old boy who attended the hospital because of the sudden appearance of a conjunctival vascular lesion in his right eye. Inspection of his facial skin showed a subtle discoloration along the right trigeminal nerve and a vascular structure of the conjunctiva. Fundoscopy showed dilated and tortuous retinal vessels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large arteriovenous malformation involving the thalamus and perimesencephalic area. Ophthalmologic and neuroradiologic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Wyburn–Mason syndrome. The sudden emergence of a vascular malformation in the conjunctiva should alert the clinician to perform an ophthalmoscopy, and in our patient, this finding was the clue to diagnosis of Wyburn–Mason syndrome. Because of the association between retinal and intracranial arteriovenous malformations, an MRI of the brain is strongly recommended in all patients with ocular arteriovenous malformations.
Can Neonatal Hypoglycemia be Considered a Risk Factor for Development of Acquired Arachnoid Cysts?
Authors: Cattalani Andrea , Grasso Vincenzo , Longo Gian Paolo , Sgubin Donatella , Cremonte Maurizio , Barbanera Andrea , Vitali Matteo
Published: November 2017

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are intra-arachnoid fluid collections and may be classified as primary or secondary in nature. Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is a common, life-threatening metabolic disorder in infants. We present the case of a term infant who suffered severe NH within 72 hours after birth and subsequently developed an acquired Sylvian AC.

A child of 13 months of age, with history of severe NH within 72 hours after birth, was admitted after two generalized seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed dimensional increase of a left Sylvian AC, not present on imaging on day one of life but revealed with a second MRI at 16 days of age. The timeline of events suggests some kind of correlation between the newborn's metabolic disorder, appearance of the AC, and its progressive expansion. We speculate that NH's organic consequences, i.e., cortical and white matter atrophy might have favored some kind of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) dynamic alteration and AC development in our patient. Further structured studies are needed to confirm our hypothesis and reveal NH as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of ACs.
Der Stellenwert der Elektrotherapie in der Behandlung von Erwachsenen mit atraumatischer Hüftkopfnekrose
Authors: Ammer Kurt
Published: November 2017

Referat zur Arbeit von Al-Jabri T, Tan JYQ, Tong GY, Shenoy R, Kayani B, Parratt T, Khan T. The role of electrical stimulation in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2017; 18: 319
Z
2
×
Z
2
generalizations of 𝒩=2 super Schrödinger algebras and their representations
Authors: Aizawa N. , Segar J.
Published: November 2017

We generalize the real and chiral N=2 super Schrödinger algebras to Z2×Z2-graded Lie superalgebras. This is done by D-module presentation, and as a consequence, the D-module presentations of Z2×Z2-graded superalgebras are identical to the ones of super Schrödinger algebras. We then generalize the calculus over the Grassmann number to Z2×Z2 setting. Using it and the standard technique of Lie theory, we obtain a vector field realization of Z2×Z2-graded superalgebras. A vector field realization of the Z2×Z2 generalization of N=1 super Schrödinger algebra is also presented.
Effects of impurity and composition profiles on electrical characteristics of GaAsSb/InGaAs hetero-junction vertical tunnel field effect transistors
Authors: Gotow Takahiro , Mitsuhara Manabu , Hoshi Takuya , Sugiyama Hiroki , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi
Published: November 2017

We fabricated and characterized GaAs0.51Sb0.49/In0.53Ga0.47As hetero-junction vertical tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) on InP substrates in order to examine the effects of the structural characteristics of GaAsSb/InGaAs hetero-structures on the electrical properties of the TFETs. The operation of the fabricated GaAs0.51Sb0.49/In0.53Ga0.47As TFET was confirmed with the ION/IOFF ratio of ∼102 over VG swing of 1.25 V at 297 K. This ION/IOFF ratio was improved up to ∼104 at 20 K, thanks to the suppression of the leakage current in the source junction. The secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses for the present hetero-structures have revealed that the concentration of the p-type dopant (Be) atoms, doped in the GaAsSb source regions, decreases in the InGaAs channel regions at an inverse slope of ∼11 nm/dec. Also, the scanning transmission electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has shown that group III and V compositions change abruptly in a region within 10 nm from the interface between the Be-doped GaAsSb source and the undoped InGaAs channel. We performed the 2-dimensional device simulation based on the device structure and the experimentally obtained composition and impurity profiles, and we found that the composition profile had little effect on the S.S. values. The device simulation also revealed that both the optimization of the concentration and the profile of the p-type doping of GaAsSb, and thinning of the effective oxide thickness (EOT) of the gate stacks could effectively improve the inherent S.S. values of the present GaAs0.51Sb0.49/In0.53Ga0.47As hetero-junction vertical TFETs. When 1.0 nm EOT and NA = 1 × 1020 cm−3 are used under the present impurity abruptness, S.S. < 40 mV/dec. can be achieved for the vertical GaAsSb/InGaAs TFETs, which is promising for an ultralow power switching device.
Behavior of an aeroelastic system beyond critical point of instability
Authors: Sekar T. Chandra , Agarwal Ravindra , Mandal Alakesh Chandra , Kushari Abhijit
Published: November 2017

