bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis of respiratory syncytial virus subtype-dependent neutralization by an antibody targeting the fusion glycoprotein
Authors: Tian Daiyin , Battles Michael B. , Moin Syed M. , Chen Man , Modjarrad Kayvon , Kumar Azad , Kanekiyo Masaru , Graepel Kevin W. , Taher Noor M. , Hotard Anne L. , Moore Martin L. , Zhao Min , Zheng Zi-Zheng , Xia Ning-Shao , McLellan Jason S. , Graham Barney S.
Published: November 2017

A licensed vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is unavailable, and passive prophylaxis with the antibody palivizumab is restricted to high-risk infants. Recently isolated antibodies 5C4 and D25 are substantially more potent than palivizumab, and a derivative of D25 is in clinical trials. Here we show that unlike D25, 5C4 preferentially neutralizes subtype A viruses. The crystal structure of 5C4 bound to the RSV fusion (F) protein reveals that the overall binding mode of 5C4 is similar to that of D25, but their angles of approach are substantially different. Mutagenesis and virological studies demonstrate that RSV F residue 201 is largely responsible for the subtype specificity of 5C4. These results improve our understanding of subtype-specific immunity and the neutralization breadth requirements of next-generation antibodies, and thereby contribute to the design of broadly protective RSV vaccines.
Demonstration of chemistry at a point through restructuring and catalytic activation at anchored nanoparticles
Authors: Neagu Dragos , Papaioannou Evangelos I. , Ramli Wan K. W. , Miller David N. , Murdoch Billy J. , Ménard Hervé , Umar Ahmed , Barlow Anders J. , Cumpson Peter J. , Irvine John T. S. , Metcalfe Ian S.
Published: November 2017

Metal nanoparticles prepared by exsolution at the surface of perovskite oxides have been recently shown to enable new dimensions in catalysis and energy conversion and storage technologies owing to their socketed, well-anchored structure. Here we show that contrary to general belief, exsolved particles do not necessarily re-dissolve back into the underlying perovskite upon oxidation. Instead, they may remain pinned to their initial locations, allowing one to subject them to further chemical transformations to alter their composition, structure and functionality dramatically, while preserving their initial spatial arrangement. We refer to this concept as chemistry at a point and illustrate it by tracking individual nanoparticles throughout various chemical transformations. We demonstrate its remarkable practical utility by preparing a nanostructured earth abundant metal catalyst which rivals platinum on a weight basis over hundreds of hours of operation. Our concept enables the design of compositionally diverse confined oxide particles with superior stability and catalytic reactivity.
Symbionts protect aphids from parasitic wasps by attenuating herbivore-induced plant volatiles
Authors: Frago Enric , Mala Mukta , Weldegergis Berhane T. , Yang Chenjiao , McLean Ailsa , Godfray H. Charles J. , Gols Rieta , Dicke Marcel
Published: November 2017

Plants respond to insect attack by releasing blends of volatile chemicals that attract their herbivores’ specific natural enemies, while insect herbivores may carry endosymbiotic microorganisms that directly improve herbivore survival after natural enemy attack. Here we demonstrate that the two phenomena can be linked. Plants fed upon by pea aphids release volatiles that attract parasitic wasps, and the pea aphid can carry facultative endosymbiotic bacteria that prevent the development of the parasitic wasp larva and thus markedly improve aphid survival after wasp attack. We show that these endosymbionts also attenuate the systemic release of volatiles by plants after aphid attack, reducing parasitic wasp recruitment and increasing aphid fitness. Our results reveal a novel mechanism through which symbionts can benefit their hosts and emphasise the importance of considering the microbiome in understanding insect ecological interactions.
Controlling thermal reactivity with different colors of light
Authors: Houck Hannes A. , Du Prez Filip E. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2017

The ability to switch between thermally and photochemically activated reaction channels with an external stimulus constitutes a key frontier within the realm of chemical reaction control. Here, we demonstrate that the reactivity of triazolinediones, powerful coupling agents in biomedical and polymer research, can be effectively modulated by an external photonic field. Specifically, we show that their visible light-induced photopolymerization leads to a quantitative photodeactivation, thereby providing a well-defined off-switch of their thermal reactivity. Based on this photodeactivation, we pioneer a reaction manifold using light as a gate to switch between a UV-induced Diels–Alder reaction with photocaged dienes and a thermal addition reaction with alkenes. Critically, the modulation of the reactivity by light is reversible and the individually addressable reaction pathways can be repeatedly accessed. Our approach thus enables a step change in photochemically controlled reactivity, not only in small molecule ligations, yet importantly in controlled surface and photoresist design.
Fruit fracture biomechanics and the release of Lepidium didymum pericarp-imposed mechanical dormancy by fungi
Authors: Sperber Katja , Steinbrecher Tina , Graeber Kai , Scherer Gwydion , Clausing Simon , Wiegand Nils , Hourston James E. , Kurre Rainer , Leubner-Metzger Gerhard , Mummenhoff Klaus
Published: November 2017

