bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible X‐ray detector based on sliced lead iodide crystal
Authors: Sun Hui , Zhao Beijun , Yang Dingyu , Wangyang Peihua , Gao Xiuying , Zhu Xinghua
Published: January 2017

A promising flexible X‐ray detector based on inorganic semiconductor PbI2 crystal is reported. The sliced crystals mechanically cleaved from an as‐grown PbI2 crystal act as the absorber directly converting the impinging X‐ray photons to electron hole pairs. Due to the ductile feature of the PbI2 crystal, the detector can be operated under a highly curved state with the strain on the top surface up to 1.03% and still maintaining effective detection performance. The stable photocurrent and fast response were obtained with the detector repeated bending to a strain of 1.03% for 100 cycles. This work presents an approach for developing efficient and cost‐effective PbI2‐based flexible X‐ray detector.

magnified image

Photocurrent responses of the flexible PbI2 X‐ray detector with the strain on the top surface up to 1.03% proposed in this work with the cross sectional structure and curved detector photograph as insets. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An 18‐year climatology of hailstorm trends and related drivers across southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Soderholm J. S. , McGowan H. , Richter H. , Walsh K. , Weckwerth T. M. , Coleman M.
Published: January 2017

The southeast Queensland (SEQ) region of Australia is recognised for frequent thunderstorms documented through numerous studies including high‐impact severe thunderstorm cases which have caused insured losses exceeding $1 billion AUD. Despite a modest body of scientific literature, basic questions regarding the role of climate, synoptic and local‐scale (<10 km) processes affecting the variability of thunderstorms still remain. In an effort to advance these questions as part of the Coastal Convective Interactions Experiment (CCIE), this study integrates multiple datasets across an 18‐year period (July 1997–June 2015) to provide a mesoscale climatological analysis of the SEQ hailstorms and associated environmental conditions. On a multi‐year time‐scale, the relationship between the El Niño Southern Oscillation and hailstorm frequency is consistent with previous studies. On synoptic scales, a southeasterly change situation coupled with a sea breeze was found to provide the most favourable environment for hailstorms, particularly for southwest SEQ. On the local scale, hail development within convective cells was found to be most frequent within the inland limb of the maritime air mass on sea‐breeze days. This observation suggests the sea‐breeze air masses may become favourable for convection after sufficient modification during inland propagation.
Development and application of sub‐2‐μm particle CO2‐based chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of lipids in cottonseed extracts
Authors: Salazar Carolina , Jones Michael D. , Sturtevant Drew , Horn Patrick J. , Crossley Janna , Zaman Khadiza , Chapman Kent D. , Wrona Mark , Isaac Giorgis , Smith Norman W. , Shulaev Vladimir
Published: January 2017

Rationale

Refined cottonseed oil has widespread applications in the food and chemical industries. Although the major lipids comprising cottonseed oil (triacylglycerols) are well known, there are many diverse lipid species in cotton seeds that occur at much lower levels and have important nutritional or anti‐nutritional properties.

Methods

The lipid technical samples were prepared in chloroform. The biological samples were extracted using a mixture of isopropanol/chloroform/H2O (2:1:0.45). The data were collected using high and low collision energy with simultaneous data collection on a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer which allowed the characterization of lipids by precursor and product ion alignment. The supercritical fluid chromatography methodology is flexible and can be altered to provide greater retention and separation. The comprehensive method was used to screen seed lipid extracts from several cotton genotypes using multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

Method variables influencing the peak integrity and chromatographic separation for a mixture of lipids with different degrees of polarity were explored. The experiments were designed to understand the chromatographic behavior of lipids in a controlled setting using a variety of lipid extracts. Influences of acyl chain length and numbers of double bonds were investigated using single moiety standards.

Conclusions

The methodology parameters were examined using single moiety lipid standards and standard mixtures. The method conditions were applied to biological lipid extracts, and adjustments were investigated to manipulate the chromatography. Insights from these method variable manipulations will help to frame the development of targeted lipid profiling and screening protocols. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence analysis for skew‐normal semiparametric joint models of multivariate longitudinal and multivariate survival data
Authors: Tang An‐Min , Tang Nian‐Sheng , Zhu Hongtu
Published: January 2017

The normality assumption of measurement error is a widely used distribution in joint models of longitudinal and survival data, but it may lead to unreasonable or even misleading results when longitudinal data reveal skewness feature. This paper proposes a new joint model for multivariate longitudinal and multivariate survival data by incorporating a nonparametric function into the trajectory function and hazard function and assuming that measurement errors in longitudinal measurement models follow a skew‐normal distribution. A Monte Carlo Expectation‐Maximization (EM) algorithm together with the penalized‐splines technique and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm within the Gibbs sampler is developed to estimate parameters and nonparametric functions in the considered joint models. Case deletion diagnostic measures are proposed to identify the potential influential observations, and an extended local influence method is presented to assess local influence of minor perturbations. Simulation studies and a real example from a clinical trial are presented to illustrate the proposed methodologies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cantilever beam temperature sensors for biological applications
Authors: Toda Masaya , Inomata Naoki , Ono Takahito , Voiculescu Ioana
Published: January 2017