Understanding the behavior of an aeroelastic system beyond the critical point is essential for effective implementation of any active control scheme since the control system design depends on the type of instability (bifurcation) the system encounters. Previous studies had found the aeroelastic system to enter into chaos beyond the point of instability. In the present work, an attempt has been made to carry out an experimental study on an aeroelastic model placed in a wind tunnel, to understand the behavior of aerodynamics around a wing section undergoing classical flutter. Wind speed was increased from zero until the model encountered flutter. Pressure at various locations along the surface of wing and acceleration at multiple points on the wing were measured in real time for the entire duration of experiment. A Leading Edge Separation Bubble (LSB) was observed beyond the critical point. The growing strength of the LSB with increasing wind speed was found to alter the aerodynamic moment acting on the system, which forced the system to enter into a second bifurcation. Based on the nature of the response, the system appears to undergo periodic doubling bifurcation rather than Hopf-bifurcation, resulting in chaotic motion. Eliminating the LSB can help in preventing the system from entering chaos. Any active flow control scheme that can avoid or counter the formation of leading edge separation bubble can be a potential solution to control the classical flutter.
An investigation of the hot spot formation mechanism for energetic material
Authors: Long Yao , Chen Jun
Published: November 2017

The shock-induced pore collapsing and hot spot formation processes of plastic bonded explosives are simulated by molecular dynamics. After shock loading, the temperature field, pressure field, particle velocity field, energy field, plastic work field, and plastic temperature field are calculated by using the virtual grid method. A set of microscopic parameters about the hot spot are evaluated, including the pore collapsing time, pore collapsing speed, plastic work, and hot spot radius. The physical models to describe the energy dissipation and temperature relaxation behaviors of the hot spot are developed. We find that the hot spot formation consists of three steps: pore collapsing, work-heat transition, and temperature relaxation. The pore collapsing speed is proportional to the piston speed, and the temperature relaxation time is proportional to the square of the hot spot radius.
Exploring the route to measure synchronization in non-linearly coupled Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Gupta Shraddha , De Sadhitro , Janaki M. S. , Sekar Iyengar A. N.
Published: November 2017

Measure Synchronization is a general term used for weak synchronization in Hamiltonian systems. Route to measure synchronization in a system of two non-linearly coupled one-dimensional oscillators, the potential of which is represented by the Pullen-Edmonds Potential is investigated on the basis of numerical computation. Transitions to measure synchronization and unsynchronization, both quasiperiodic and chaotic, are investigated and distinguished on the basis of the variation of average bare energies, average interaction energy, root-mean-square value of oscillations, phase difference, and frequencies with the coupling strength. A suitable order parameter to identify and characterize both quasiperiodic and chaotic measure synchronous states is sought, and drawbacks of the various order parameters, suggested previously, are discussed.
Stimulated emission from HgCdTe quantum well heterostructures at wavelengths up to 19.5 μm
Authors: Morozov S. V. , Rumyantsev V. V. , Fadeev M. A. , Zholudev M. S. , Kudryavtsev K. E. , Antonov A. V. , Kadykov A. M. , Dubinov A. A. , Mikhailov N. N. , Dvoretsky S. A. , Gavrilenko V. I.
Published: November 2017

We report on stimulated emission at wavelengths up to 19.5 μm from HgTe/HgCdTe quantum well heterostructures with wide-gap HgCdTe dielectric waveguide, grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs(013) substrates. The mitigation of Auger processes in structures under study is exemplified, and the promising routes towards the 20–50 μm wavelength range, where HgCdTe lasers may be competitive to the prominent emitters, are discussed.
Near-infrared localized surface plasmon resonance of self-growing W-doped VO2 nanoparticles at room temperature
Authors: Nishikawa Kazutaka , Kishida Yoshihiro , Ito Kota , Tamura Shin-ichi , Takeda Yasuhiko
Published: November 2017

Nanoparticles (NPs) of vanadium dioxide (VO2) in the metal state exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 1200–1600 nm, which fills the gap between the absorption ranges of silicon and the LSPR of conventional transparent conductor NPs (ZnO:Al, In2O3:Sn, etc.). However, two issues of the lithographic process for NP formation and the metal-insulator transition temperature (69 °C) higher than room temperature have made it difficult to use VO2 NPs for applications such as energy conversion devices, near infrared (NIR) light detectors, and bio-therapy. In this study, we developed a self-growing process for tungsten (W)-doped VO2 NPs that are in the metal state at room temperature, using sputter deposition and post-lamp annealing. The changes in the LSPR peak wavelengths with the NP size were well controlled by changing the deposited film thickness and oxygen pressure during the post-annealing treatment. The presented results resolve the difficulties of using the metal-insulator transition material VO2 for practical NIR utilization.
Investigations on stratification structure parameters formed from electrical exploding wires in vacuum
Authors: Wu Jian , Lu Yihan , Li Xingwen , Zhang Daoyuan , Qiu Aici
Published: November 2017

