bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGF-β promotes PI3K-AKT signaling and prostate cancer cell migration through the TRAF6-mediated ubiquitylation of p85α
Authors: Hamidi Anahita , Song Jie , Thakur Noopur , Itoh Susumu , Marcusson Anders , Bergh Anders , Heldin Carl-Henrik , Landström Maréne
Published: October 2017

The TGF-β signaling pathways are not as insulated from each other as was once thought.
New connections: mTORC1 matures red blood cells
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2017

Erythrocytes need mTORC1 for mitochondrial biogenesis and hemoglobin production.
Photoreception is not just for neurons
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2017

Muscles in the mouse iris are intrinsically sensitive to light.
A therapy for FXS?
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: October 2017

The antidiabetic drug metformin might be repurposed to treat patients with fragile X syndrome.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(396)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: October 2017

This week’s articles describe ways to potentially treat lymphoma and fatty liver–associated fibrosis.
Comparison of Different Phenotypic Approaches To Screen and Detect
mecC
-Harboring Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kriegeskorte André , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Schlattmann Andreas , Layer Franziska , Strommenger Birgit , Denis Olivier , Paterson Gavin K. , Holmes Mark A. , Werner Guido , Becker Karsten
Published: October 2017

Similar to
mecA
,
mecC
confers resistance against beta-lactams, leading to the phenotype of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). However,
mecC
-harboring MRSA strains pose special difficulties in their detection. The aim of this study was to assess and compare different phenotypic systems for screening, identification, and susceptibility testing of
mecC
-positive MRSA isolates. A well-characterized collection of
mecC
-positive
S. aureus
isolates (
n
= 111) was used for evaluation. Routinely used approaches were studied to determine their suitability to correctly identify
mecC
-harboring MRSA, including three (semi)automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) systems and five selective chromogenic agar plates. Additionally, a cefoxitin disk diffusion test and an oxacillin broth microdilution assay were examined. All
mecC
-harboring MRSA isolates were able to grow on all chromogenic MRSA screening plates tested. Detection of these isolates in AST systems based on cefoxitin and/or oxacillin testing yielded overall positive agreements with the
mecC
genotype of 97.3% (MicroScan WalkAway; Siemens), 91.9% (Vitek 2; bioMérieux), and 64.9% (Phoenix, BD). The phenotypic resistance pattern most frequently observed by AST devices was “cefoxitin resistance/oxacillin susceptibility,” ranging from 54.1% (Phoenix) and 83.8% (Vitek 2) to 92.8% (WalkAway). The cefoxitin disk diffusion and oxacillin broth microdilution assays categorized 100% and 61.3% of isolates to be MRSA, respectively. The chromogenic media tested confirmed their suitability to reliably screen for
mecC
-harboring MRSA. The AST systems showed false-negative results with varying numbers, misidentifying
mecC
-harboring MRSA as methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
. This study underlines cefoxitin's status as the superior surrogate
mecC
-positive MRSA marker.
Comparative Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Edwardsiella Isolates from Different Hosts and Geographic Origins, with Emphasis on Isolates Formerly Classified as E. tarda, and Evaluation of Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Reichley Stephen R. , Ware Cynthia , Steadman James , Gaunt Patricia S. , García Julio C. , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Thachil Anil , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. , Stine Cynthia B. , Buján Noemí , Arias Cova R. , Loch Thomas , Welch Timothy J. , Cipriano Rocco C. , Greenway Terrence E. , Khoo Lester H. , Wise David J. , Lawrence Mark L. , Griffin Matt J.
Published: October 2017

Edwardsiellaspp. are responsible for significant losses in important wild and cultured fish species worldwide. Recent phylogenomic investigations have determined that bacteria historically classified asEdwardsiella tardaactually represent three genetically distinct yet phenotypically ambiguous taxa with various degrees of pathogenicity in different hosts. Previous recognition of these taxa was hampered by the lack of a distinguishing phenotypic character. Commercial test panel configurations are relatively constant over time, and as new species are defined, appropriate discriminatory tests may not be present in current test panel arrangements. While phenobiochemical tests fail to discriminate between these taxa, data presented here revealed discriminatory peaks for eachEdwardsiellaspecies using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) methodology, suggesting that MALDI-TOF can offer rapid, reliable identification in line with current systematic classifications. Furthermore, a multiplex PCR assay was validated for rapid molecular differentiation of theEdwardsiellaspp. affecting fish. Moreover, the limitations of relying on partial 16S rRNA for discrimination ofEdwardsiellaspp. and advantages of employing alternative single-copy genesgyrBandsodBfor molecular identification and classification ofEdwardsiellawere demonstrated. Last,sodBsequencing confirmed that isolates previously defined as typical motile fish-pathogenicE. tardaare synonymous withEdwardsiella piscicida, while atypical nonmotile fish-pathogenicE. tardaisolates are equivalent toEdwardsiella anguillarum. Fish-nonpathogenicE. tardaisolates are consistent withE. tardaas it is currently defined. These analyses help deconvolute the scientific literature regarding these organisms and provide baseline information to better facilitate proper taxonomic assignment and minimize erroneous identifications ofEdwardsiellaisolates in clinical and research settings.
T Cell-Macrophage Fusion Triggers Multinucleated Giant Cell Formation for HIV-1 Spreading
Authors: Bracq Lucie , Xie Maorong , Lambelé Marie , Vu Lan-Trang , Matz Julie , Schmitt Alain , Delon Jérôme , Zhou Paul , Randriamampita Clotilde , Bouchet Jérôme , Benichou Serge
Published: October 2017