This review presents two types of cantilever beams employed as highly sensitive temperature sensors. One type is fabricated from composite materials and is operated in the deflection mode. The second type, used as a temperature sensor and presented in this review, is a resonant cantilever beam. The materials used for the fabrication of the bimaterial cantilever beam are silicon or silicon nitride and thin metallic films such as gold or aluminum. When the temperature changes, the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the metal and silicon cause the sensor to deflect. Considering the models of temperature measurement for biological cells, the heat should be applied locally at the tip of the cantilever beam. Formulas for the calculation of the deflection as a function of incident power applied at the free end of the cantilever beam operated in a liquid are presented in this review. The natural convective heat transfer coefficient was estimated by using the mathematical model and experimental values. For biological applications, the cantilever beam temperature sensor was operated in a liquid, and the heat transfer coefficients were between 381 and 642 W/m2K when the temperature applied to the cantilever's free end varied from 28 to 71.8 °C. The resonant cantilever beam was also demonstrated as a sensitive temperature sensor for biological applications. As a thermogenic sample, brown fat cells (BFCs), which are related to metabolic heat production, are employed. The working principle of the resonator cantilever beam temperature sensor is based on the shift in resonant frequency in response to temperature changes. The resonant frequency and the temperature coefficient were 960 kHz and 22.0 ppm/K, respectively. The measurements were performed by stimulating the activity of BFCs by flowing a norepinephrine (NE) solution (1 µM).
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Shuttle vectors
Authors: Gnügge Robert , Rudolf Fabian
Published: January 2017

Yeast shuttle vectors are indispensable tools in yeast research. They enable cloning of defined DNA sequences in Escherichia coli and their direct transfer into Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. There are three types of commonly used yeast shuttle vectors: centromeric plasmids, episomal plasmids and integrating plasmids. In this review, we discuss the different plasmid systems and their characteristic features. We focus on their segregational stability and copy number and indicate how to modify these properties. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing Clinical Genetic Counselors’ Countertransference Experiences: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Reeder Rebecca , Veach Patricia McCarthy , MacFarlane Ian M. , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: January 2017

Countertransference (CT) refers to conscious and unconscious emotions, fantasies, behaviors, perceptions, and psychological defenses genetic counselors experience in response to any aspect of genetic counseling situations (Weil2010). Some authors theorize about the importance of recognizing and managing CT, but no studies solely aim to explore genetic counselors’ experiences of the phenomenon. This study examined the extent to which clinical genetic counselors’ perceive themselves as inclined to experience CT, gathered examples of CT encountered in clinical situations, and assessed their CT management strategies. An anonymous online survey, sent to NSGC members, yielded 127 usable responses. Participants completed Likert‐type items rating their CT propensities; 57 of these individuals also provided examples of CT they experienced in their practice. Factor analysis of CT propensities tentatively suggested four factors: Control, Conflict Avoidance, Directiveness, and Self‐Regulation, accounting for 38.5% of response variance. Thematic analysis of CT examples yielded five commontriggers: general similarity to patient, medical/genetic similarity, angry patients, patient behaves differently from counselor expectations, and disclosing bad news; six commonmanifestations: being self‐focused, projecting feelings onto the patient, intense emotional reaction to patient, being overly invested, disengagement, and physical reaction; five CTeffects: disruption in rapport building, repaired empathy, over‐identification, conversation does not reach fullest potential, and counselor is drained emotionally; and threemanagement strategies: recognizing CT as it occurs, self‐reflection, and consultation. Results suggest CT is a common experience, occurring in both “routine” and emotionally complex cases. Training programs, continuing education, and peer supervision might include discussion of CT, informed by examples from the present study, to increase genetic counselor awareness and skills for managing the phenomenon.
Trans‐Fatty Acid‐Stimulated Mammary Gland Growth in Ovariectomized Mice is Fatty Acid Type and Isomer Specific
Authors: Berryhill Grace E. , Miszewski Susan G. , Trott Josephine F. , Kraft Jana , Lock Adam L. , Hovey Russell C.
Published: January 2017

We previously reported that the trans‐18:2 fatty acid trans‐10, cis‐12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10,c12‐CLA) stimulates mammary gland development independent of estrogen and its receptor. Given the negative consequences of dietary trans‐fatty acids on various aspects of human health, we sought to establish whether other trans‐fatty acids could similarly induce ovary‐independent mammary gland growth in mice. Prepubertal BALB/cJ mice were ovariectomized at 21 days of age then were fed diets enriched with cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA (c9,t11‐CLA), or mixtures of trans‐18:1 fatty acids supplied by partially hydrogenated sunflower, safflower, or linseed oil. The resultant mammary phenotype was evaluated 3 weeks later and compared to the growth response elicited by t10,c12‐CLA, or the defined control diet. Whereas partially hydrogenated safflower oil increased mammary gland weight, none of the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils promoted mammary ductal growth. Similarly, the c9,t11‐CLA supplemented diet was without effect on mammary development. Taken together, our data emphasize a unique effect of t10,c12‐CLA in stimulating estrogen‐independent mammary gland growth manifest as increased mammary ductal area and elongation that was not recapitulated by c9,t11‐CLA or the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil diets.
Severe Hemorrhagic Syndrome After Lonomia Caterpillar Envenomation in the Western Brazilian Amazon: How Many More Cases Are There?
Authors: Santos João Hugo A. , Oliveira Sâmella S. , Alves Eliane C. , Mendonça-da-Silva Iran , Sachett Jacqueline A.G. , Tavares Antonio , Ferreira Luiz Carlos , Fan Hui Wen , Lacerda Marcus V.G. , Monteiro Wuelton M.
Published: January 2017