The density distribution and the energy deposition in dark and light transverse layers from stratification structures were measured and analyzed from electrical exploding wire experiments in vacuum. It is demonstrated that the differences in the areal density of the dark layer and light layer regions were about 2 × 1017/cm2 at 296 ns after voltage collapsed. This difference corresponded to an energy deposition difference of ∼2 eV/atom between the dark and light layers, which likely arises from a ±10% resistivity perturbation during the explosion, as suggested by combining a gas column expansion model and a thermodynamic model.
Ultra-low voltage control of magnetic properties in amorphous MgO
Authors: Guo Jiajun , Wu Liqian , Ren Shuxia , Kang Xin , Chen Wei , Zhao Xu
Published: November 2017

We report ultra-low voltage controlled magnetic properties in an amorphous MgO (a-MgO) thin film. The intrinsic magnetization of MgO can be decreased by about 57.5% by the application of a positive bias voltage while increased by about 56.7% by a negative bias, at an ultralow voltage of just 0.2 V. More interestingly, this ultralow voltage also induces a strong magnetic anisotropy in the a-MgO film. Further analysis indicates that the migration of O2− ions under an electric field results in a change in the Mg/O ratio and the redistribution of Mg vacancies, thus leading to the change in the magnetic properties of the film. The control of room temperature magnetic properties at ultralow voltages may find applications in multifunctional memory and ultralow-power consumption spintronics.
Topological bifurcation of helical flows in magnetized plasmas with density gradient and parallel flow shear
Authors: Sasaki M. , Kasuya N. , Itoh K. , Toda S. , Yamada T. , Kosuga Y. , Nagashima Y. , Kobayashi T. , Arakawa H. , Yamasaki K. , Fujisawa A. , Inagaki S. , Itoh S.-I.
Published: November 2017

The topological bifurcation of the flow in non-equilibrium magnetized plasmas is demonstrated by a turbulence simulation. A system with two generic sources of turbulence, the gradients of density and parallel flow, is considered. Topological index of the flow is introduced, in order to indicate the chirality of flow pattern. We here report that the turbulence-driven flow forms the structure of co-axial helixes with opposite chirality. By changing the source of plasma particles, which modifies the density gradient, the transition between three turbulent states is obtained. In addition to the two turbulent states, which are dominated by the drift wave and the D'Angelo mode, respectively, the new state is found. In this third state, fluctuations are driven by both of the free energy sources simultaneously, and compete with the others. The result illustrates the generic feature of turbulence flow generation in non-equilibrium magnetized plasmas.
Structural stability and half-metallic ferromagnetism in PbMoO3: The role of electronic correlation
Authors: Nazir Safdar
Published: November 2017

We theoretically investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the recently reported cubic and orthorhombically (Ortho.) distorted phases of PbMoO3, a 4d transition-metal perovskite oxide with almost half-filled t2g states. Our spin-polarized bare generalized gradient approximation results exhibit that the cubic phase is of low energy structure than the Ortho. one. However, on-site Coulomb repulsion in the range of 3.3 eV ≤ Ueff ≤ 4.5 eV inclusion on Mo 4d orbitals reveals that at each value of Ueff, the Ortho. phase is more stable than the cubic one and with the increase in Ueff, both phases show more stability. We find a non-magnetic n-type conductivity with a high charge carrier density of ∼1022 cm−3 in both phases. Interestingly, a non-magnetic to magnetic phase transition occurs at Ueff = 3.8 eV and 3.5 eV for the cubic and Ortho. phases, respectively. Moreover, a half-metallic ferromagnetic state is obtained at Ueff = 4.1 eV and 4.3 eV for the cubic and Ortho. phases, respectively. Calculations also indicate a strong orbital hybridization between Pb 6p and Mo 4d, with a significant contribution of O 2p states. All findings are confirmed by the Yukawa screened Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof 0 (YS-PBE0) hybrid functional. This work provokes further experimental investigations of magnetic properties of PbMoO3.
Optofluidic trapping and delivery of massive mesoscopic matters using mobile vortex array
Authors: Yang Jianxin , Li Zongbao , Wang Haiyan , Zhu Debin , Cai Xiang , Cheng Yupeng , Chen Mingyu , Hu Xiaowen , Xing Xiaobo
Published: November 2017

The realization of directional and controllable delivery of massive mesoscopic matters is of great significance in the field of microfluidics. Here, the mobile thermocapillary vortex array has achieved the enrichment and transport of massive mesoscopic matters in free or limited space. The ability of the vortex array to confine objects in the center ensures the controllability of particle trajectory. We also simulated the delivery process to reveal the stability of the mobile vortex. Owing to the distance between the vortex center and the heat source, the method provides the ability to protect trapped matters, including organisms and living cells. The mobile vortex array has opened the exciting possibilities of realizing that bridges the gap between remote optofluidics and lab on a chip.
In situ calibration of neutron activation system on the large helical device
Authors: Pu N. , Nishitani T. , Isobe M. , Ogawa K. , Kawase H. , Tanaka T. , Li S. Y. , Yoshihashi S. , Uritani A.
Published: November 2017