HIV-1-infected macrophages participate in virus dissemination and establishment of virus reservoirs in host tissues, but the mechanisms for virus cell-to-cell transfer to macrophages remain unknown. Here, we reveal the mechanisms for cell-to-cell transfer from infected T cells to macrophages and virus spreading between macrophages. We show that contacts between infected T lymphocytes and macrophages lead to cell fusion for the fast and massive transfer of CCR5-tropic viruses to macrophages. Through the merge of viral material between T cells and macrophages, these newly formed lymphocyte-macrophage fused cells acquire the ability to fuse with neighboring noninfected macrophages. Together, these two-step envelope-dependent cell fusion processes lead to the formation of highly virus-productive multinucleated giant cells reminiscent of the infected multinucleated giant macrophages detected in HIV-1-infected patients and simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques. These mechanisms represent an original mode of virus transmission for viral spreading and a new model for the formation of macrophage virus reservoirs during infection.

IMPORTANCE
We reveal a very efficient mechanism involved in cell-to-cell transfer from infected T cells to macrophages and subsequent virus spreading between macrophages by a two-step cell fusion process. Infected T cells first establish contacts and fuse with macrophage targets. The newly formed lymphocyte-macrophage fused cells then acquire the ability to fuse with surrounding uninfected macrophages, leading to the formation of infected multinucleated giant cells that can survive for a long time, as evidenced
in vivo
in lymphoid organs and the central nervous system. This route of infection may be a major determinant for virus dissemination and the formation of macrophage virus reservoirs in host tissues during HIV-1 infection.
Elicitation of Protective Antibodies against a Broad Panel of H1N1 Viruses in Ferrets Preimmune to Historical H1N1 Influenza Viruses
Authors: Carter Donald M. , Darby Christopher A. , Johnson Scott K. , Carlock Michael A. , Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Allen James D. , Vogel Thorsten U. , Delagrave Simon , DiNapoli Joshua , Kleanthous Harold , Ross Ted M.
Published: October 2017

Most preclinical animal studies test influenza vaccines in immunologically naive animal models, even though the results of vaccination may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of vaccine candidates in humans that have preexisting immunity to influenza. In this study, novel, broadly reactive influenza vaccine candidates were assessed in preimmune ferrets. These animals were infected with different H1N1 isolates before being vaccinated or infected with another influenza virus. Previously, our group has described the design and characterization of computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin (HA) antigens (COBRA) for H1N1 isolates. Vaccinating ferrets with virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing COBRA HA proteins elicited antibodies with hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity against more H1N1 viruses in the panel than VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Specifically, ferrets infected with the 1986 virus and vaccinated with a single dose of the COBRA HA VLP vaccines elicited antibodies with HAI activity against 11 to 14 of the 15 H1N1 viruses isolated between 1934 and 2013. A subset of ferrets was infected with influenza viruses expressing the COBRA HA antigens. These COBRA preimmune ferrets had superior breadth of HAI activity after vaccination with COBRA HA VLP vaccines than COBRA preimmune ferrets vaccinated with VLP vaccines expressing wild-type HA proteins. Overall, priming naive ferrets with COBRA HA based viruses or using COBRA HA based vaccines to boost preexisting antibodies induced by wild-type H1N1 viruses, COBRA HA antigens elicited sera with the broadest HAI reactivity against multiple antigenic H1N1 viral variants. This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of a broadly reactive or universal influenza vaccine in a preimmune ferret model.

IMPORTANCE
Currently, many groups are testing influenza vaccine candidates to meet the challenge of developing a vaccine that elicits broadly reactive and long-lasting protective immune responses. The goal of these vaccines is to stimulate immune responses that react against most, if not all, circulating influenza strains, over a long period of time in all populations of people. Commonly, these experimental vaccines are tested in naive animal models that do not have anti-influenza immune responses; however, humans have preexisting immunity to influenza viral antigens, particularly antibodies to the HA and NA glycoproteins. Therefore, this study investigated how preexisting antibodies to historical influenza viruses influenced HAI-specific antibodies and protective efficacy using a broadly protective vaccine candidate.
Full-Length Isoforms of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen Accumulate in the Cytoplasm of Cells Undergoing the Lytic Cycle of Replication
Authors: Garrigues H. Jacques , Howard Kellie , Barcy Serge , Ikoma Minako , Moses Ashlee V. , Deutsch Gail H. , Wu David , Ueda Keiji , Rose Timothy M.
Published: October 2017

The latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) performs a variety of functions to establish and maintain KSHV latency. During latency, LANA localizes to discrete punctate spots in the nucleus, where it tethers viral episomes to cellular chromatin and interacts with nuclear components to regulate cellular and viral gene expression. Using highly sensitive tyramide signal amplification, we determined that LANA localizes to the cytoplasm in different cell types undergoing the lytic cycle of replication after
de novo
primary infection and after spontaneous, tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-, or open reading frame 50 (ORF50)/replication transactivator (RTA)-induced activation. We confirmed the presence of cytoplasmic LANA in a subset of cells in lytically active multicentric Castleman disease lesions. The induction of cellular migration by scratch-wounding confluent cell cultures, culturing under subconfluent conditions, or induction of cell differentiation in primary cultures upregulated the number of cells permissive for primary lytic KSHV infection. The induction of lytic replication was characterized by high-level expression of cytoplasmic LANA and nuclear ORF59, a marker of lytic replication. Subcellular fractionation studies revealed the presence of multiple isoforms of LANA in the cytoplasm of ORF50/RTA-activated Vero cells undergoing primary infection. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic LANA isoforms were full length, containing the N-terminal nuclear localization signal. These results suggest that trafficking of LANA to different subcellular locations is a regulated phenomenon, which allows LANA to interact with cellular components in different compartments during both the latent and the replicative stages of the KSHV life cycle.

IMPORTANCE
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes AIDS-related malignancies, including lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma. KSHV establishes lifelong infections using its latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). During latency, LANA localizes to the nucleus, where it connects viral and cellular DNA complexes and regulates gene expression, allowing the virus to maintain long-term infections. Our research shows that intact LANA traffics to the cytoplasm of cells undergoing permissive lytic infections and latently infected cells in which the virus is induced to replicate. This suggests that LANA plays important roles in the cytoplasm and nuclear compartments of the cell during different stages of the KSHV life cycle. Determining cytoplasmic function and mechanism for regulation of the nuclear localization of LANA will enhance our understanding of the biology of this virus, leading to therapeutic approaches to eliminate infection and block its pathological effects.
Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Hemagglutinin Elicits Hemagglutination Inhibition Antibodies against a Panel of H3N2 Influenza Virus Cocirculating Variants
Authors: Wong Terianne M. , Allen James D. , Bebin-Blackwell Anne-Gaelle , Carter Donald M. , Alefantis Timothy , DiNapoli Joshua , Kleanthous Harold , Ross Ted M.
Published: October 2017

Each influenza season, a set of wild-type viruses, representing one H1N1, one H3N2, and one to two influenza B isolates, are selected for inclusion in the annual seasonal influenza vaccine. In order to develop broadly reactive subtype-specific influenza vaccines, a methodology called computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRA) was used to design novel hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine immunogens. COBRA technology was effectively used to design HA immunogens that elicited antibodies that neutralized H5N1 and H1N1 isolates. In this report, the development and characterization of 17 prototype H3N2 COBRA HA proteins were screened in mice and ferrets for the elicitation of antibodies with HA inhibition (HAI) activity against human seasonal H3N2 viruses that were isolated over the last 48 years. The most effective COBRA HA vaccine regimens elicited antibodies with broader HAI activity against a panel of H3N2 viruses than wild-type H3 HA vaccines. The top leading COBRA HA candidates were tested against cocirculating variants. These variants were not efficiently detected by antibodies elicited by the wild-type HA from viruses selected as the vaccine candidates. The T-11 COBRA HA vaccine elicited antibodies with HAI and neutralization activity against all cocirculating variants from 2004 to 2007. This is the first report demonstrating broader breadth of vaccine-induced antibodies against cocirculating H3N2 strains compared to the wild-type HA antigens that were represented in commercial influenza vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
There is a need for an improved influenza vaccine that elicits immune responses that recognize a broader number of influenza virus strains to prevent infection and transmission. Using the COBRA approach, a set of vaccines against influenza viruses in the H3N2 subtype was tested for the ability to elicit antibodies that neutralize virus infection against not only historical vaccine strains of H3N2 but also a set of cocirculating variants that circulated between 2004 and 2007. Three of the H3N2 COBRA vaccines recognized all of the cocirculating strains during this era, but the chosen wild-type vaccine strains were not able to elicit antibodies with HAI activity against these cocirculating strains. Therefore, the COBRA vaccines have the ability to elicit protective antibodies against not only the dominant vaccine strains but also minor circulating strains that can evolve into the dominant vaccine strains in the future.
Suppression of MicroRNA 424 Levels by Human Papillomaviruses Is Necessary for Differentiation-Dependent Genome Amplification
Authors: Hong Shiyuan , Cheng Shouqiang , Songock William , Bodily Jason , Laimins Laimonis A.
Published: October 2017