Contact with Lonomia caterpillars can cause a hemorrhagic syndrome. In Brazil, Lonomia obliqua and Lonomia achelous are known to cause this venom-induced disease. In the Brazilian Amazon, descriptions of this kind of envenomation are scarce. Herein, we report a severe hemorrhagic syndrome caused by Lonomia envenomation in the Amazonas state, Western Brazilian Amazon. The patient showed signs of hemorrhage lasting 8 days and required Lonomia antivenom administration, which resulted in resolution of hemorrhagic syndrome. Thus, availability of Lonomia antivenom as well as early antivenom therapy administration should be addressed across remote areas in the Amazon.
UNDERSTANDING DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDENDS IN AFRICA: THE NTA APPROACH
Authors: Dramani Latif , Oga Idossou Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we document the economic implications of changing demographic conditions in Africa. To construct support ratios, we use National Transfer Accounts (NTA) estimates of per capita labor income and consumption by age, as well as population estimates and projections provided by the UN Population Division for 16 African countries. First, we find that, on average, support ratios are rising in Africa. But compared with the support ratios in Asia and Latin America, the magnitude of those in Africa is lower because the percentage of effective workers in the total population is also low. Second, we find that human capital spending is high in countries with low fertility rates, which suggests a quantity–quality trade-off. NTA estimates also show that to capitalize on the demographic dividend, countries have to create economic opportunities for young adults. In addition, investment in human and physical capital is important to generate the second demographic dividend.
PUMA: The Positional Update and Matching Algorithm
Authors: Line J. L. B. , Webster R. L. , Pindor B. , Mitchell D. A. , Trott C. M.
Published: January 2017

We present new software to cross-match low-frequency radio catalogues: the Positional Update and Matching Algorithm. The Positional Update and Matching Algorithm combines a positional Bayesian probabilistic approach with spectral matching criteria, allowing for confusing sources in the matching process. We go on to create a radio sky model using Positional Update and Matching Algorithm based on the Murchison Widefield Array Commissioning Survey, and are able to automatically cross-match ~ 98.5% of sources. Using the characteristics of this sky model, we create simple simulated mock catalogues on which to test the Positional Update and Matching Algorithm, and find that Positional Update and Matching Algorithm can reliably find the correct spectral indices of sources, along with being able to recover ionospheric offsets. Finally, we use this sky model to calibrate and remove foreground sources from simulated interferometric data, generated using OSKAR (the Oxford University visibility generator). We demonstrate that there is a substantial improvement in foreground source removal when using higher frequency and higher resolution source positions, even when correcting positions by an average of 0.3 arcmin given a synthesised beam-width of ~ 2.3 arcmin.
Dynamical Study of the Exoplanet Host Binary System HD 106515
Authors: Rica F. M. , Barrena R. , Henríquez J. A. , Pérez F. M. , Vargas P.
Published: January 2017

HD 106515 AB (STF1619 AB) is a high common proper motion and common radial velocity binary star system composed of two G-type bright stars located at 35 pc and separated by about 7 arcsec. This system was observed by theHipparcossatellite with a precision in distance and proper motion of 3 and 2%, respectively. The system includes a circumprimary planet of nearly 10 Jupiter masses and a semimajor axis of 4.59 AU, discovered using the radial velocity method. The observational arc of 21° shows a small curvature that evidences HD 106515 AB is a gravitationally bound system. This work determines the dynamical parameters for this system which reinforce the bound status of both stellar components. We determine orbital solutions from instantaneous position and velocity vectors. In addition, we provide a very preliminary orbital solution and a distribution of the orbital parameters, obtained from the line of sight (z). Our results show that HD 106515 AB presents an orbital period of about 4 800 years, a semimajor axis of 345 AU and an eccentricity of about 0.42. Finally, we use an N-body numerical code to perform simulations and reproduce the longer term octupole perturbations on the inner orbit.
A Fractal Operator on Some Standard Spaces of Functions
Authors: Viswanathan P. , Navascués M. A.
Published: January 2017

Through appropriate choices of elements in the underlying iterated function system, the methodology of fractal interpolation enables us to associate a family of continuous self-referential functions with a prescribed real-valued continuous function on a real compact interval. This procedure elicits what is referred to as anα-fractal operator on, the space of all real-valued continuous functions defined on a compact intervalI. With an eye towards connecting fractal functions with other branches of mathematics, in this paper we continue to investigate the fractal operator in more general spaces such as the spaceof all bounded functions and the Lebesgue space, and in some standard spaces of smooth functions such as the spaceofk-times continuously differentiable functions, Hölder spacesand Sobolev spaces. Using properties of theα-fractal operator, the existence of Schauder bases consisting of self-referential functions for these function spaces is established.
Defining Coarsenings of Valuations
Authors: Jahnke Franziska , Koenigsmann Jochen
Published: January 2017