The biomechanical and ecophysiological properties of plant seed/fruit structures are fundamental to survival in distinct environments. Dispersal of fruits with hard pericarps (fruit coats) encasing seeds has evolved many times independently within taxa that have seed dispersal as their default strategy. The mechanisms by which the constraint of a hard pericarp determines germination timing in response to the environment are currently unknown. Here, we show that the hard pericarp of Lepidium didymum controls germination solely by a biomechanical mechanism. Mechanical dormancy is conferred by preventing full phase-II water uptake of the encased non-dormant seed. The lignified endocarp has biomechanically and morphologically distinct regions that serve as predetermined breaking zones. This pericarp-imposed mechanical dormancy is released by the activity of common fungi, which weaken these zones by degrading non-lignified pericarp cells. We propose that the hard pericarp with this biomechanical mechanism contributed to the global distribution of this species in distinct environments.
Transcription factor repertoire in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) through analytics of transcriptomic resources: Insights into regulation of development and withanolide metabolism
Authors: Tripathi Sandhya , Sangwan Rajender Singh , Narnoliya Lokesh Kumar , Srivastava Yashdeep , Mishra Bhawana , Sangwan Neelam Singh
Published: November 2017

Transcription factors (TFs) are important regulators of cellular and metabolic functions including secondary metabolism. Deep and intensive RNA-seq analysis ofWithania somniferausing transcriptomic databases provided 3532 annotated transcripts of transcription factors in leaf and root tissues, belonging to 90 different families with major abundance for WD-repeat (174 and 165 transcripts) and WRKY (93 and 80 transcripts) in root and leaf tissues respectively, followed by that of MYB, BHLH and AP2-ERF. Their detailed comparative analysis withArabidopsis thaliana,Capsicum annum,Nicotiana tabacumandSolanum lycopersicumcounterparts together gave interesting patterns. However, no homologs for WsWDR representatives, LWD1 and WUSCHEL, were observed in other Solanaceae species. The data extracted from the sequence read archives (SRA) in public domain databases were subjected to re-annotation, re-mining, re-analysis and validation for dominant occurrence ofWRKYandWD-repeat(WDR) gene families. Expression of recombinant LWD1 and WUSCHEL proteins in homologous system led to enhancements in withanolide content indicating their regulatory rolein plantain the biosynthesis. Contrasting expression profiles of WsLWD1 and WsWUSCHEL provided tissue-specific insights for their participation in the regulation of developmental processes. The in-depth analysis provided first full-spectrum and comparative characteristics of TF-transcripts across plant species, in the perspective of integrated tissue-specific regulation of metabolic processes including specialized metabolism.
Inhibition of litter decomposition of two emergent macrophytes by addition of aromatic plant powder
Authors: Xie Ya-jun , Xie Yong-hong , Xiao Hua-yun , Deng Zheng-miao , Pan Ying , Pan Bai-han , Hu Jia-yu
Published: November 2017

Aromatic plants show antimicrobial activity due to their essential oils, but their effect on litter decomposition is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the biomass loss and nutrient dynamics in leaf litters of two macrophytes (Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Carex brevicuspis) with and without addition of powdered material of the aromatic plant Polygonum hydropiper or the non-aromatic plant C. brevicuspis. The two powders had similar basic chemical qualities but P. hydropiperi had a higher essential oils concentration. Leaf litters of M. sacchariflorus and C. brevicuspis were incubated with powdered P. hydropiper or C. brevicuspis (500 g m−3, 250 g m−3, and no addition) for 120 days in a mesocosm experiment. Compared with the control (no addition), P. hydropiperi addition decelerated nutrient release and litter decomposition, while C. brevicuspis addition accelerated those processes. The nitrogen concentrations in both leaf litters and the phosphorus concentration in C. brevicuspis leaf litter were increased by addition of both plant powders. The fungal biomass in both leaf litters decreased after P. hydropiperi addition, due to the antifungal activity of its essential oils. These data indicate that the aromatic plant P. hydropiperi inhibits litter decomposition via its essential oils and that such inhibition is not species-specific.
Caspase-3/-7-Specific Metabolic Precursor for Bioorthogonal Tracking of Tumor Apoptosis
Authors: Shim Man Kyu , Yoon Hong Yeol , Lee Sangmin , Jo Mun Kyeong , Park Jooho , Kim Jong-Ho , Jeong Seo Young , Kwon Ick Chan , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: November 2017

Apoptosis is one of the most important intracellular events in living cell, which is a programmed cell death interrelated with caspase enzyme activity for maintaining homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Therefore, direct apoptosis imaging of living cells can provide enormous advantages for diagnosis, drug discovery, and therapeutic monitoring in various diseases. However, a method of direct apoptosis imaging has not been fully validated, especially for live cells in in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we developed a new apoptosis imaging technology via a direct visualization of active caspase-3/-7 activity in living cells. For this, we synthesized a caspase-3/-7-specific cleavable peptide (KGDEVD) conjugated triacetylated N-azidoacetyl-D-mannosamine (Apo-S-Ac3ManNAz), wherein the Apo-S-Ac3ManNAz can be cleaved by the active caspase-3/-7 in live apoptotic cells and the cleaved Ac3ManNAz molecules can further generate targetable azido groups (N3) on the living cell surface. Importantly, the azido groups on the apoptotic tumor cells could be visualized with Cy5.5-conjugated dibenzylcyclooctyne (DBCO-Cy5.5) via bioorthogonal click chemistry in vitro cell culture condition and in vivo tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, our Apo-S-Ac3ManNAz can be utilized for the further applications in tumor therapy as a monitoring tool for anticancer efficacy and optimization of anticancer new drugs in cell culture system and in tumor-bearing mice.
Functionalized gold nanorod nanocomposite system to modulate differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into neural-like progenitors
Authors: Alghazali Karrer M. , Newby Steven D. , Nima Zeid A. , Hamzah Rabab N. , Watanabe Fumiya , Bourdo Shawn E. , Masi Thomas J. , Stephenson Stacy M. , Anderson David E. , Dhar Madhu s. , Biris Alexandru S.
Published: November 2017