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) link their life cycle to epithelial differentiation and require activation of DNA damage pathways for efficient replication. HPVs modulate the expression of cellular transcription factors, as well as cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) to control these activities. One miRNA that has been reported to be repressed in HPV-positive cancers of the cervix and oropharynx is miR-424. Our studies show that miR-424 levels are suppressed in cell lines that stably maintain HPV 31 or 16 episomes, as well as cervical cancer lines that contain integrated genomes such as SiHa. Introduction of expression vectors for miR-424 reduced both the levels of HPV genomes in undifferentiated cells and amplification upon differentiation. Our studies show that the levels of two putative targets of miR-424 that function in DNA damage repair, CHK1 and Wee1, are suppressed in HPV-positive cells, providing an explanation for why this microRNA is targeted in HPV-positive cells.

IMPORTANCE
We describe here for the first time a critical role for miR-424 in the regulation of HPV replication. HPV E6 and E7 proteins suppress the levels of miR-424, and this is important for controlling the levels of CHK1, which plays a central role in viral replication.
Target Abundance-Based Fitness Screening (TAFiS) Facilitates Rapid Identification of Target-Specific and Physiologically Active Chemical Probes
Authors: Butts Arielle , DeJarnette Christian , Peters Tracy L. , Parker Josie E. , Kerns Morgan E. , Eberle Karen E. , Kelly Steve L. , Palmer Glen E.
Published: October 2017

Conventional drug screening typically employs either target-based or cell-based approaches. The first group rely on biochemical assays to detect modulators of a purified target. However, hits frequently lack drug-like characteristics such as membrane permeability and target specificity. Cell-based screens identify compounds that induce a desired phenotype, but the target is unknown, which severely restricts further development and optimization. To address these issues, we have developed a second-generation target-based whole-cell screening approach that incorporates the principles of both chemical genetics and competitive fitness, which enables the identification of target-specific and physiologically active compounds from a single screen. We have chosen to validate this approach using the important human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
with the intention of pursuing novel antifungal targets. However, this approach is broadly applicable and is expected to dramatically reduce the time and resources required to progress from screening hit to lead compound.
Evaluating an admission avoidance pathway for children in the emergency department: outpatient intravenous antibiotics for moderate/severe cellulitis
Authors: Ibrahim Laila F , Hopper Sandy M , Connell Tom G , Daley Andrew J , Bryant Penelope A , Babl Franz E
Published: October 2017

Objective

Children with moderate/severe cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics are usually admitted to hospital. Admission avoidance is attractive but there are few data in children. We implemented a new pathway for children to be treated with intravenous antibiotics at home and aimed to describe the characteristics of patients treated on this pathway and in hospital and to evaluate the outcomes.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational cohort study of children aged 6 months–18 years attending the ED with uncomplicated moderate/severe cellulitis in March 2014–January 2015. Patients received either intravenous ceftriaxone at home or intravenous flucloxacillin in hospital based on physician discretion. Primary outcome was treatment failure defined as antibiotic change within 48 hours due to inadequate clinical improvement or serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes include duration of intravenous antibiotics and complications.

Results

115 children were included: 47 (41%) in the home group and 68 (59%) in the hospital group (59 hospital-only, 9 transferred home during treatment). The groups had similar clinical features. 2/47 (4%) of the children in the home group compared with 8/59 (14%) in the hospital group had treatment failure (P=0.10). Duration of intravenous antibiotics (median 1.9 vs 1.8 days, P=0.31) and complications (6% vs 10%, P=0.49) were no different between groups. Home treatment costs less, averaging $A1166 (£705) per episode compared with $A2594 (£1570) in hospital.

Conclusions

Children with uncomplicated cellulitis may be able to avoid hospital admission via a home intravenous pathway. This approach has the potential to provide cost and other benefits of home treatment.
NIPSA: a new scale for measuring non-illness predictors of sickness absence
Authors: Harvey Samuel B , Wang Min-Jung , Dorrington Sarah , Henderson Max , Madan Ira , Hatch Stephani L , Hotopf Matthew
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We describe the development and initial validation of a new scale for measuring non-illness factors that are important in predicting occupational outcomes, called the NIPSA (non-illness predictors of sickness absence) scale.

Methods

Forty-two questions were developed which covered a broad range of potential non-illness-related risk factors for sickness absence. 682 participants in the South East London Community Health study answered these questions and a range of questions regarding both short-term and long-term sickness absence. Factor analysis was conducted prior to examining the links between each identified factor and sickness absence outcomes.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis using the oblique rotation method suggested the questionnaire should contain 26 questions and extracted four factors with eigenvalues greater than 1: perception of psychosocial work environment (factor 1), perceived vulnerability (factor 2), rest-focused attitude towards recovery (factor 3) and attitudes towards work (factor 4). Three of these factors (factors 1, 2 and 3) showed significant associations with long-term sickness absence measures (p<0.05), meaning a final questionnaire that included 20 questions with three subscales.