We study the question of which Henselian fields admit definable Henselian valuations (with or without parameters). We show that every field that admits a Henselian valuation with non-divisible value group admits a parameter-definable (non-trivial) Henselian valuation. In equicharacteristic 0, we give a complete characterization of Henselian fields admitting a parameter-definable (non-trivial) Henselian valuation. We also obtain partial characterization results of fields admitting -definable (non-trivial) Henselian valuations. We then draw some Galois-theoretic conclusions from our results.
PCR primers for straightforward differentiation ofHaemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placeiand their hybrids
Authors: Amarante M.R.V. , Santos M.C. , Bassetto C.C. , Amarante A.F.T.
Published: January 2017

Haemonchus contortusandHaemonchus placeiare among the major parasites of small ruminants and cattle. Although infection with these nematodes is host-specific, withH. placeipredominating in cattle andH. contortusin sheep, cross-infections are observed in areas where both parasites are sympatric, and hybrid offspring can occur. Therefore, a fast and precise method is required for differentiating the parasites. Identification based on spicule morphometry is the most common technique for differentiatingHaemonchusspecies. However, because these measurements overlap between species, morphological analysis is insufficient for differentiating between helminth species. In this work, we present a reliable, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method that uses two species-specific primer pairs to differentiate betweenH. contortusandH. placeispecimens and their hybrids. Each primer pair produces one single and distinct amplification band for each species, which enables the detection of hybrid specimens. These primer pairs were validated by testing eight different populations ofH. contortus, H. placeiand hybrids.
Cathcart vs Brooke: a Touring Actress and a Trial of Public Private Identity in the Australian Colonies
Authors: Flaherty Kate
Published: January 2017

In this article Kate Flaherty examines the sensational contractual dispute that arose between Gustavus Vaughan Brooke and Mary Fanny Cathcart during their Australian colonial tour in 1855. She follows Brooke's attempt to use his theatrical repertoire to achieve and consolidate a legal victory over Cathcart, but argues that this strategy ultimately backfired and elicited a form of judgement by the theatregoing public that countered the judgement handed down by the Supreme Court. Conversely, coverage of the case in Australian newspapers is identified as shaping reviews and sharpening the edge of the stage dramas. The article provides a focused instance of the complex interplay of dramatic works, cultural politics, gendered power, and publicity that characterized nineteenth-century theatrical touring. Kate Flaherty is a lecturer in English and Drama at the Australian National University, a member of the International Shakespeare Conference, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is author of Ours as We Play It: Australia Plays Shakespeare (University of Western Australia Press, 2011), as well as numerous essays on how Shakespeare's works play on the stage of public culture.
Government Work Reports: Securing State Legitimacy through Institutionalization
Authors: Wang Zhen
Published: January 2017

Relying on fieldwork conducted in two provinces, this article provides a systemic study of China's Government Work Reports (GWRs), examining their function, format, how they are formulated and implemented, their content and their research values. Whilst the existing literature mostly focuses on central government reports, this research integrates GWRs from all administrative levels. I argue that over time, the GWRs have developed into a highly institutionalized nationwide system with two important aspects – local elites’ autonomy in setting work agendas, and their compliance with central government policy priorities. Additionally, my study shows that by using quantifiable targets and celebrating achievements framed in concrete statistics, the GWRs help to sustain the legitimacy of the party-state. Finally, my study finds GWRs to be a versatile scholarly resource that can be used for various research interests and methods.
Secondary dormancy induction and release inBromus tectorumseeds: the role of temperature, water potential and hydrothermal time
Authors: Hawkins K. K. , Allen P.S. , Meyer S.E.
Published: January 2017