A 2D multifunctional nanocomposite system of gold nanorods (AuNRs) was developed. Gold nanorods were functionalized via polyethylene glycol with a terminal amine, and, were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, ultra violet-visible and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Zeta-potential. The system was cytocompatible to and maintained the integrity of Schwann cells. The neurogenic potential of adipose tissue – derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was evaluated in vitro. The expression pattern and localization of Vimentin confirmed the mesenchymal origin of cells and tracked morphological changes during differentiation. The expression patterns of S100β and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were used as indicator for neural differentiation. Results suggested that this process was enhanced when the cells were seeded on the AuNRs compared to the tissue-culture surface. The present study indicates that the design and the surface properties of the AuNRs enhances neural differentiation of hMSCs and hence, would be beneficial for neural tissue engineering scaffolds.
Face Dependence of Schottky Barriers Heights of Silicides and Germanides on Si and Ge
Authors: Li Hongfei , Guo Yuzheng , Robertson John
Published: November 2017

Density functional supercell calculations of the Schottky barrier heights (SBH) of metal germanides and silicides on Si or Ge find that these vary with the facet, unlike those of elemental metals. In addition, silicides and germanides show a stronger dependence of their SBHs on the work function than those of elemental metals, as seen experimentally. Both effects are beyond the standard metal induced gap states model. NiSi2 is found to have a much lower SBH on n-Si(100) than on n-Si(111), as seen experimentally. It is shown how such results can be used to design lower SBH contacts for n-Ge, which are needed technologically. The SBHs of the better behaved Si/silicide interfaces can be used to benchmark the behavior of the less well behaved Ge-germanide interfaces for this purpose. The dependence of the SBH of epitaxial Pb-Si(111) on its reconstruction is also covered.
Posterior parietal cortex evaluates visuoproprioceptive congruence based on brief visual information
Authors: Limanowski Jakub , Blankenburg Felix
Published: November 2017

To represent one’s upper limbs for action, the brain relies on a combined position estimate based on visual and proprioceptive information. Monkey neurophysiology and human brain imaging suggest that the underlying operations are implemented in a network of fronto-parietal and occipitotemporal cortical areas. Recently, a potential hierarchical arrangement of these areas has been proposed, emphasizing the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in early multisensory comparison and integration. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a virtual reality-based setup to briefly (0.5 s) present healthy human participants photorealistic virtual hands, of matching or nonmatching anatomical side, or objects at the same or a different location than their real hidden left or right hand. The inferior parietal lobe (IPL) of the left PPC showed a significant preference for congruent visuoproprioceptive hand position information. Moreover, the left body part-selective extrastriate body area (EBA; functionally localized) significantly increased its coupling with the left IPL during visuoproprioceptive congruence vs. incongruence. Our results suggest that the PPC implements early visuoproprioceptive comparison and integration processes, likely relying on information exchange with the EBA.
The importance of parameter choice in modelling dynamics of the eye lens
Authors: Wang Kehao , Venetsanos Demetrios T. , Wang Jian , Augousti Andy T. , Pierscionek Barbara K.
Published: November 2017

The lens provides refractive power to the eye and is capable of altering ocular focus in response to visual demand. This capacity diminishes with age. Current biomedical technologies, which seek to design an implant lens capable of replicating the function of the biological lens, are unable as yet to provide such an implant with the requisite optical quality or ability to change the focussing power of the eye. This is because the mechanism of altering focus, termed accommodation, is not fully understood and seemingly conflicting theories require experimental support which is difficult to obtain from the living eye. This investigation presents finite element models of the eye lens based on data from human lenses aged 16 and 35 years that consider the influence of various modelling parameters, including material properties, a wide range of angles of force application and capsular thickness. Results from axisymmetric models show that the anterior and posterior zonules may have a greater impact on shape change than the equatorial zonule and that choice of capsular thickness values can influence the results from modelled simulations.
Raman-Deuterium Isotope Probing for in-situ identification of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in Thames River
Authors: Song Yizhi , Cui Li , López José Ángel Siles , Xu Jiabao , Zhu Yong-Guan , Thompson Ian P. , Huang Wei E.
Published: November 2017

The emergence and widespread distribution of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria has led to an increasing concern with respect to potential environmental and public health risks. Culture-independent and rapid identification of AMR bacteria in-situ in complex environments is important in understanding the role of viable but non-culturable and antibiotic persistent bacteria and in revealing potential pathogens without waiting for colony formation. In this study, a culture-independent and non-destructive phenotyping approach, so called Raman Deuterium Stable Isotope Probing (Raman-DIP), was developed to identify AMR bacteria in the River Thames. It is demonstrated that Raman-DIP was able to accurately identify resistant and susceptible bacteria within 24 hours. The work shows that, in the River Thames, the majority of the bacteria (76 ± 2%) were metabolically active, whilst AMR bacteria to carbenicillin, kanamycin and both two antibiotics were 35 ± 5%, 28 ± 3%, 25 ± 1% of the total bacterial population respectively. Raman activated cell ejection (RACE) was applied to isolate single AMR bacteria for the first time, linking AMR phenotype (reistance to antibiotics) and genotype (DNA sequence). The sequences of the RACE sorted cells indicate that they were potential human pathogens Aeromonas sp., Stenotrophomonas sp. and an unculturable bacterium. This work demonstrates Raman-DIP and RACE are effective culture-independent approach for rapid identification of AMR bacteria at the single cell level in their natural conditions.
Using ZnO–Cr2O3–ZnO heterostructures to characterize polarization penetration depth through non-polar films
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Jhang Jin-Hao , Zhou Chao , Dagdeviren Omur E. , Chen Zheng , Schwarz Udo D. , Altman Eric I.
Published: November 2017