Conclusions

The NIPSA is a new tool that will hopefully allow clinicians to quickly assess for the presence of non-illness factors that may be important in predicting occupational outcomes and tailor treatments and interventions to address the barriers identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a scale focused on transdiagnostic, non-illness-related predictors of sickness absence has been developed.
Prognostic markers in feline hepatic lipidosis: a retrospective study of 71 cats
Authors: Kuzi Sharon , Segev Gilad , Kedar Shay , Yas Einat , Aroch Itamar
Published: October 2017

Feline hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a common, potentially life‐threatening disease resulting from prolonged anorexia and increased catabolism. This retrospective study included cats diagnosed with HL based on liver cytology or histopathology (years 2004–2015), and aimed to identify clinical and laboratory parameters associated with mortality. The study included 71 cats (47 females and 24 males) and 85 control cats with non‐HL diseases. Most HL cats (90 per cent) were mixed breed, neutered (70; 99 per cent), female (47; 66 per cent), indoor cats (56; 79 per cent), fed dry commercial diets (44 cats; 62 per cent), and with a median age of 7.5 years (range 1.5–16.0). Common primary conditions included gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatitis and cholangiohepatitis (31 cats; 44 per cent) and stressful events (14; 20 per cent). HL was idiopathic in 20 cats (28 per cent). The overall mortality was 38 per cent (27/71 cats). Older age, as well as dullness, weakness, ptyalism, hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, increased serum creatine kinase activity, hypocholesterolaemia and hepatic failure at presentation were significantly (P≤0.033) associated with mortality. The primary disease was unassociated with mortality. Worsening hypoalbuminaemia, hyperammonaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, electrolyte disorders, and occurrence of cavitary effusions or hypotension during hospitalisation were significantly (P≤0.045) associated with mortality. A decrease of serum β‐hydroxybutyrate during hospitalisation was significantly (P=0.01) associated with survival, likely reflecting improvement in the catabolic state. The identified risk factors may be therapeutic targets.
Competition between ethanol clearance and retinoic acid biosynthesis in the induction of fetal alcohol syndrome
Authors: Shabtai Yehuda , Fainsod Abraham
Published: October 2017

Several models have been proposed to explain the neurodevelopmental syndrome induced by exposure of human embryos to alcohol, which is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). One of the proposed models suggests a competition for the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of retinoic acid. The outcome of such competition is development under conditions of reduced retinoic acid signaling. Retinoic acid is one of the biologically active metabolites of vitamin A (retinol), and regulates numerous embryonic and differentiation processes. The developmental malformations characteristic of FASD resemble those observed in vitamin A deficiency syndrome as well as from inhibition of retinoic acid biosynthesis or signaling in experimental models. There is extensive biochemical and enzymatic overlap between ethanol clearance and retinoic acid biosynthesis. Several lines of evidence suggest that in the embryo, the competition takes place between acetaldehyde and retinaldehyde for the aldehyde dehydrogenase activity available. In adults, this competition also extends to the alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Ethanol-induced developmental defects can be ameliorated by increasing the levels of retinol, retinaldehyde, or retinaldehyde dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde inhibits the production of retinoic acid by retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, further supporting the competition model. All of the evidence supports the reduction of retinoic acid signaling as the etiological trigger in the induction of FASD.
Characterization of a thermostable endoglucanase fromCellulomonas fimiATCC484
Authors: Saxena Hirak , Hsu Bryan , de Asis Marc , Zierke Mirko , Sim Lyann , Withers Stephen G. , Wakarchuk Warren
Published: October 2017

Bacteria in the genus Cellulomonas are well known as secretors of a variety of mesophilic carbohydrate degrading enzymes (e.g., cellulases and hemicellulases), active against plant cell wall polysaccharides. Recent proteomic analysis of the mesophilic bacterium Cellulomonas fimi ATCC484 revealed uncharacterized enzymes for the hydrolysis of plant cell wall biomass. Celf_1230 (CfCel6C), a secreted protein of Cellulomonas fimi ATCC484, is a novel member of the GH6 family of cellulases that could be successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. This enzyme displayed very little enzymatic/hydrolytic activity at 30 °C, but showed an optimal activity around 65 °C, and exhibited a thermal denaturation temperature of 74 °C. In addition, it also strongly bound to filter paper despite having no recognizable carbohydrate binding module. Our experiments show that CfCel6C is a thermostable endoglucanase with activity on a variety of β-glucans produced by an organism that struggles to grow above 30 °C.
Insights from genetic and demographic connectivity for the management of rays and skates
Authors: Marandel Florianne , Lorance Pascal , Andrello Marco , Charrier Grégory , Le Cam Sabrina , Lehuta Sigrid , Trenkel Verena M.
Published: October 2017