Seeds of the winter annualBromus tectorumlose primary dormancy in summer and are poised to germinate rapidly in the autumn. If rainfall is inadequate, seeds remain ungerminated and may enter secondary dormancy under winter conditions. We quantified conditions under which seeds enter secondary dormancy in the laboratory and field and also examined whether contrastingB. tectorumgenotypes responded differently to dormancy induction cues. The study also extends previous hydrothermal time models for primary dormancy loss and germination timing inB. tectorumby using similar models to account for induction and loss of secondary dormancy. Maximum secondary dormancy was achieved in the laboratory after 4 weeks at –1.0 MPa and 5°C. Seeds in the field became increasingly dormant through exposure to temperatures and water potentials in this range, confirming laboratory results. They were released from dormancy through secondary after-ripening the following summer. Different genotypes showed contrasting responses to dormancy induction cues in both laboratory and field. To examine secondary dormancy induction and release in the field in terms of hydrothermal time parameters, we first created a model that allowed mean base water potential (Ψb(50)) to vary while holding other hydrothermal time parameters constant, as in models for primary dormancy loss under dry conditions. The second model allowed all three model parameters to vary through time, to account for changes (e.g. hydrothermal time accumulation) that could occur simultaneously with dormancy induction in imbibed seeds. Shifts in Ψb(50) could explain most changes in dormancy status for seeds retrieved from the field, except during the short period prior to dormancy induction, when hydrothermal time was accumulating. This study illustrates that hydrothermal modelling, and specifically changes in Ψb(50), can be used to characterize secondary dormancy induction and loss inB. tectorum.
Cognitive Outcome in Childhood-Onset Epilepsy: A Five-Decade Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Karrasch Mira , Tiitta Petri , Hermann Bruce , Joutsa Juho , Shinnar Shlomo , Rinne Juha , Anttinen Anu , Sillanpää Matti
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Little is known about the very long-term cognitive outcome in patients with childhood-onset epilepsy. The aim of this unique prospective population-based cohort study was to examine cognitive outcomes in aging participants with childhood-onset epilepsy (mean onset age=5.3 years) five decades later (mean age at follow-up=56.5 years).Methods: The sample consisted of 48 participants with childhood-onset epilepsy and 48 age-matched healthy controls aged 48–63 years. Thirty-six epilepsy participants were in remission and 12 continued to have seizures. Cognitive function was examined with 11 neuropsychological tests measuring language and semantic function, episodic memory, and learning, visuomotor function, executive function, and working memory. Results: The risk of cognitive impairment was very high in participants with continuing seizures; odds ratio (OR)=11.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] (2.8, 49.6), p=.0008). They exhibited worse performances across measures of language and semantic function, and visuomotor function compared to participants with remitted epilepsy and healthy controls. In the participants with remitted epilepsy, the risk of cognitive impairment was somewhat elevated, but not statistically significant; OR=2.6 (95% CI [0.9, 7.5], p=.08).Conclusions: Our results showed that the distinction of continued versus discontinued seizures was critical for determining long-term cognitive outcome in childhood-onset epilepsy. Few participants in remission exhibited marked cognitive impairment compared to age-matched peers. However, a subgroup of participants with decades long active epilepsy, continuous seizure activity and anti-epileptic drug (AED) medication, showed clinically significant cognitive impairment and are thus in a more precarious position when entering older age. (JINS, 2017, 23, 332–340)
Fluctuations in money availability within an income cycle impacts diet quality of remote Indigenous Australians
Authors: Wycherley Thomas P , Pekarsky Brita AK , Ferguson Megan M , O’Dea Kerin , Brimblecombe Julie K
Published: January 2017

Objective

To consider the plausible nutritional impacts of fluctuations in money availability within an income cycle for remote Indigenous Australians.

Design

Community-level dietary intake (energy, micro/macronutrients) and expenditure on foods and beverages (F&B) were estimated over one year for three remote Indigenous Australian communities (Northern Territory, Australia) using monthly F&B transaction data. F&B that were likely to be consumed during a period within an income cycle when money was relatively limited (low money period (LMP) foods) were identified by panel consensus and scenario modelling was conducted to simulate the nutritional outcomes of a range of F&B selection responses to having an LMP.

Results

All scenarios resulted in reduced diet quality during the LMP relative to overall average diet values. Protein and fat energy percentages were reduced and carbohydrate energy percentage increased. Despite reduced expenditure, declines in energy intake were typically buffered due to the reduced energy cost ($AU/MJ) of the LMP diet. The micronutrient profile of the LMP diet was substantially poorer, such that additional key micronutrients dropped below population-weighted Estimated Average Requirements/Adequate Intakes.

Conclusions

The modelling undertaken herein suggests that even a short period of low money within an income cycle may noticeably contribute to the reduced diet quality of remote Indigenous Australians and exacerbate lifestyle disease risk. Dietary strategies that are designed to respond to diets and expenditure during different income cycle periods, rather than the overall average diet and expenditure, should be considered for improving diet quality and reducing cardiometabolic disease risk in remote Indigenous Australians.
Lokale Barrierecremes zur Hautpflege bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kleinkindern mit Inkontinenz-assoziierter Dermatitis (IAD) – Eine narrative Literaturübersicht
Authors: Reick Sibylle , Hubenthal Natalie , Zimmermann Marit , Hering Thomas
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Inkontinenz-assoziierte Dermatitis (IAD) ist eine häufig auftretende Erkrankung bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kleinkindern. Professionell Pflegende, aber auch Eltern, haben für die Therapie die Wahl zwischen zahlreichen Barrierecremes mit Zinkoxid, Dexpanthenol oder Vaseline in verschiedenen Wirkstoffkombinationen und mit unterschiedlichen Zusatzwirkstoffen. Fragestellung: Welche Wirkstoffkombinationen lokaler Barrierecremes reduzieren Schmerzen, Schweregrad oder Heilungsdauer bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kleinkindern mit Inkontinenz-assoziierter Dermatitis? Methodik: Mit Hilfe einer systematischen Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken MEDLINE und CINAHL wurden randomisierte kontrollierte Studien zum Effekt von Barrierecremes bei einer IAD in der Pädiatrie auf Aussagekraft und Anwendbarkeit beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Es wurden 15 RCTs gefunden, sechs wurden in die systematische Übersichtsarbeit eingeschlossen. Die methodische Qualität der Arbeiten reicht von gut bis mangelhaft, teilweise werden hohe Bias-Risiken erkennbar. Barrierecremes mit den Wirkstoffen Zinkoxid / Lanolin, Zinkoxid / Lebertran, Zinkoxid / Dexpanthenol, Paraffin / Bienenwachs / Dexpanthenol zeigen Effekte, sie reduzieren die IAD-assoziierten Beschwerden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die untersuchten Barrierecremes können in der Kinderkrankenpflege zur Therapie der IAD eingesetzt werden. Aufgrund der Limitationen kann nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass weitere Studien die Ergebnisse verändern werden.
Roberta Marie Johnson Receives 2016 Athelstan Spilhaus Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2017