The polarization of ZnO films on Cr2O3/ZnO shows that substrate polarization affects a non-polar material for <3 atomic layers.
Two mixed-addenda Nb/W polyoxometalate-based hybrid compounds containing multicopper units: synthesis, structures, and electrochemical and magnetic properties
Authors: Weng Zhewei , Ren Yuanhang , Gu Min , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: November 2017

Two Nb/W mixed-addenda polyoxometalate-based hybrid compounds were synthesized. Their structures and properties were studied.
Is a strong axial crystal-field the only essential condition for a large magnetic anisotropy barrier? The case of non-Kramers Ho(iii) versus Tb(iii )
Authors: Gupta Sandeep K. , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: November 2017

This study highlights that although strong axiality holds the key for designing high temperature SMMs based on non-Kramers ions, the strength of the equatorial ligand field, although small, cannot be ignored.
Post-synthetically modified SBA-15 with NH2-coordinately immobilized iron-oxine: SBA-15/NH2-FeQ3 as a Fenton-like hybrid catalyst for the selective oxidation of organic sulfides
Authors: Golchin Hosseini Habib , Rostamnia Sadegh
Published: November 2017

We herein report the synthesis and catalysis of SBA-15 grafted iron-oxine. SBA-15/NH2-FeQ3 showed efficient catalytic activity in sulfide oxidation.
La activated high surface area titania float for the adsorption of Pb(ii) from aqueous media
Authors: R. Shwetharani , A. Poojashree , Balakrishna Geetha R. , M. S. Jyothi
Published: November 2017

Smaller particle size with higher surface area La-TiO2fabricated float depicts enhanced adsorption of hazardous heavy metal ion Pb2+, present in the aqueous media and the float makes the process easy and reusable.
Synthesis of α-glycosidase hybrid nano-flowers and their application for enriching and screening α-glycosidase inhibitors
Authors: Qian Kang , Wang Han , Liu Jieming , Gao Shuting , Liu Weiting , Wan Xi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Qing-Shan , Yin Xiao-Ying
Published: November 2017

To rapidly and accurately screen compounds present in traditional Chinese herbal medicines for α-glycosidase inhibitors, we synthesized a novel nano-affinity material to enable the targeted screening of α-glycosidase inhibitors.
In-plane molecular organization of hydrated single lipid bilayers: DPPC:cholesterol
Authors: Gumí-Audenis Berta , Costa Luca , Redondo-Morata Lorena , Milhiet Pierre-Emmanuel , Sanz Fausto , Felici Roberto , Giannotti Marina I. , Carlà Francesco
Published: November 2017

We present a novel and user-friendly setup for GIXD characterization of hydrated individual lipid bilayers, differentiating the coexisting domains in DPPC : chol membranes.
Open chemoinformatic resources to explore the structure, properties and chemical space of molecules
Authors: González-Medina Mariana , Naveja J. Jesús , Sánchez-Cruz Norberto , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: November 2017

Open chemoinformatic servers facilitate analysis of chemical space and structure–activity relationships.
Supercritical CO2 mediated incorporation of sulfur into carbon matrix as cathode materials towards high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Fang Ruyi , Liang Chu , Xia Yang , Xiao Zhen , Huang Hui , Gan Yongping , Zhang Jun , Tao Xinyong , Zhang Wenkui
Published: November 2017

A green and facile supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) synthetic strategy is successfully developed to fabricate high-performance carbon–sulfur cathodes for advanced Li–S batteries, which also could open up a new avenue for the rational design and controllable synthesis of functional materials.
Tracking of an electron beam through the solar corona with LOFAR
Authors: Mann G. , Breitling F. , Vocks C. , Aurass H. , Steinmetz M. , Strassmeier K. G. , Bisi M. M. , Fallows R. A. , Gallagher P. , Kerdraon A. , Mackinnon A. , Magdalenic J. , Rucker H. , Anderson J. , Asgekar A. , Avruch I. M. , Bell M. E. , Bentum M. J. , Bernardi G. , Best P. , Bîrzan L. , Bonafede A. , Broderick J. W. , Brüggen M. , Butcher H. R. , Ciardi B. , Corstanje A. , de Gasperin F. , de Geus E. , Deller A. , Duscha S. , Eislöffel J. , Engels D. , Falcke H. , Fender R. , Ferrari C. , Frieswijk W. , Garrett M. A. , Grießmeier J. , Gunst A. W. , van Haarlem M. , Hassall T. E. , Heald G. , Hessels J. W. T. , Hoeft M. , Hörandel J. , Horneffer A. , Juette E. , Karastergiou A. , Klijn W. F. A. , Kondratiev V. I. , Kramer M. , Kuniyoshi M. , Kuper G. , Maat P. , Markoff S. , McFadden R. , McKay-Bukowski D. , McKean J. P. , Mulcahy D. D. , Munk H. , Nelles A. , Norden M. J. , Orru E. , Paas H. , Pandey-Pommier M. , Pandey V. N. , Pizzo R. , Polatidis A. G. , Rafferty D. , Reich W. , Röttgering H. , Scaife A. M. M. , Schwarz D. J. , Serylak M. , Sluman J. , Smirnov O. , Stappers B. W. , Tagger M. , Tang Y. , Tasse C. , ter Veen S. , Thoudam S. , Toribio M. C. , Vermeulen R. , van Weeren R. J. , Wise M. W. , Wucknitz O. , Yatawatta S. , Zarka P. , Zensus J. A.
Published: November 2017