In situ calibration of the neutron activation system on the Large Helical Device (LHD) was performed by using an intense 252Cf neutron source. To simulate a ring-shaped neutron source, we installed a railway inside the LHD vacuum vessel and made a train loaded with the 252Cf source run along a typical magnetic axis position. Three activation capsules loaded with thirty pieces of indium foils stacked with total mass of approximately 18 g were prepared. Each capsule was irradiated over 15 h while the train was circulating. The activation response coefficient (9.4 ± 1.2) × 10−8 of 115In(n, n′)115mIn reaction obtained from the experiment is in good agreement with results from three-dimensional neutron transport calculations using the Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code 6. The activation response coefficients of 2.45 MeV birth neutron and secondary 14.1 MeV neutron from deuterium plasma were evaluated from the activation response coefficient obtained in this calibration experiment with results from three-dimensional neutron calculations using the Monte Carlo neutron transport simulation code 6.
Circadian clock cryptochrome proteins regulate autoimmunity
Authors: Cao Qi , Zhao Xuan , Bai Jingwen , Gery Sigal , Sun Haibo , Lin De-Chen , Chen Qi , Chen Zhengshan , Mack Lauren , Yang Henry , Deng Ruishu , Shi Xianping , Chong Ling-Wa , Cho Han , Xie Jianjun , Li Quan-Zhen , Müschen Markus , Atkins Annette R. , Liddle Christopher , Yu Ruth T. , Alkan Serhan , Said Jonathan W. , Zheng Ye , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M. , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: November 2017

The circadian system regulates numerous physiological processes including immune responses. Here, we show that mice deficient of the circadian clock genes
Cry1
and
Cry2
[
Cry
double knockout (DKO)] develop an autoimmune phenotype including high serum IgG concentrations, serum antinuclear antibodies, and precipitation of IgG, IgM, and complement 3 in glomeruli and massive infiltration of leukocytes into the lungs and kidneys. Flow cytometry of lymphoid organs revealed decreased pre-B cell numbers and a higher percentage of mature recirculating B cells in the bone marrow, as well as increased numbers of B2 B cells in the peritoneal cavity of
Cry
DKO mice. The B cell receptor (BCR) proximal signaling pathway plays a critical role in autoimmunity regulation. Activation of
Cry
DKO splenic B cells elicited markedly enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins compared with cells from control mice, suggesting that overactivation of the BCR-signaling pathway may contribute to the autoimmunity phenotype in the
Cry
DKO mice. In addition, the expression of
C1q
, the deficiency of which contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, was significantly down-regulated in
Cry
DKO B cells. Our results suggest that B cell development, the BCR-signaling pathway, and
C1q
expression are regulated by circadian clock CRY proteins and that their dysregulation through loss of CRY contributes to autoimmunity.
Phosphatidylserine save-me signals drive functional recovery of severed axons inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Abay Zehra C. , Wong Michelle Yu-Ying , Teoh Jean-Sébastien , Vijayaraghavan Tarika , Hilliard Massimo A. , Neumann Brent
Published: November 2017

Significance

Nervous system injury can cause lifelong disability, because repair rarely leads to reconnection with the target tissue. In the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansand in several other species, regeneration can proceed through a mechanism of axonal fusion, whereby regrowing axons reconnect and fuse with their own separated fragments, rapidly and efficiently restoring the original axonal tract. We have found that the process of axonal fusion restores full function to damaged neurons. In addition, we show that injury-induced changes to the axonal membrane that result in exposure of lipid “save-me” signals mediate the level of axonal fusion. Thus, our results establish axonal fusion as a complete regenerative mechanism that can be modulated by changing the level of save-me signals exposed after injury.
Scale-dependent portfolio effects explain growth inflation and volatility reduction in landscape demography
Authors: Hui Cang , Fox Gordon A. , Gurevitch Jessica
Published: November 2017

Significance

Population demography is central to many problems in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, yet there is a gap between the information needed about the demography of population over multiple spatial scales and the available data, which are largely local. Inspired by concepts from landscape ecology and Markowitz's investment portfolio theory, we address this lacuna by developing a method for quantifying and predicting the demography of multiple populations across spatial scales and apply it to gypsy moth populations. We show that population demography is scale-dependent due largely to a tilted portfolio effect from skewed population size distributions and covarying population growth rate; this explains why population ensembles can have growth rates greater than the mean with variance smaller than the mean.
An RNA structure-mediated, posttranscriptional model of human α-1-antitrypsin expression
Authors: Corley Meredith , Solem Amanda , Phillips Gabriela , Lackey Lela , Ziehr Benjamin , Vincent Heather A. , Mustoe Anthony M. , Ramos Silvia B. V. , Weeks Kevin M. , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Laederach Alain
Published: November 2017