Roberta Marie Johnson received the 2016 Athelstan Spilhaus Award at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an individual "for their enhancement of the public engagement with Earth and space sciences."
Aurora-A promotes the establishment of spindle assembly checkpoint by priming the Haspin-Aurora-B feedback loop in late G2 phase
Authors: Yu Fazhi , Jiang Ya , Lu Lucy , Cao Mimi , Qiao Yulong , Liu Xing , Liu Dan , Van Dyke Terry , Wang Fangwei , Yao Xuebiao , Guo Jing , Yang Zhenye
Published: January 2017

Aurora-A kinase functions mainly in centrosome maturation, separation and spindle formation. It has also been found to be amplified or overexpressed in a range of solid tumors, which is linked with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Importantly, Aurora-A inhibitors are being studied in a number of ongoing clinical trials. However, whether and how Aurora-A has a role in the regulation of the mitotic checkpoint is controversial. Additionally, the function of nuclear-accumulated Aurora-A in late G2 phase is not clear. Here we show that knockout, inhibition or blockade of the nuclear entry of Aurora-A severely decreased the centromere localization of Aurora-B and the phosphorylation of histone H3 threonine 3 (H3T3-ph) mediated by the kinase Haspin in late G2 phase. We further reveal that nuclear-accumulated Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin at multiple sites at its N-terminus and that this promotes H3T3-ph and the rapid recruitment to the centromere of the chromosomal passenger complex. In addition, Aurora-A facilitates the association of Aurora-B with their common substrates: Haspin and Plk1. Notably, these functions of Aurora-A are mostly independent of Plk1. Thus we demonstrate that, in late G2 and prophase, Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin to trigger the Haspin-H3T3-ph-Aurora-B positive feedback loop that supports the timely establishment of the chromosomal passenger complex and the mitotic checkpoint before spindle assembly.
An acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing γ-proteobacterium from soil
Authors: Hayatsu Masahito , Tago Kanako , Uchiyama Ikuo , Toyoda Atsushi , Wang Yong , Shimomura Yumi , Okubo Takashi , Kurisu Futoshi , Hirono Yuhei , Nonaka Kunihiko , Akiyama Hiroko , Itoh Takehiko , Takami Hideto
Published: January 2017

Nitrification, the microbial oxidation of ammonia to nitrate via nitrite, occurs in a wide range of acidic soils. However, the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) that have been isolated from soil to date are acid-sensitive. Here we report the isolation and characterization of an acid-adapted AOB from an acidic agricultural soil. The isolated AOB, strain TAO100, is classified within the Gammaproteobacteria based on phylogenetic characteristics. TAO100 can grow in the pH range of 5–7.5 and survive in highly acidic conditions until pH 2 by forming cell aggregates. Whereas all known gammaproteobacterial AOB (γ-AOB) species, which have been isolated from marine and saline aquatic environments, are halophiles, TAO100 is not phenotypically halophilic. Thus, TAO100 represents the first soil-originated and non-halophilic γ-AOB. The TAO100 genome is considerably smaller than those of other γ-AOB and lacks several genes associated with salt tolerance which are unnecessary for survival in soil. The ammonia monooxygenase subunit A gene of TAO100 and its transcript are higher in abundance than those of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and betaproteobacterial AOB in the strongly acidic soil. These results indicate that TAO100 plays an important role in the nitrification of acidic soils. Based on these results, we propose TAO100 as a novel species of a new genus, Candidatus Nitrosoglobus terrae.
Microbial community dynamics in Inferno Crater Lake, a thermally fluctuating geothermal spring
Authors: Ward Laura , Taylor Michael W , Power Jean F , Scott Bradley J , McDonald Ian R , Stott Matthew B
Published: January 2017