The Sun’s activity leads to bursts of radio emission, among other phenomena. An example is type-III radio bursts. They occur frequently and appear as short-lived structures rapidly drifting from high to low frequencies in dynamic radio spectra. They are usually interpreted as signatures of beams of energetic electrons propagating along coronal magnetic field lines. Here we present novel interferometric LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray) observations of three solar type-III radio bursts and their reverse bursts with high spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution. They are consistent with a propagation of the radio sources along the coronal magnetic field lines with nonuniform speed. Hence, the type-III radio bursts cannot be generated by a monoenergetic electron beam, but by an ensemble of energetic electrons with a spread distribution in velocity and energy. Additionally, the density profile along the propagation path is derived in the corona. It agrees well with three-fold coronal density model by (1961, ApJ, 133, 983).
Effect of Sustained Use of Aspirin until the Time of Surgery on Outcomes following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kamali Alireza , Ghandi Yazdan , Sharifi Mehrzad
Published: November 2017

Background The topic of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) use in coronary artery disease patients planned for coronary artery bypass grafting during perioperative period is among the most disputed issues in cardiac surgery. We designed a study to weigh the risks and benefits of continued ASA ingestion until the time of surgery.

Methods In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 206 consecutive patients scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were randomly stratified into two groups. In group 1 (104 cases), patients were given 80 mg ASA per day until the day of surgery. In group 2 (102 patients), ASA (80 mg per day) was stopped 4 days before the operation. Patients in these two groups were similar in terms of preoperative patient and procedural characteristics. ASA was resumed 24 hours after the surgery in all patients.

Results The rates of bleeding and reexploration within 24 hours of surgery were significantly higher in group 1 (824.3 vs. 492.1 mL, p < 0.001 and 5.7% vs. 0, p = 0.0138, respectively). The amount of intra- and postoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion was considerably greater in group 1 (mean: 1.83 vs. 0.71 units, p < 0.001). The rate of hospital mortality was similar (1.9% in both the groups, p = 0.98). Patients in group 1 had significantly longer mean hospital stay than patients in group 2 (8 vs. 5.1 days, p < 0.001). Again the time interval between weaning from heart–lung machine and closing the sternum was strikingly longer in group 1 (mean: 32.1 vs. 14.5 minutes, p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse postoperative outcomes such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure was not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusion Sustained ASA use until the day of surgery in patients planned for elective isolated CABG can result in excessive bleeding, increased rate of reexploration, and need for more PRBC transfusion without any proven beneficial effect on reducing unfavorable postoperative outcomes. Hence, we recommend discontinuing ASA between 3 and 5 days before non-urgent CABG while keeping it on in nonelective circumstances.
Ätiologie und Pathogenese der Spondylodiszitis
Authors: Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Robinson Yohan , Jeszenszky Dezsö
Published: November 2017

Die Häufigkeit der unspezifischen „pyogenen“ und der verschiedenen Formen der spezifischen Spondylodiszitiden nimmt zu. Die Gründe dafür sind vielfältig. Diese Erkrankungen sind auch heute noch mit einer relevanten Morbidität und Mortalität vergesellschaftet. Die Diagnose erfolgt aufgrund der unspezifischen klinischen Manifestation häufig verzögert. Die Kenntnis der Epidemiologie, der Ätiologie und der Pathogenese der verschiedenen Formen der Spondylodiszitis kann die frühzeitige Diagnose und damit den Beginn der Therapie als auch die Therapie an sich erleichtern. In diesem Artikel werden deshalb epidemiologische Daten und wesentliche Aspekte der Ätiologie und Pathogenese der unspezifischen pyogenen Spondylodiszitis sowie der verschiedenen Formen der spezifischen Spondylodiszitis bei Tuberkulose, bei Brucellose und bei Pilzinfektionen diskutiert.
Red Flags erkennen – Wenn nur Schmerzmittel helfen
Authors: Piekartz Harry von , Zalpour Christoff
Published: November 2017

Es scheint ein klassischer Fall zu sein: ein junger Fußballspieler mit Knieschmerzen. Doch komischerweise verstärkt sich die Schwellung nach dem Training nie. Und was hat es mit dem sonderbaren Taubheitsgefühl am Unterschenkel auf sich?
Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) – Armfunktionen messen
Authors: Pinkowski Cosima
Published: November 2017

Mit dem ARAT erfassen Therapeuten verschiedene Bewegungsaufgaben von Hand und Arm. Sie können mit dem Assessment Armfunktionen standardisiert beschreiben und Veränderungen dokumentieren.
Entwicklungshilfe für China – Land ohne Physiotherapeuten
Authors: Böhm Michaela
Published: November 2017