Significance

Protein and mRNA expression are in most cases poorly correlated, which suggests that the posttranscriptional regulatory program of a cell is an important component of gene expression. This regulatory network is still poorly understood, including how RNA structure quantitatively contributes to translational control. We present here a series of structural and functional experiments that together allow us to derive a quantitative, structure-dependent model of translation that accurately predicts translation efficiency in reporter assays and primary human tissue for a complex and medically important protein, α-1-antitrypsin. Our model demonstrates the importance of accurate, experimentally derived RNA structural models partnered with Kozak sequence information to explain protein expression and suggests a strategy by which α-1-antitrypsin expression may be increased in diseased individuals.
Myoanatomy of the velvet worm leg revealed by laboratory-based nanofocus X-ray source tomography
Authors: Müller Mark , de Sena Oliveira Ivo , Allner Sebastian , Ferstl Simone , Bidola Pidassa , Mechlem Korbinian , Fehringer Andreas , Hehn Lorenz , Dierolf Martin , Achterhold Klaus , Gleich Bernhard , Hammel Jörg U. , Jahn Henry , Mayer Georg , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: November 2017

Significance

X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging has become popular for investigating, nondestructively and three-dimensionally, both external and internal structures of various specimens. However, the limited resolution of conventional laboratory-based CT systems (≥500 nm) still hampers the detailed visualization of features on the low nanometer level. We present a laboratory CT device and data processing pipeline to routinely and efficiently generate high-resolution 3D data (≈100 nm) without requiring synchrotron radiation facilities. Our setup is especially relevant for conducting detailed analysis of very small biological samples, as demonstrated for a walking appendage of a velvet worm. Comparative analyses of our CT data with those obtained from other popular imaging methods highlight the advantages and future applicability of the nanoCT setup.
Sea anemone model has a single Toll-like receptor that can function in pathogen detection, NF-κB signal transduction, and development
Authors: Brennan Joseph J. , Messerschmidt Jonathan L. , Williams Leah M. , Matthews Bryan J. , Reynoso Marinaliz , Gilmore Thomas D.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are involved in pathogen recognition and defense in organisms from fruit flies to humans. Recent genomic evidence suggests that TLRs and their downstream signaling components are present in more basal phyla. We characterize a TLR in a sea anemone model and demonstrate its ability to activate NF-κB signaling when exposed to a bacterial pathogen and a known human TLR activator. Moreover, this TLR has an early developmental role in anemones. We also identify a primitive sea anemone organ that expresses components of the TLR–to–NF-κB pathway. These results demonstrate that TLRs have ancient roles in NF-κB signal transduction, pathogen detection, and development, thus providing molecular insights into how simple marine invertebrates may respond to pathogens.
Contemporary H3N2 influenza viruses have a glycosylation site that alters binding of antibodies elicited by egg-adapted vaccine strains
Authors: Zost Seth J. , Parkhouse Kaela , Gumina Megan E. , Kim Kangchon , Diaz Perez Sebastian , Wilson Patrick C. , Treanor John J. , Sant Andrea J. , Cobey Sarah , Hensley Scott E.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The majority of influenza vaccine antigens are prepared in chicken eggs. Human vaccine strains grown in eggs often possess adaptive mutations that increase viral attachment to chicken cells. Most of these adaptive mutations are in the hemagglutinin protein, which functions as a viral attachment factor. Here, we identify a hemagglutinin mutation in the current egg-adapted H3N2 vaccine strain that alters antigenicity. We show that ferrets and humans exposed to the current egg-adapted H3N2 vaccine strain produce antibodies that poorly neutralize H3N2 viruses that circulated during the 2016–2017 influenza season. These studies highlight the challenges associated with producing influenza vaccine antigens in eggs, while offering a potential explanation of why there was only moderate vaccine effectiveness during the 2016–2017 influenza season.
HIF and HOIL-1L–mediated PKCζ degradation stabilizes plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase to protect against hypoxia-induced lung injury
Authors: Magnani Natalia D. , Dada Laura A. , Queisser Markus A. , Brazee Patricia L. , Welch Lynn C. , Anekalla Kishore R. , Zhou Guofei , Vagin Olga , Misharin Alexander V. , Budinger G. R. Scott , Iwai Kazuhiro , Ciechanover Aaron J. , Sznajder Jacob I.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Exposure to hypoxia requires adaptive mechanisms for survival. During acute hypoxia, Na,K-ATPase endocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells occurs via protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) phosphorylation of α
1
-Na,K-ATPase independently of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). However, exaggerated Na,K-ATPase down-regulation leads to cell death. Here we report that during prolonged hypoxia plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase levels were maintained at ∼50% of normoxic values due to HIF-mediated up-regulation of HOIL-1L, which targets PKCζ for degradation. Silencing HOIL-1L in the lung epithelium prevented PKCζ degradation, causing Na,K-ATPase downregulation. Accordingly, HIF regulation of HOIL-1L targets the phosphorylated PKCζ for degradation and serves as an hypoxia-adaptive mechanism to stabilize the Na,K-ATPase, avoiding significant lung injury.
Aggregation control in natural brush-printed conjugated polymer films and implications for enhancing charge transport
Authors: Wang Gang , Huang Wei , Eastham Nicholas D. , Fabiano Simone , Manley Eric F. , Zeng Li , Wang Binghao , Zhang Xinan , Chen Zhihua , Li Ran , Chang Robert P. H. , Chen Lin X. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Melkonyan Ferdinand S. , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Shear-printing of electroactive polymers using natural brushes is a promising film deposition technique for printed electronics capable of microstructure control and electrical properties enhancement over large areas. Nevertheless, the interplay between film printing parameters, microstructure development, and charge transport is not well-understood. We report that natural brush-printing greatly enhances charge transport by as much as 5.7× through control of polymer nanofibril aggregate growth and backbone alignment, attributable to the oriented squamae of the natural hair. However, while brush shear-induced aggregation enhances charge transport, we show that backbone alignment alone does not guarantee charge transport anisotropy. These results provide additional understanding of shear-induced enhanced charge transport and set processing guidelines for high-performance printed organic circuitry.
Limiting (zero-load) speed of the rotary motor of
Escherichia coli
is independent of the number of torque-generating units
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: November 2017