Studying demographic and genetic connectivity can help assess marine metapopulation structure. Rays and skates have no larval phase; hence, population connectivity can only result from active movement of individuals. Using thornback ray (Raja clavata) in European waters as a case study, demographic and genetic connectivity were studied for 11 putative populations with unequal population abundances and two hypotheses of dispersal rates. Genetic simulation results highlighted three large metapopulations: in the Mediterranean, around the Azores, and on the Northeast Atlantic shelf. Demographic results highlighted a finer population structure indicating that several pairs of putative populations might be demographically linked. Results were highly sensitive to dispersal assumptions and relative population abundances, which provided insights into the potential magnitude of genetic and demographic connectivity differences. Accounting for demographic connectivity appears to be crucial for managing and conserving rays and skates, while genetic connectivity provides a longer-term perspective and less subtle spatial structures. Moreover, accounting for heterogeneity in population abundances is a key factor for determining or interpreting metapopulation connectivity.
Electrical resistivity of gold thin film as a function of film thickness
Authors: Gilani T.H. , Rabchuk Dian
Published: October 2017

Properties of nano-scale materials are very different from those in bulk form. The electrical resistivity of gold thin film as a function of film thickness is experimentally studied and presented here. The resistivity decreases sharply as thickness increases and approaches the resistivity of bulk gold as thickness of the film exceeds a critical value.
Creation of mass dimension one fermionic particles in asymptotically expanding universe
Authors: Pereira S. H. , Lima Rodrigo C.
Published: October 2017

In the present work we study the process of particle creation for mass dimension one fermionic fields (sometimes named Elko) as a consequence of expansion of the universe. We study the effect driven by an expanding background that is asymptotically Minkowski in the past and future. The differential equation that governs the time mode function is obtained for the conformal coupling case and, although its solution is nonanalytic, within an approximation that preserves the characteristics of the terms that break analyticity, analytic solutions are obtained. Thus, by means of Bogolyubov transformations technique, the number density of particles created is obtained, which can be compared to exact solutions already present in literature for scalar and Dirac particles. The spectrum of the created particles was obtained and it was found that it is a generalization of the scalar field case, which converges to the scalar field one when the specific terms concerning the Elko field are dropped out. We also found that lighter Elko particles are created in larger quantities than the Dirac fermionic particles. By considering the Elko particles as candidate to the dark matter in the universe, such result shows that there are more light dark matter (Elko) particles created by the gravitational effects in the universe than baryonic (fermionic) matter, in agreement to the standard model.
Pulsar–black hole binaries as a window on quantum gravity
Authors: Estes John , Kavic Michael , Lippert Matthew , Simonetti John H.
Published: October 2017

Pulsars (PSRs) are some of the most accurate clocks found in nature, while black holes (BHs) offer a unique arena for the study of quantum gravity. As such, PSR–BH binaries provide ideal astrophysical systems for detecting effects of quantum gravity. With the success of aLIGO and the advent of instruments like the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), the prospects for discovery of such PSR–BH binaries are very promising. We argue that PSR–BH binaries can serve as ready-made testing grounds for proposed resolutions to the BH information paradox. We propose using timing signals from a PSR beam passing through the region near a BH event horizon as a probe of quantum gravitational effects. In particular, we demonstrate that fluctuations of the geometry outside a BH lead to an increase in the measured root-mean-square deviation of arrival times of PSR pulsar traveling near the horizon.
Probing the quantum fuzziness of space and time with gravitational waves
Authors: Kobakhidze A. , Lagger C. , Manning A.
Published: October 2017

We argue that the gravitational wave signal recently observed by the LIGO detectors provides a powerful tool to probe the fundamental structure of space and time. In particular, we properly model the inspiral phase of two merging black holes in a noncommutative spacetime and extract an upper bound on the scale of such quantum fuzziness at the order of the Planck scale. This improves previous constraints by [Formula: see text] orders of magnitude.
Holography as deep learning
Authors: Gan Wen-Cong , Shu Fu-Wen
Published: October 2017

Quantum many-body problem with exponentially large degrees of freedom can be reduced to a tractable computational form by neural network method [G. Carleo and M. Troyer, Science 355 (2017) 602, arXiv:1606.02318.] The power of deep neural network (DNN) based on deep learning is clarified by mapping it to renormalization group (RG), which may shed lights on holographic principle by identifying a sequence of RG transformations to the AdS geometry. In this paper, we show that any network which reflects RG process has intrinsic hyperbolic geometry, and discuss the structure of entanglement encoded in the graph of DNN. We find the entanglement structure of DNN is of Ryu–Takayanagi form. Based on these facts, we argue that the emergence of holographic gravitational theory is related to deep learning process of the quantum-field theory.
Dynamics of shearing viscous fluids in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Azmat Hina , Zubair M. , Noureen Ifra
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we have analyzed the dynamical stability of shearing viscous anisotropic fluid with cylindrical symmetry in [Formula: see text] theory. We have chosen two viable [Formula: see text] models for dynamical analysis, and explored their nature and role for stable stellar configuration. Modified field equations and corresponding dynamical equations have been constructed, perturbation approach is adopted to deal with complexity of these equations. With the help of perturbed dynamical equations, the evolution equation has been established to analyze the role of shear viscosity and pressure anisotropy on dynamics of cylindrical system. The adiabatic index [Formula: see text] is used to investigate the instabilities appearing in Newtonian (N) and post-Newtonian (pN) approximations. Some conditions are found for material variables that are required to meet the stability criterion. We compare the outcomes of our analysis with the results of various models available in literature to reach at more comprehensive conclusion.
Equation-of-state of neutron stars with junction conditions in the Starobinsky model
Authors: Feng Wei-Xiang , Geng Chao-Qiang , Kao W. F. , Luo Ling-Wei
Published: October 2017