Physiotherapeuten reisen nach China – ins Geburtsland der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin, um dort westliche Therapiemethoden zu lehren. Das klingt befremdlich. Tatsächlich wollen chinesische Kliniken künftig beides kombinieren. Die Physiotherapeuten Edith Zeisig und Jérôme Becher haben sie dabei unterstützt.
Kinderorthopädie – Schwerpunkt Fuß
Authors: Wachowsky Michael , Eberhardt Oliver , Wirth Thomas
Published: November 2017

Fußfehlstellungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter beschäftigen sowohl den Kinderarzt als auch den Orthopäden. Harmlose Fußfehlhaltungen müssen dabei von strukturellen Deformitäten unterschieden werden, bei denen eine Therapie notwendig wird. Im folgenden Artikel sollen die häufigsten Fußfehlstellungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter dargestellt werden.
The political economy of poverty in Ethiopia: drivers and challenges
Authors: Bekele Yeshtila W.
Published: November 2017

For more than four decades, researchers have analysed the poverty dynamics in Ethiopia from an economic point of view. This study adopted a political economy approach to analyse the poverty dynamics in the post-1991 period. It aims to provide insight into the root causes and dynamics of poverty from a political economy perspective. The empirical data were collected from eight rural localities in Debere Brehan, the Gamo highlands and Jimma. Research methods included interviews, surveys and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that the powerlessness of peasants vis-à-vis the state and the failure of agrarian transformation are aggravating the extent of rural poverty.
Conventional and hyperspectral time-series imaging of maize lines widely used in field trials
Authors: Liang Zhikai , Pandey Piyush , Stoerger Vincent , Xu Yuhang , Qiu Yumou , Ge Yufeng , Schnable James C
Published: November 2017

Background

Maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) is 1 of 3 crops, along with rice and wheat, responsible for more than one-half of all calories consumed around the world. Increasing the yield and stress tolerance of these crops is essential to meet the growing need for food. The cost and speed of plant phenotyping are currently the largest constraints on plant breeding efforts. Datasets linking new types of high-throughput phenotyping data collected from plants to the performance of the same genotypes under agronomic conditions across a wide range of environments are essential for developing new statistical approaches and computer vision–based tools.

Findings

A set of maize inbreds—primarily recently off patent lines—were phenotyped using a high-throughput platform at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These lines have been previously subjected to high-density genotyping and scored for a core set of 13 phenotypes in field trials across 13 North American states in 2 years by the Genomes 2 Fields Consortium. A total of 485 GB of image data including RGB, hyperspectral, fluorescence, and thermal infrared photos has been released.

Conclusions

Correlations between image-based measurements and manual measurements demonstrated the feasibility of quantifying variation in plant architecture using image data. However, naive approaches to measuring traits such as biomass can introduce nonrandom measurement errors confounded with genotype variation. Analysis of hyperspectral image data demonstrated unique signatures from stem tissue. Integrating heritable phenotypes from high-throughput phenotyping data with field data from different environments can reveal previously unknown factors that influence yield plasticity.
Factorizable Module Algebras
Authors: Berenstein Arkady , Schmidt Karl
Published: November 2017

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study a large class of $\mathfrak{g}$-module algebras that we call factorizable by generalizing the Gauss factorization of square or rectangular matrices. This class includes coordinate algebras of corresponding reductive groups G, their parabolic subgroups, basic affine spaces, and many others. It turns out that products of factorizable algebras are also factorizable and it is easy to create a factorizable algebra out of virtually any $\mathfrak{g}$-module algebra. We also have quantum versions of all these constructions in the category of $U_{q}(\mathfrak{g})$-module algebras. Quite surprisingly, our quantum factorizable algebras are naturally acted on by the quantized enveloping algebra $U_{q}(\mathfrak{g}^{\ast })$ of the dual Lie bialgebra $\mathfrak{g}^{\ast }$ of $\mathfrak{g}$.
Neurocognitive functioning is associated with functional independence in newly diagnosed patients with temporal lobe glioma
Authors: Noll Kyle R , Bradshaw Mariana E , Weinberg Jeffrey S , Wefel Jeffrey S
Published: November 2017

Background

Cancer and treatment-related neurocognitive dysfunction has the potential to significantly disrupt the lives of survivors. While neurocognitive functioning is known to predict aspects of patient-reported quality of life in individuals with glioma, little is known regarding the association between neurocognitive functioning and clinician-rated functional independence.

Methods

Newly diagnosed patients with glioma in the left (n = 73; 49% glioblastoma) or right (n = 30; 57% glioblastoma) temporal lobe completed comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Clinicians rated patient functional independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships between neurocognitive functioning and functional independence.

Results

Tests of verbal learning, executive function, and language comprehension were moderately to strongly associated with clinician-rated functional independence, particularly for items pertaining to need for assistance with memory, problem-solving, and language functions. Stepwise linear regression showed that tests of verbal learning, executive functioning, and language comprehension predicted FIM ratings, together accounting for 40% of variance (P < .001). A test of executive functioning also predicted KPS scores and accounted for 19% of variance (P < .001).