Significance

Rotation of the bacterial flagellar motor is driven by multiple torque-generating units. The duty ratio of the units, defined as the fraction of time that a unit engages with the rotor, characterizes the torque-generating dynamics of the motor. Our data showed that the limiting speed of the motor is independent of the number of torque-generating units for the flagellar motor in
Escherichia coli
, demonstrating conclusively that the units have a duty ratio close to 1.
Metabolic control of regulatory T cell (Treg) survival and function by Lkb1
Authors: He Nanhai , Fan Weiwei , Henriquez Brian , Yu Ruth T. , Atkins Annette R. , Liddle Christopher , Zheng Ye , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance to self-antigens and in suppressing excessive immune responses that may cause collateral damage to the host. Unlike other CD4
+
T cells, Tregs have a distinct, yet-to-be-established metabolic machinery to produce energy for survival and function. Here we show that the metabolic sensor LKB1 is critical for the survival and function of Tregs through regulation of their cellular metabolism. Interestingly, AMP-activated protein kinase, the best-studied downstream kinase of LKB1, is largely dispensable for LKB1 function in Tregs; the MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinases and salt-inducible kinases may mediate its functions. We highlight LKB1 as metabolic regulator that links cellular metabolism to immune cell functions.
Hominid butchers and biting crocodiles in the African Plio–Pleistocene
Authors: Sahle Yonatan , El Zaatari Sireen , White Tim D.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The idea that earlyAustralopithecusshaped stone tools to butcher large mammals before the emergence ofHomoaround 2 million years ago has excited both primatologists and archaeologists. Such claims depend on interpreting modifications found on the surfaces of fossil bones. Recent experiments involving the feeding of mammal carcasses to modern crocodiles have revealed that equifinality—the creation of similar products by different processes—is more important than previously appreciated by zooarchaeologists. Application of these findings to Ethiopian fossils casts doubt on claims for the earliest large mammal butchery and indicates the need for reassessment of all Oldowan-associated bone assemblages to determine the degree to which equifinality compromises earlier interpretations of hominid subsistence activities and their role in human evolution.
Charged residues in the H-NS linker drive DNA binding and gene silencing in single cells
Authors: Gao Yunfeng , Foo Yong Hwee , Winardhi Ricksen S. , Tang Qingnan , Yan Jie , Kenney Linda J.
Published: November 2017

Significance

H-NS is a nucleoid-associated protein that plays a major role in silencing pathogen genes. We discovered that the unstructured linker region connecting the N-terminal oligomerization and C-terminal DNA binding domains plays an important and surprising role in promoting DNA binding. Superresolution imaging identified H-NS foci that required DNA binding for their formation and were associated with the nucleoid. Removing the linker led to the disappearance of foci and a substantially lower affinity for DNA. It was proposed that H-NS compacts DNA, but decreasing DNA binding in cells did not lead to a relaxation of the nucleoid, suggesting H-NS does not play a major role in nucleoid compaction. Molecular dynamic simulations suggested that target acquisition by H-NS may involve sliding along the DNA.
Highly scalable multichannel mesh electronics for stable chronic brain electrophysiology
Authors: Fu Tian-Ming , Hong Guosong , Viveros Robert D. , Zhou Tao , Lieber Charles M.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Implantable electrical probes have led to fundamental neuroscience advances and treatment of neurological diseases, yet are unable to stably track the long-term evolution of large numbers of individual neurons critical to brain functions. Here, we demonstrate a scalable scheme for highly multiplexed mesh electronics probes that overcomes this long-standing challenge. We illustrate this scheme through fabrication of 32 to 128 channel probes with macroporous neural network-like structure and flexibility comparable to the brain. Following implantation into rodent brains, we demonstrate chronic 128-channel recordings with single-neuron-level stability from multiple brain regions over 4 mo. These scalable mesh electronics probes represent an ideal platform for mapping, tracking, and modulating the single-neuron-level circuit changes associated with learning, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Violent behaviour, victimization, self-esteem and physical activity of Spanish adolescents according to place of residence: a structural equation model / Conducta violenta, victimización, autoestima y actividad física de adolescentes españoles en función del lugar de residencia: un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Asunción , Castro-Sánchez Manuel , Rodríguez-Fernández Sonia , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Chacón-Cuberos Ramón , Espejo-Garcés Tamara
Published: November 2017