Understanding how microbial communities respond and adjust to ecosystem perturbation is often difficult to interpret due to multiple and often simultaneous variations in observed conditions. In this research, we investigated the microbial community dynamics of Inferno Crater Lake, an acidic geothermal spring in New Zealand with a unique thermal cycle that varies between 30 and 80 °C over a period of 40–60 days. Using a combination of next-generation sequencing, geochemical analysis and quantitative PCR we found that the microbial community composition was predominantly chemolithotrophic and strongly associated with the thermal cycle. At temperatures >65 °C, the microbial community was dominated almost exclusively by sulphur-oxidising archaea (Sulfolobus-like spp.). By contrast, at mesophilic temperatures the community structure was more mixed, comprising both archaea and bacteria but dominated primarily by chemolithotrophic sulphur and hydrogen oxidisers. Multivariate analysis of physicochemical data confirmed that temperature was the only significant variable associated with community turnover. This research contributes to our understanding of microbial community dynamics in variable environments, using a naturally alternating system as a model and extends our limited knowledge of acidophile ecology in geothermal habitats.
On the ecosystemic network of saliva in healthy young adults
Authors: Zaura Egija , Brandt Bernd W , Prodan Andrei , Teixeira de Mattos Maarten Joost , Imangaliyev Sultan , Kool Jolanda , Buijs Mark J , Jagers Ferry L P W , Hennequin-Hoenderdos Nienke L , Slot Dagmar E , Nicu Elena A , Lagerweij Maxim D , Janus Marleen M , Fernandez-Gutierrez Marcela M , Levin Evgeni , Krom Bastiaan P , Brand Henk S , Veerman Enno C I , Kleerebezem Michiel , Loos Bruno G , van der Weijden G A , Crielaard Wim , Keijser Bart J F
Published: January 2017

A dysbiotic state is believed to be a key factor in the onset of oral disease. Although oral diseases have been studied for decades, our understanding of oral health, the boundaries of a healthy oral ecosystem and ecological shift toward dysbiosis is still limited. Here, we present the ecobiological heterogeneity of the salivary ecosystem and relations between the salivary microbiome, salivary metabolome and host-related biochemical salivary parameters in 268 healthy adults after overnight fasting. Gender-specific differences in the microbiome and metabolome were observed and were associated with salivary pH and dietary protein intake. Our analysis grouped the individuals into five microbiome and four metabolome-based clusters that significantly related to biochemical parameters of saliva. Low salivary pH and high lysozyme activity were associated with high proportions of streptococcal phylotypes and increased membrane-lipid degradation products. Samples with high salivary pH displayed increased chitinase activity, higher abundance of Veillonella and Prevotella species and higher levels of amino acid fermentation products, suggesting proteolytic adaptation. An over-specialization toward either a proteolytic or a saccharolytic ecotype may indicate a shift toward a dysbiotic state. Their prognostic value and the degree to which these ecotypes are related to increased disease risk remains to be determined.
Structural basis of human PCNA sliding on DNA
Authors: De March Matteo , Merino Nekane , Barrera-Vilarmau Susana , Crehuet Ramon , Onesti Silvia , Blanco Francisco J. , De Biasio Alfredo
Published: January 2017

Sliding clamps encircle DNA and tether polymerases and other factors to the genomic template. However, the molecular mechanism of clamp sliding on DNA is unknown. Using crystallography, NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, here we show that the human clamp PCNA recognizes DNA through a double patch of basic residues within the ring channel, arranged in a right-hand spiral that matches the pitch of B-DNA. We propose that PCNA slides by tracking the DNA backbone via a ‘cogwheel’ mechanism based on short-lived polar interactions, which keep the orientation of the clamp invariant relative to DNA. Mutation of residues at the PCNA–DNA interface has been shown to impair the initiation of DNA synthesis by polymerase δ (pol δ). Therefore, our findings suggest that a clamp correctly oriented on DNA is necessary for the assembly of a replication-competent PCNA-pol δ holoenzyme.
Transportable hyperpolarized metabolites
Authors: Ji Xiao , Bornet Aurélien , Vuichoud Basile , Milani Jonas , Gajan David , Rossini Aaron J. , Emsley Lyndon , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Jannin Sami
Published: January 2017

Nuclear spin hyperpolarization of 13C-labelled metabolites by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization can enhance the NMR signals of metabolites by several orders of magnitude, which has enabled in vivo metabolic imaging by MRI. However, because of the short lifetime of the hyperpolarized magnetization (typically <1 min), the polarization process must be carried out close to the point of use. Here we introduce a concept that markedly extends hyperpolarization lifetimes and enables the transportation of hyperpolarized metabolites. The hyperpolarized sample can thus be removed from the polarizer and stored or transported for use at remote MRI or NMR sites. We show that hyperpolarization in alanine and glycine survives 16 h storage and transport, maintaining overall polarization enhancements of up to three orders of magnitude.
Neuronal sFlt1 and Vegfaa determine venous sprouting and spinal cord vascularization
Authors: Wild Raphael , Klems Alina , Takamiya Masanari , Hayashi Yuya , Strähle Uwe , Ando Koji , Mochizuki Naoki , van Impel Andreas , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Krueger Janna , Preau Laetitia , le Noble Ferdinand
Published: January 2017

Formation of organ-specific vasculatures requires cross-talk between developing tissue and specialized endothelial cells. Here we show how developing zebrafish spinal cord neurons coordinate vessel growth through balancing of neuron-derived Vegfaa, with neuronal sFlt1 restricting Vegfaa-Kdrl mediated angiogenesis at the neurovascular interface. Neuron-specific loss of flt1 or increased neuronal vegfaa expression promotes angiogenesis and peri-neural tube vascular network formation. Combining loss of neuronal flt1 with gain of vegfaa promotes sprout invasion into the neural tube. On loss of neuronal flt1, ectopic sprouts emanate from veins involving special angiogenic cell behaviours including nuclear positioning and a molecular signature distinct from primary arterial or secondary venous sprouting. Manipulation of arteriovenous identity or Notch signalling established that ectopic sprouting in flt1 mutants requires venous endothelium. Conceptually, our data suggest that spinal cord vascularization proceeds from veins involving two-tiered regulation of neuronal sFlt1 and Vegfaa via a novel sprouting mode.
High power rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery chemistry
Authors: Tian Huajun , Gao Tao , Li Xiaogang , Wang Xiwen , Luo Chao , Fan Xiulin , Yang Chongyin , Suo Liumin , Ma Zhaohui , Han Weiqiang , Wang Chunsheng
Published: January 2017

