bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-cognate immunity proteins provide broader defenses against interbacterial effectors in microbial communities
Authors: Knecht Abigail , Sirias Denise , Utter Daniel R , Gibbs Karine A
Published: July 2024

Dense microbial communities, like the gut and soil microbiomes, are dynamic societies. Bacteria can navigate these environments by deploying proteins that alter foreign cells’ behavior, such as interbacterial effectors. Current models suggest that adjacent sibling cells are protected by an immunity protein, as compared to toxin-antitoxin systems that act only within the effector-producing cell. A prevailing hypothesis is that immunity proteins binding to specific (cognate) protein partners is sufficient to disrupt effector function. Further, there is little-to-no crosstalk with other non-cognate effectors. In this research, we build on sporadic reports challenging these hypotheses. We show that immunity proteins from a newly defined protein family can bind and protect against non-cognate PD-(D/E)XK-containing effectors from diverse phyla. We describe the domains essential for binding and function and show that binding alone is insufficient for protective activity. Moreover, we found that these effector and immunity genes co-occur in individual human microbiomes. These results expand the growing repertoire of bacterial protection mechanisms and the models on how non-cognate interactions impact community structure within complex ecosystems.
Aberrant hippocampal Ca2+ microwaves following synapsin-dependent adeno-associated viral expression of Ca2+ indicators
Authors: Masala Nicola , Mittag Manuel , Giovannetti Eleonora Ambrad , O'Neil Darik A , Distler Fabian J , Rupprecht Peter , Helmchen Fritjof , Yuste Rafael , Fuhrmann Martin , Beck Heinz , Wenzel Michael , Kelly Tony
Published: July 2024

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) such as GCaMP are invaluable tools in neuroscience to monitor neuronal activity using optical imaging. The viral transduction of GECIs is commonly used to target expression to specific brain regions, can be conveniently used with any mouse strain of interest without the need for prior crossing with a GECI mouse line, and avoids potential hazards due to the chronic expression of GECIs during development. A key requirement for monitoring neuronal activity with an indicator is that the indicator itself minimally affects activity. Here, using common adeno-associated viral (AAV) transduction procedures, we describe spatially confined aberrant Ca2+ microwaves slowly travelling through the hippocampus following expression of GCaMP6, GCaMP7, or R-CaMP1.07 driven by the synapsin promoter with AAV-dependent gene transfer in a titre-dependent fashion. Ca2+ microwaves developed in hippocampal CA1 and CA3, but not dentate gyrus nor neocortex, were typically first observed at 4 wk after viral transduction, and persisted up to at least 8 wk. The phenomenon was robust and observed across laboratories with various experimenters and setups. Our results indicate that aberrant hippocampal Ca2+ microwaves depend on the promoter and viral titre of the GECI, density of expression, as well as the targeted brain region. We used an alternative viral transduction method of GCaMP which avoids this artefact. The results show that commonly used Ca2+-indicator AAV transduction procedures can produce artefactual Ca2+ responses. Our aim is to raise awareness in the field of these artefactual transduction-induced Ca2+ microwaves, and we provide a potential solution.
Longitudinal transcriptional changes reveal genes from the natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway as critical players underlying COVID-19 progression
Authors: Medina Matias A , Fuentes-Villalobos Francisco , Quevedo Claudio , Aguilera Felipe , Riquelme Raul , Rioseco Maria Luisa , Barria Sebastian , Pinos Yazmin , Calvo Mario , Burbulis Ian , Kossack Camila , Alvarez Raymond A ,   COVID 19 South Chile Group, Garrido Jose Luis , Barria Maria Ines
Published: July 2024

Patients present a wide range of clinical severities in response SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the underlying molecular and cellular reasons why clinical outcomes vary so greatly within the population remains unknown. Here, we report that negative clinical outcomes in severely ill patients were associated with divergent RNA transcriptome profiles in peripheral immune cells compared with mild cases during the first weeks after disease onset. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that early-responding cytotoxic NK cells were associated with an effective clearance of the virus and a less severe outcome. This innate immune response was associated with the activation of select cytokine-cytokine receptor pathways and robust Th1/Th2 cell differentiation profiles. In contrast, severely ill patients exhibited a dysregulation between innate and adaptive responses affiliated with divergent Th1/Th2 profiles and negative outcomes. This knowledge forms the basis of clinical triage that may be used to preemptively detect high-risk patients before life-threatening outcomes ensue.
The mechanism of mammalian proton-coupled peptide transporters
Authors: Lichtinger Simon M , Parker Joanne L , Newstead Simon , Biggin Philip C
Published: July 2024

Proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are of great pharmaceutical interest owing to their promiscuous substrate binding site that has been linked to improved oral bioavailability of several classes of drugs. Members of the POT family are conserved across all phylogenetic kingdoms and function by coupling peptide uptake to the proton electrochemical gradient. Cryo-EM structures and alphafold models have recently provided new insights into different conformational states of two mammalian POTs, SLC15A1, and SLC15A2. Nevertheless, these studies leave open important questions regarding the mechanism of proton and substrate coupling, while simultaneously providing a unique opportunity to investigate these processes using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Here, we employ extensive unbiased and enhanced-sampling MD to map out the full SLC15A2 conformational cycle and its thermodynamic driving forces. By computing conformational free energy landscapes in different protonation states and in the absence or presence of peptide substrate, we identify a likely sequence of intermediate protonation steps that drive inward-directed alternating access. These simulations identify key differences in the extracellular gate between mammalian and bacterial POTs, which we validate experimentally in cell-based transport assays. Our results from constant-PH MD and absolute binding free energy (ABFE) calculations also establish a mechanistic link between proton binding and peptide recognition, revealing key details underpining secondary active transport in POTs. This study provides a vital step forward in understanding proton-coupled peptide and drug transport in mammals and pave the way to integrate knowledge of solute carrier structural biology with enhanced drug design to target tissue and organ bioavailability.
Phytoplasma Targeting of MADS-Box Factor SVP Suppresses Leaf Responses to Insect Vector Males, Promoting Female Attraction and Colonization
Authors: Orlovskis Zigmunds , Singh Archana , Kliot Adi , Huang Weijie , Hogenhout Saskia A
Published: July 2024

Obligate parasites often trigger significant changes in their hosts to facilitate transmission to new hosts. The molecular mechanisms behind these hyper-extended phenotypes - where genetic information of the parasite modulates the biology of one host to facilitate transmission through another host - remain largely unclear. This study explores the role of the virulence protein SAP54, produced by parasitic phytoplasmas, in attracting leafhopper vectors. SAP54 is responsible for the induction of leaf-like flowers in phytoplasma-infected plants. However, we previously demonstrated that the insects were attracted to leaves and the leaf-like flowers were not required. Here we made the surprising discovery that leaf exposure to leafhopper males is required for the attraction phenotype, suggesting a leaf response that distinguishes leafhopper sex in the presence of SAP54. In contrast, this phytoplasma effector alongside leafhopper females discourages further female colonization. We demonstrate that SAP54 effectively suppresses biotic stress response pathways in leaves exposed to the males. Critically, the host plant MADS-box transcription factor SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) emerges as a key element in the female leafhopper preference for plants exposed to males, with SAP54 promoting the degradation of SVP. This preference extends to female colonization of male-exposed
svp null
mutant plants over those not exposed to males. Our research underscores the dual role of the phytoplasma effector SAP54 in host development alteration and vector attraction - integral to the phytoplasma life cycle. Importantly, we clarify how SAP54, by targeting SVP, heightens leaf vulnerability to leafhopper males, thus facilitating female attraction and subsequent plant colonization by the insects. This study not only provides insights into the long reach of single parasite genes in extended phenotypes, but also opens avenues for understanding how transcription factors that regulate plant developmental processes intersect with and influence plant-insect interactions.
Genome-wide mapping of native co-localized G4s and R-loops in living cells
Authors: Liu Ting , Shen Xing , Ren Yijia , Lu Hongyu , Liu Yu , Chen Chong , Yu Lin , Xue Zhihong
Published: July 2024

The non-B DNA structures can act as dynamic functional genomic elements regulating gene expression. Among them, G4s and R-loops are two of the best studied. The interplay between R-loops and G4s are emerging in regulating DNA repair, replication and transcription. A comprehensive picture of native co-localized G4s and R-loops in living cells is currently lacking. Here, we describe the development of HepG4-seq and an optimized HBD-seq methods, which robustly capture native G4s and R-loops, respectively, in living cells. We successfully employed these methods to establish comprehensive maps of native co-localized G4s and R-loops in human HEK293 cells and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We discovered that co-localized G4s and R-loops are dynamically altered in a cell type-dependent manner and are largely localized at active promoters and enhancers of transcriptional active genes. We further demonstrated the helicase Dhx9 as a direct and major regulator that modulates the formation and resolution of co-localized G4s and R-loops. Depletion of Dhx9 impaired the self-renewal and differentiation capacities of mESCs by altering the transcription of co-localized G4s and R-loops - associated genes. Taken together, our work established that the endogenous co-localized G4s and R-loops are prevalently persisted in the regulatory regions of active genes and are involved in the transcriptional regulation of their linked genes, opening the door for exploring broader roles of co-localized G4s and R-loops in development and disease.
Developing a tablet-based brain-computer interface and robotic prototype for upper limb rehabilitation
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Kishor , Ramu Vadivelan , Shah Rakshit , Haque Sunny Md Samiul , Madathil Deepa , Brahmi Brahim , Wang Inga , Fareh Raouf , Rahman Mohammad Habibur
Published: July 2024