This study aims to establish and verify an explanatory model for aggressive behaviour, self-esteem, victimization and physical activity in adolescents, and to use this explanatory model to analyse the association of place of residence with these variables. This research analysed 2,273 adolescents from the province of Granada (Spain) using the questionnaires Violent Behaviour at Schools, School Victimization Scale and Global Self-Esteem Scale. An analysis was carried out using structural equations. Results showed that relational and overt aggressiveness are related to self-esteem, victimization and physical activity. Furthermore, relational aggressiveness showed a stronger association with victimization and low self-esteem in adolescents who live in residential care. In addition, overt aggressiveness showed a stronger association with self-esteem in adolescents who live in family homes. Thus, exclusion and social rejection among peers have a greater impact on the victimization of young people who live outside of the family context.
Generation of thermostable Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase variants using site saturation mutagenesis library and cell-free protein expression system
Authors: Katano Yuta , Li Tongyang , Baba Misato , Nakamura Miyo , Ito Masaaki , Kojima Kenji , Takita Teisuke , Yasukawa Kiyoshi
Published: November 2017

We attempted to increase the thermostability of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase (RT). The eight-site saturation mutagenesis libraries corresponding to Ala70−Arg469 in the whole MMLV RT (Thr24−Leu671), in each of which 1 out of 50 amino acid residues was replaced with other amino acid residue, were constructed. Seven-hundred and sixty eight MMLV RT clones were expressed using a cell-free protein expression system, and their thermostabilities were assessed by the temperature of thermal treatment at which they retained cDNA synthesis activity. One clone D200C was selected as the most thermostable variant. The highest temperature of thermal treatment at which D200C exhibited cDNA synthesis activity was 57ºC, which was higher than for WT (53ºC). Our results suggest that a combination of site saturation mutagenesis library and cell-free protein expression system might be useful for generation of thermostable MMLV RT in a short period of time for expression and selection.
Even priceless has to have a number: congregational halo effect
Authors: Cnaan Ram A. , An Seongho
Published: November 2017

The value that religious congregations provide to their urban communities was never challenged yet never fully assessed. Using the methodology of valuation, we attempted to provide a monetary value to the contributions of such congregations. We divided the studied contributions to six key area and discuss the meaning of each such contribution. Based on empirical work in three US cities (N = 90), we assess the monetary value of these congregations to their respective urban ecologies. Using variety of methods, we assess that such annual per congregation contribution spanned between $1,269,780 and $2,511,376. We then, analyze what is any of the congregational characteristics explain overall contribution as well within the six main categories. We also discuss area not studied in which congregations support their communities, discuss our limitations, and offer directions for new research as well as policy implications.
The TRAPPIII complex activates the GTPase Ypt1 (Rab1) in the secretory pathway
Authors: Thomas Laura L. , Joiner Aaron M.N. , Fromme J. Christopher
Published: November 2017

Rab GTPases serve as molecular switches to regulate eukaryotic membrane trafficking pathways. The transport protein particle (TRAPP) complexes activate Rab GTPases by catalyzing GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange. In mammalian cells, there are two distinct TRAPP complexes, yet in budding yeast, four distinct TRAPP complexes have been reported. The apparent differences between the compositions of yeast and mammalian TRAPP complexes have prevented a clear understanding of the specific functions of TRAPP complexes in all cell types. In this study, we demonstrate that akin to mammalian cells, wild-type yeast possess only two TRAPP complexes, TRAPPII and TRAPPIII. We find that TRAPPIII plays a major role in regulating Rab activation and trafficking at the Golgi in addition to its established role in autophagy. These disparate pathways share a common regulatory GTPase Ypt1 (Rab1) that is activated by TRAPPIII. Our findings lead to a simple yet comprehensive model for TRAPPIII function in both normal and starved eukaryotic cells.
Membranome 2.0: database for proteome-wide profiling of bitopic proteins and their dimers
Authors: Lomize Andrei L , Hage Jacob M , Pogozheva Irina D
Published: November 2017

Motivation

Structural studies of TM domains of single-spanning (bitopic) membrane proteins are impeded by their instability, flexibility and heterogeneity. The new computational method TMDOCK allows reliable modeling of homodimers of transmembrane (TM) α-helices on a proteomic scale.

Results

3D models of 2129 parallel homodimers formed by TM α-helices of bitopic proteins from six evolutionarily distant organisms were modeled by TMDOCK, verified through experimental data available for nearly 600 proteins, and included in the Membranome database (v.2.0) along with related information to facilitate structural and evolutionary analysis of bitopic proteins.