We study the Starobinsky or [Formula: see text] model of [Formula: see text] for neutron stars with the structure equations represented by the coupled differential equations and the polytropic type of the matter equation-of-state (EoS). The junction conditions of [Formula: see text] gravity are used as the boundary conditions to match the Schwarzchild solution at the surface of the star. Based on these the conditions, we demonstrate that the coupled differential equations can be solved directly. In particular, from the dimensionless EoS [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and the constraint of [Formula: see text], we obtain the minimal mass of the NS to be around 1.44 [Formula: see text]. In addition, if [Formula: see text] is larger than 5.0, the mass and radius of the NS would be smaller.
Gravitational energy in the framework of embedding and splitting theories
Authors: Grad D. A. , Ilin R. V. , Paston S. A. , Sheykin A. A.
Published: October 2017

We study various definitions of the gravitational field energy based on the usage of isometric embeddings in the Regge–Teitelboim approach. For the embedding theory, we consider the coordinate translations on the surface as well as the coordinate translations in the flat bulk. In the latter case, the independent definition of gravitational energy–momentum tensor appears as a Noether current corresponding to global inner symmetry. In the field-theoretic form of this approach (splitting theory), we consider Noether procedure and the alternative method of energy–momentum tensor defining by varying the action of the theory with respect to flat bulk metric. As a result, we obtain energy definition in field-theoretic form of embedding theory which, among the other features, gives a nontrivial result for the solutions of embedding theory which are also solutions of Einstein equations. The question of energy localization is also discussed.
AN INTERMEDIATE VALUE PROPERTY OF FRACTAL DIMENSIONS OF CARTESIAN PRODUCT
Authors: JIANG XIAOFANG , LIU QINGHUI , WEN ZHIYING
Published: October 2017

Given two metric spaces [Formula: see text], it is well known that, [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] denote, respectively, the Hausdorff and packing dimension of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that, for any [Formula: see text], there exist [Formula: see text] such that the following equalities hold simultaneously: [Formula: see text] This complete the related results of Wei et al. [C. Wei, S. Y. Wen and Z. X. Wen, Remarks on dimensions of Cartesian product sets, Fractals 24(3) (2016) 1650031].
Optimal Sensors/Actuators Placement in Smart Structure Using Island Model Parallel Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Nandy Animesh , Chakraborty Debabrata , Shah Mahesh S.
Published: October 2017

Determination of optimal placements of sensors/actuators in large structures is a difficult job as large number of possible combinations leads to a very high computational time and storage. Therefore, this kind of optimization problem demands a parallel implementation of the optimization schemes. Island model genetic algorithm (GA) being inherently parallel has been used for searching optimal placements of collocated sensors/actuators. Numerical simulations have been done for determination of optimal placements of collocated PZT sensors and actuators in smart fiber reinforced shell structures using island model parallel GA (IMPGA) in conjunction with electro-mechanical finite element analysis with an objective of maximizing the controllability index. It has been observed that the present IMPGA-based formulation (due to its migration scheme) not only makes it possible to determine optimal sensors/actuators locations for large structures but also leads to a better solution at a much reduced and achievable computational time. Results from scalability analysis also show that the efficacy of the present method of using IMPGA for determination of optimal sensors/actuators location based on FEA will be more pronounced when actually used for real life problems requiring large number of sensors and actuators.
An Efficient Hybrid Implementation of MLPG Method
Authors: Barbosa M. , Fontes E. F. , Telles J. C. F. , Santos W. J.
Published: October 2017

The computational implementation of moving least squares (MLS) shape functions is an important step to consider in some versions of the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method for a variety of two-dimensional engineering problems. Here, the usage of conventional Gaussian quadrature in the MLPG may require an excessive number integration points to achieve acceptable accuracy. In addition, since for each integration point a search for nearby points contributing to the construction of the MLS shape functions is required, considerable increase in computational cost is often observed. Herein, an efficient hybrid implementation of CPU and GPU is proposed to accelerate the construction of MLS shape functions for MLPG. To this end, a new K-d-Tree (K-dimensional tree)-based data structure is introduced in order to accelerate the calculations involving computational geometry formulas such as MLS. The results are compared for implementations in CPU and [Formula: see text] using K-d-Tree with the traditional algorithm of brute force search of the neighboring points when dealing with two-dimensional linear elasticity problems. Finally, the performance gain in the numerical approximation is obtained when using the highlighted K-d-Tree.
An interactive online approach to small-group student presentations and discussions
Authors: Thor Der , Xiao Nan , Zheng Meixun , Ma Ruidan , Yu Xiao Xi
Published: October 2017