Conclusions

In patients with newly diagnosed temporal lobe glioma, neurocognitive functioning is associated with functional independence. Verbal learning, executive functioning, and language comprehension demonstrated the strongest associations across both measures of functional independence. These findings provide support for the ecological validity of neuropsychological assessment by demonstrating the real-world clinical significance of objectively assessed neurocognitive functioning in glioma patients.
Returning research results: caregivers’ reactions following computerized cognitive training among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Scott Sarah M , Ashford Jason M , Clark Kellie N , Martin-Elbahesh Karen , Conklin Heather M
Published: November 2017

Background

Few researchers routinely disseminate results to participants; however, there is increasing acknowledgment that benefits of returning results outweigh potential risks. Our objective was to determine whether use of specific guidelines developed by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) when preparing a lay summary would aid in understanding results. Specifically, to determine if caregivers of childhood cancer survivors found a lay summary comprehensive, easy to understand, and helpful following participation in a computerized cognitive training program.

Methods

In a previous study, 68 childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or brain tumor with identified cognitive deficits were randomly assigned to participate in a computerized cognitive intervention or assigned to a wait list. Following conclusion of this study, participants’ caregivers were contacted and provided with a summary of results based on COG guidelines and survey. Forty-three participants returned the surveys, examining caregivers’ interpretation of the summary, reaction to the results, and information regarding preference for receiving results.

Results

Caregivers reported results as important (93%), helpful (93%), easy to understand (98%), and relevant to their child (91%). They interpreted the results as generally positive, with many caregivers endorsing satisfaction (84%); however, concern of long-term implications was expressed (25%). Most preferred receiving results through postal letter (88%) or email (47%).

Conclusions

Benefits of returning research results to families appear to outweigh potential negative consequences. Returning results may help inform families when making future health care-related decisions. There is a great need to develop and assess the utility of guidelines for returning research results.
In-flight calibration of Hitomi Soft X-ray Spectrometer. (1) Background
Authors: Kilbourne Caroline A , Sawada Makoto , Tsujimoto Masahiro , Angellini Lorella , Boyce Kevin R , Eckart Megan E , Fujimoto Ryuichi , Ishisaki Yoshitaka , Kelley Richard L , Koyama Shu , Leutenegger Maurice A , Loewenstein Michael , McCammon Dan , Mitsuda Kazuhisa , Nakashima Shinya , Porter Frederick S , Seta Hiromi , Takei Yoh , Tashiro Makoto S , Terada Yukikatsu , Yamada Shinya , Yamasaki Noriko Y
Published: November 2017

The X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) instrument of Suzaku provided the first measurement of the non-X-ray background (NXB) of an X-ray calorimeter spectrometer, but the data set was limited. The Soft X-ray Spectrometer (SXS) instrument of Hitomi was able to provide a more detailed picture of X-ray calorimeter background, with more than 360 ks of data while pointed at the Earth, and a comparable amount of blank-sky data. These data are important not only for analyzing SXS science data, but also for categorizing the contributions to the NXB in X-ray calorimeters as a class. In this paper, we present the contributions to the SXS NXB, the types and effectiveness of the screening, the interaction of the screening with the broad-band redistribution, and the residual background spectrum as a function of magnetic cut-off rigidity. The orbit-averaged SXS NXB in the range 0.3–12 keV was 4 × 10−2 counts s−1 cm−2. This very low background in combination with groundbreaking spectral resolution gave SXS unprecedented sensitivity to weak spectral lines.
Coarse-grained simulations of actomyosin rings point to a nodeless model involving both unipolar and bipolar myosins
Authors: Nguyen Lam T. , Swulius Matthew T. , Aich Samya , Mishra Mithilesh , Jensen Grant J.
Published: November 2017

Cytokinesis in most eukaryotic cells is orchestrated by a contractile actomyosin ring. While many of the proteins involved are known, the mechanism of constriction remains unclear. Informed by existing literature and new 3D molecular details from electron cryotomography, here we develop 3D coarse-grained models of actin filaments, unipolar and bipolar myosins, actin crosslinkers, and membranes and simulate their nteractions. Exploring a matrix of possible actomyosin configurations suggested that node-based architectures ike those presently described for ring assembly result in membrane puckers not seen in EM images of real cells. Instead, the model that best matches data from fluorescence microscopy, electron cryotomography, and biochemical experiments is one in which actin filaments transmit force to the membrane through evenly-distributed, membrane-attached, unipolar myosins, with bipolar myosins in the ring driving contraction. While at this point this model is only favored (not proven), the work highlights the power of coarse-grained biophysical simulations to compare complex mechanistic hypotheses.

Significance Statement

In most eukaryotes, a ring of actin and myosin drives cell division, but how the elements of the ring are arranged and constrict remain unclear. Here we use 3D coarse-grained simulations to explore various possibilities. Our simulations suggest that if actomyosin is arranged in nodes (as suggested by a popular model of ring assembly), the membrane distorts in ways not seen experimentally. Instead, actin and myosin are more ikely uniformly distributed around the ring. In the model that best fits experimental data, ring tension is generated by interactions between bipolar myosins and actin, and transmitted to the membrane via unipolar myosins. Technologically the study highlights how coarse-grained simulations can test specific mechanistic hypotheses by comparing their predicted outcomes to experimental results.
Higher-order inter-chromosomal hubs shape 3-dimensional genome organization in the nucleus
Authors: Quinodoz Sofia A. , Ollikainen Noah , Tabak Barbara , Palla Ali , Schmidt Jan Marten , Detmar Elizabeth , Lai Mason , Shishkin Alexander , Bhat Prashant , Trinh Vickie , Aznauryan Erik , Russell Pamela , Cheng Christine , Jovanovic Marko , Chow Amy , McDonel Patrick , Garber Manuel , Guttman Mitchell
Published: November 2017