Availability and implementation

http://membranome.org

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human Factors Risk Analyses of a Doffing Protocol for Ebola-Level Personal Protective Equipment: Mapping Errors to Contamination
Authors: Mumma Joel M , Durso Francis T , Ferguson Ashley N , Gipson Christina L , Casanova Lisa , Erukunuakpor Kimberly , Kraft Colleen S , Walsh Victoria L , Zimring Craig , DuBose Jennifer , Jacob Jesse T ,   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenters Program, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion
Published: November 2017

This study conducted human factors risk analyses of a doffing protocol for Ebola-level personal protective equipment to identify and quantify the risk of errors made by healthcare workers, marked with surrogate viruses, while doffing and to predict rates of self-contamination.
Towers of Nodal Bubbles for the Bahri–Coron Problem in Punctured Domains
Authors: Clapp Mónica , Faya Jorge , Pacella Filomena
Published: November 2017

Let Ω be a bounded smooth domain in $\mathbb {R}^{N}$ which contains a ball of radius R centered at the origin, N ≥ 3. Under suitable symmetry assumptions, for each δ ∈ (0, R), we establish the existence of a sequence (um, δ) of nodal solutions to the critical problem $$\begin{align*}-\Delta u=|u|^{2^{\ast}-2}u\text{ in }\Omega_{\delta}:=\{x\in\Omega :\left\vert x\right\vert>\delta\},\quad u=0\text{ on }\partial \Omega_{\delta},\nonumber\end{align*}$$ where $2^{\ast }:=\frac {2N}{N-2}$ is the critical Sobolev exponent. We show that, if Ω is strictly star-shaped then, for each $m\in \mathbb {N},$ the solutions um, δ concentrate and blow up at 0, as $\delta \rightarrow 0,$ and their limit profile is a tower of nodal bubbles, that is, it is a sum of rescaled nonradial sign-changing solutions to the limit problem $$\begin{align*}-\Delta u=|u|^{2^{\ast}-2}u, \quad u\in D^{1,2}(\mathbb{R}^{N}),\nonumber\end{align*}$$ centered at the origin.
The burden of presumed tuberculosis in hospitalized children in a resource-limited setting in Papua New Guinea: a prospective observational study
Authors: Watch Villa , Aipit Jimmy , Kote-Yarong Tina , Rero Allanie , Bolnga John W , Lufele Elvin , Laman Moses
Published: November 2017

Background

In Papua New Guinea, TB is considered to be a major public health problem, but little is known about the prevalence and prognosis of presumed TB in children.

Methods

As part of a prospective hospital-based surveillance on the northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, the authors investigated the admission prevalence and case fatality rate associated with presumed TB over a 6-year period (2011–2016). All children admitted who were diagnosed with TB were followed-up until discharge or death.

Results

Of 8992 paediatric admissions, 734 patients (8.2%) were diagnosed with presumed TB and there were 825 deaths, with TB accounting for 102 (12.4%). Extrapulmonary TB was the final diagnosis in 384 admissions {prevalence 4.3% [384/8992 (95% CI 3.9–4.7)]} with a case fatality rate of 21.4% [82/384 (95% CI 17.4–25.9)]. TB meningitis, disseminated TB and pericardial TB had high case fatality rates of 29.0% (53/183), 28.9% (11/38) and 25% (4/16), respectively. Severe malnutrition was more common in patients with pulmonary compared with extrapulmonary TB (25.4% vs 15.6%; p<0.01).

Conclusions

Improved community-based case detection strategies, routine BCG vaccinations and other effective forms of TB control need revitalization and sustainability to reduce the high case fatality rates associated with childhood TB in Papua New Guinea.
A value set for documenting adverse reactions in electronic health records
Authors: Goss Foster R , Lai Kenneth H , Topaz Maxim , Acker Warren W , Kowalski Leigh , Plasek Joseph M , Blumenthal Kimberly G , Seger Diane L , Slight Sarah P , Wah Fung Kin , Chang Frank Y , Bates David W , Zhou Li
Published: November 2017

Objective

To develop a comprehensive value set for documenting and encoding adverse reactions in the allergy module of an electronic health record.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 2 471 004 adverse reactions stored in Partners Healthcare’s Enterprise-wide Allergy Repository (PEAR) of 2.7 million patients. Using the Medical Text Extraction, Reasoning, and Mapping System, we processed both structured and free-text reaction entries and mapped them to Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms. We calculated the frequencies of reaction concepts, including rare, severe, and hypersensitivity reactions. We compared PEAR concepts to a Federal Health Information Modeling and Standards value set and University of Nebraska Medical Center data, and then created an integrated value set.

Results

We identified 787 reaction concepts in PEAR. Frequently reported reactions included: rash (14.0%), hives (8.2%), gastrointestinal irritation (5.5%), itching (3.2%), and anaphylaxis (2.5%). We identified an additional 320 concepts from Federal Health Information Modeling and Standards and the University of Nebraska Medical Center to resolve gaps due to missing and partial matches when comparing these external resources to PEAR. This yielded 1106 concepts in our final integrated value set. The presence of rare, severe, and hypersensitivity reactions was limited in both external datasets. Hypersensitivity reactions represented roughly 20% of the reactions within our data.

Discussion

We developed a value set for encoding adverse reactions using a large dataset from one health system, enriched by reactions from 2 large external resources. This integrated value set includes clinically important severe and hypersensitivity reactions.

Conclusion

This work contributes a value set, harmonized with existing data, to improve the consistency and accuracy of reaction documentation in electronic health records, providing the necessary building blocks for more intelligent clinical decision support for allergies and adverse reactions.