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted considerable attention because of their potential high energy density and low cost. However, their development has been severely hindered because of the lack of appropriate cathode materials. Here we report a rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery, in which the soluble iodine reacts with Mg2+ to form a soluble intermediate and then an insoluble final product magnesium iodide. The liquid–solid two-phase reaction pathway circumvents solid-state Mg2+ diffusion and ensures a large interfacial reaction area, leading to fast reaction kinetics and high reaction reversibility. As a result, the rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery shows a better rate capability (180 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and 140 mAh g−1 at 1 C) and a higher energy density (∼400 Wh kg−1) than all other reported rechargeable magnesium batteries using intercalation cathodes. This study demonstrates that the liquid–solid two-phase reaction mechanism is promising in addressing the kinetic limitation of rechargeable magnesium batteries.
Colossal negative thermal expansion in reduced layered ruthenate
Authors: Takenaka Koshi , Okamoto Yoshihiko , Shinoda Tsubasa , Katayama Naoyuki , Sakai Yuki
Published: January 2017

Large negative thermal expansion (NTE) has been discovered during the last decade in materials of various kinds, particularly materials associated with a magnetic, ferroelectric or charge-transfer phase transition. Such NTE materials have attracted considerable attention for use as thermal-expansion compensators. Here, we report the discovery of giant NTE for reduced layered ruthenate. The total volume change related to NTE reaches 6.7% in dilatometry, a value twice as large as the largest volume change reported to date. We observed a giant negative coefficient of linear thermal expansion α=−115 × 10−6 K−1 over 200 K interval below 345 K. This dilatometric NTE is too large to be attributable to the crystallographic unit-cell volume variation with temperature. The highly anisotropic thermal expansion of the crystal grains might underlie giant bulk NTE via microstructural effects consuming open spaces in the sintered body on heating.
Loss of tricellular tight junction protein LSR promotes cell invasion and migration via upregulation of TEAD1/AREG in human endometrial cancer
Authors: Shimada Hiroshi , Abe Shyuetsu , Kohno Takayuki , Satohisa Seiro , Konno Takumi , Takahashi Syunta , Hatakeyama Tsubasa , Arimoto Chihiro , Kakuki Takuya , Kaneko Yakuto , Takano Ken-ichi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kojima Takashi
Published: January 2017

Lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is a unique molecule of tricellular contacts of normal and cancer cells. We investigated how the loss of LSR induced cell migration, invasion and proliferation in endometrial cancer cell line Sawano. mRNAs of amphiregulin (AREG) and TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1) were markedly upregulated by siRNA-LSR. In endometrial cancer tissues, downregulation of LSR and upregulation of AREG were observed together with malignancy, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) was present in the nuclei. siRNA-AREG prevented the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR, whereas treatment with AREG induced cell migration and invasion. LSR was colocalized with TRIC, angiomotin (AMOT), Merlin and phosphorylated YAP (pYAP). siRNA-LSR increased expression of pYAP and decreased that of AMOT and Merlin. siRNA-YAP prevented expression of the mRNAs of AREG and TEAD1, and the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR. Treatment with dobutamine and 2-deoxy-D-glucose and glucose starvation induced the pYAP expression and prevented the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR. siRNA-AMOT decreased the Merlin expression and prevented the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR. The loss of LSR promoted cell invasion and migration via upregulation of TEAD1/AREG dependent on YAP/pYAP and AMOT/Merlin in human endometrial cancer cells.
Reinforcement learning accounts for moody conditional cooperation behavior: experimental results
Authors: Horita Yutaka , Takezawa Masanori , Inukai Keigo , Kita Toshimasa , Masuda Naoki
Published: January 2017

In social dilemma games, human participants often show conditional cooperation (CC) behavior or its variant called moody conditional cooperation (MCC), with which they basically tend to cooperate when many other peers have previously cooperated. Recent computational studies showed that CC and MCC behavioral patterns could be explained by reinforcement learning. In the present study, we use a repeated multiplayer prisoner’s dilemma game and the repeated public goods game played by human participants to examine whether MCC is observed across different types of game and the possibility that reinforcement learning explains observed behavior. We observed MCC behavior in both games, but the MCC that we observed was different from that observed in the past experiments. In the present study, whether or not a focal participant cooperated previously affected the overall level of cooperation, instead of changing the tendency of cooperation in response to cooperation of other participants in the previous time step. We found that, across different conditions, reinforcement learning models were approximately as accurate as a MCC model in describing the experimental results. Consistent with the previous computational studies, the present results suggest that reinforcement learning may be a major proximate mechanism governing MCC behavior.