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into a 3-dimensional structure in the nucleus of each cell. There are currently two distinct views of genome organization that are derived from different technologies. The first view, derived from genome-wide proximity ligation methods (e.g. Hi-C), suggests that genome organization is largely organized around chromosomes. The second view, derived fromin situimaging, suggests a central role for nuclear bodies. Yet, because microscopy and proximity-ligation methods measure different aspects of genome organization, these two views remain poorly reconciled and our overall understanding of how genomic DNA is organized within the nucleus remains incomplete. Here, we develop Split-Pool Recognition of Interactions by Tag Extension (SPRITE), which moves away from proximity-ligation and enables genome-wide detection of higher-order DNA interactions within the nucleus. Using SPRITE, we recapitulate known genome structures identified by Hi-C and show that the contact frequencies measured by SPRITE strongly correlate with the 3-dimensional distances measured by microscopy. In addition to known structures, SPRITE identifies two major hubs of inter-chromosomal interactions that are spatially arranged around the nucleolus and nuclear speckles, respectively. We find that the majority of genomic regions exhibit preferential spatial association relative to one of these nuclear bodies, with regions that are highly transcribed by RNA Polymerase II organizing around nuclear speckles and transcriptionally inactive and centromere-proximal regions organizing around the nucleolus. Together, our results reconcile the two distinct pictures of nuclear structure and demonstrate that nuclear bodies act as inter-chromosomal hubs that shape the overall 3-dimensional packaging of genomic DNA in the nucleus.
Targeted Genotyping of Variable Number Tandem Repeats with adVNTR
Authors: Bakhtiari Mehrdad , Shleizer-Burko Sharona , Gymrek Melissa , Bansal Vikas , Bafna Vineet
Published: November 2017

Whole Genome Sequencing is increasingly used to identify Mendelian variants in clinical pipelines. These pipelines focus on single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and also structural variants, while ignoring more complex repeat sequence variants. We consider the problem of genotypingVariable Number Tandem Repeats(VNTRs), composed of inexact tandem duplications of short (6-100bp) repeating units. VNTRs span 3% of the human genome, are frequently present in coding regions, and have been implicated in multiple Mendelian disorders. While existing tools recognize VNTR carrying sequence, genotyping VNTRs (determining repeat unit count and sequence variation) from whole genome sequenced reads remains challenging. We describe a method, adVNTR, that uses Hidden Markov Models to model each VNTR, count repeat units, and detect sequence variation. adVNTR models can be developed for short-read (Illumina) and single molecule (PacBio) whole genome and exome sequencing, and show good results on multiple simulated and real data sets. adVNTR is available athttps://github.com/mehrdadbakhtiari/adVNTR
Transgenic mouse lines expressing the 3xFLAG-dCas9 protein for enChIP analysis
Authors: Fujita Toshitsugu , Kitaura Fusako , Oji Asami , Tanigawa Naoki , Yuno Miyuki , Ikawa Masahito , Taniuchi Ichiro , Fujii Hodaka
Published: November 2017

We developed the engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (enChIP) technology to isolate specific genomic regions while retaining their molecular interactions. In enChIP, the locus of interest is tagged with an engineered DNA-binding molecule, such as a modified form of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system containing a guide RNA (gRNA) and a catalytically inactive form of Cas9 (dCas9). The locus is then affinity-purified to enable identification of associated molecules. In this study, we generated transgenic mice expressing 3xFLAG-tagged Streptococcus pyogenes dCas9 (3xFLAG-dCas9) and retrovirally transduced gRNA into primary CD4+ T cells from these mice for enChIP. Using this approach, we achieved high yields of enChIP at the targeted genomic region. Our novel transgenic mouse lines provide a valuable tool for enChIP analysis in primary mouse cells.
Standardizing microsatellite panels for individual identification of seabirds’ Snow PetrelPagodroma niveaand Wilson’s Storm PetrelOceanites oceanicusin Antarctica
Authors: Pande Anant , Rawat Nidhi , Sivakumar Kuppusamy , Sathyakumar Sambandan , Mathur Vinod B. , Mondol Samrat
Published: November 2017

Seabirds are known to be important indicators of marine ecosystems health. Procellariiformes are one of the most abundant seabird species distributed from warm tropical to cold temperate regions including Antarctica. With few long-term studies on breeding seabirds at the Antarctic continent, crucial biological parameters such as genetic variation, population genetic structure and past population demography is lacking for most of the commonly occurring species. Under the ‘Biology and Environmental Sciences’ component of the Indian Antarctic programme, long-term monitoring of Antarctic biodiversity is being conducted. In this paper, we describe a panel of 12 and 10 cross-species microsatellite markers for two relatively less studied seabird species in Antarctica, snow petrelPagodroma niveaand Wilson’s storm petrelOceanites oceanicus, respectively. These loci showed high amplification success and moderate level of polymorphism in snow petrel (mean no. of alleles 7.08±3.01 and mean observed heterozygosity 0.35±0.23), but low polymorphism in Wilson’s storm petrel (mean no. of alleles 3.9±1.3 and mean observed heterozygosity 0.28±0.18). The results demonstrate that these panels can unambiguously identify individuals of both species from various types of biological materials. This work forms a baseline for undertaking long-term genetic research of Antarctic seabird species and provides critical insights into their population genetics.