Student presentations had been widely implemented across content areas, including health sciences education. However, due to various limitations, small-group student presentations in the classroom may not reach their full potential for student learning. To address challenges with presentations in the classroom, we redesigned the assignment by having students present and discuss online using VoiceThread, a cloud-based presentation and discussion tool. First-year students pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree were assigned into small groups to present physiology content and to discuss that content online. This assignment was similar to traditional student classroom presentations, with the exception that the entire assignment was conducted online. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of the online format on the discussion quality. Another purpose of the study was to examine students’ perceptions of using VoiceThread for presenting and learning, as well as the online interactions between the presenter and audience. Students posted a higher number of questions and comments than required by the assignment. The questions from students were also higher level questions, and the answers to these questions were more thorough compared with what we had previously observed in classroom presentations. The survey results showed that students preferred using VoiceThread for presenting, learning from other presentations, and discussing presentation content over performing this process in the classroom. Preliminary findings suggested that having dental students make presentations and hold discussions online might help address the challenges of student presentations in the classroom.
Comparative effectiveness of a mnemonic-use approach vs. self-study to interpret a lateral chest X-ray
Authors: Thompson Michael , Johansen Dallin , Stoner Russell , Jarstad Allison , Sorrells Robert , McCarroll Michele L. , Justice Wade
Published: October 2017

The chest X-ray is the most commonly performed medical imaging study; however, the lateral chest film intimidates many physicians and medical students. The lateral view is more difficult to interpret than the frontal view but provides important information that is either not visible or not as evident on frontal view, and inability to read it may lead to missed diagnoses and more expensive imaging. The objective of this study was to assess a novel mnemonic-based approach to teaching medical students to proficiently read a lateral film using a prospective pilot study. A clinical faculty radiologist taught two groups of second-year medical students to read a lateral chest X-ray. One group learned a novel mnemonic-based method (MUM), and the other cohort performed directed web-based self-study (STMM). Each cohort was given a pre- and postassessment, and their performance was analyzed. A total of n = 29 students participated with n = 14 being taught the mnemonic method. The MUM group significantly ( P = 0.001) improved their score vs. the STMM group This study demonstrates students can quickly and effectively learn to read a lateral chest film using this novel mnemonic.
The physics of an academic career
Authors: Lindsey Merry L. , de Castro Brás Lisandra E.
Published: October 2017

We adopted well-known physics equations to illustrate concepts for developing a successful academic career plan. Formulas for distance, force, momentum, and power are used to explain how to define goals and set a pace that maximizes success potential. Formulas for synergy, balance, and stress are used to highlight common obstacles encountered by both junior (untenured and early career) and established faculty and provide ways to circumvent or limit damage from setbacks. Combined, these formulas provide tips for thriving in an academic environment.
Collective and experimental research project for master’s students on the pathophysiology of obesity
Authors: Bourlier Virginie , Conte Caroline , Denis Colette , Dray Cédric , Guillou Pascale , Belliure Manuela , Lorsignol Anne , Noël Marion , Buffin-Meyer Bénédicte
Published: October 2017

We describe here a collective and experimental research project-based learning (ERPBL) for master’s students that can be used to illustrate some basic concepts on glucose/lipid homeostasis and renal function around a topical issue. The primary objective of this ERPBL was to strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding of physiology and pathophysiology. The secondary objectives were to help students to develop technical/practical abilities and acquire transversal skills with real-world connections. Obesity is a worldwide public health problem that increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes and nephropathies. To study the impact of western dietary habits, students evaluated the effects of a diet enriched with fat and cola [high-fat and cola diet (HFCD)] on metabolism and renal function in mice. Students mainly worked in tandem to prepare and perform experiments, but also collectively to compile, analyze, and discuss data. Students showed that HFCD-fed mice 1) developed obesity; 2) exhibited glucose homeostasis impairments associated to ectopic fat storage; and 3) displayed reduced glomerular filtration. The educational benefit of the program was estimated using three evaluation metrics: a conventional multicriteria assessment by teachers, a pre-/posttest, and a self-evaluation questionnaire. They showed that the current approach successfully strengthened scientific student knowledge and understanding of physiology/pathophysiology. In addition, it helped students develop new skills, such as technical and transversal skills. We concluded that this ERPBL dealing with the pathophysiology of obesity was strongly beneficial for master’s students, thereby appearing as an efficient and performing educational tool.