Background

The current study explores the integration of a motor imagery (MI)-based BCI system with robotic rehabilitation designed for upper limb function recovery in stroke patients.

Methods

We developed a tablet deployable BCI control of the virtual iTbot for ease of use. Twelve right-handed healthy adults participated in this study, which involved a novel BCI training approach incorporating tactile vibration stimulation during MI tasks. The experiment utilized EEG signals captured via a gel-free cap, processed through various stages including signal verification, training, and testing. The training involved MI tasks with concurrent vibrotactile stimulation, utilizing common spatial pattern (CSP) training and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for signal classification. The testing stage introduced a real-time feedback system and a virtual game environment where participants controlled a virtual iTbot robot.

Results

Results showed varying accuracies in motor intention detection across participants, with an average true positive rate of 63.33% in classifying MI signals.

Discussion

The study highlights the potential of MI-based BCI in robotic rehabilitation, particularly in terms of engagement and personalization. The findings underscore the feasibility of BCI technology in rehabilitation and its potential use for stroke survivors with upper limb dysfunctions.
Fire Load of Combustibles in Studio-type Housing
Authors: Hwang Euy-Hong , Nam Dong-Gun
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the fire load values for small-scale housing, specifically studio-type and small-type housing, and to gather fundamental data for fire safety design. To achieve this, we employed fire load-related theories from existing literature and previous studies, conducted a survey on the area and space of small-scale housing, and collected empirical data on the fire load of such housing. Additionally, through real-scale fire experiments, we determined the heat of combustion for furniture and electrical appliances. These experimental results were then compared with theoretical fire load values and empirical data to establish the fire load values of combustibles in small-scale housing. By comparing the empirical data with the results from real-scale experiments, we derived conclusions about the characteristics of areas based on the spatial configuration and compartments of small-scale housing, as well as the methods for inferring the heat of combustion and fire load of combustibles in these settings.
Capacidades dinâmicas para a transformação digital: uma análise bibliométrica exploratória com VOSviewer
Authors: Santos Glicia Vieira dos , Quadros Ruy
Published: July 2024

[Introdução] O pontapé inicial em um processo de revisão sistemática integrativa de literatura é identificar e compreender a estrutura intelectual de pesquisa da comunidade científica em determinada temática, os trabalhos e autores mais influentes dentro de um portfólio selecionado de artigos e, ainda, suas interrelações na rede social e cognitiva do campo temático estudado. [Objetivo] Isto posto, esse artigo buscou identificar quais autores, artigos, referências citadas, periódicos, instituições, países e palavras-chave foram os mais influentes na área de pesquisa sobre capacidades dinâmicas para a transformação digital empresarial, no período 2011 a 2023, dentro de um portfólio de artigos da base de dados Web of Science, selecionados por meio de estratégia de busca. [Metodologia] Foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos metadados desses 35 artigos recuperados da base de dados Web of Science, por meio da técnica de bibliometria, com o apoio das ferramentas VOSviewer e planilha do Excel. [Resultados] A análise bibliométrica do portfólio de registros bibliográficos selecionados permitiu identificar três clusters de temas de pesquisa interrelacionados. Assim, mapeou-se a estrutura do conhecimento científico recente sobre capacidades dinâmicas para transformação digital. Os desafios associados ao planejamento, implementação e gestão estratégica dos recursos intangíveis para atravessar esse processo estão associados à criação de valor, geração de vantagem competitiva sustentável e alcance de performance.
Study on Micro Structural Properties of Alkali - Doped SiO2 Melt Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Trang G.T.T. , Kien P.H. , Tuyet X.T. , Như T.T.Q. , Quang P. D.
Published: July 2024

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation could provide details about local microstructure at atomic level, so we use this method to investigate micro-structural properties of sodium in Na2O-doped SiO2 melt. Additionally, we calculated the Voronoi polyhedrons to determine the spatial distribution of atoms in the simulation models. The result shows that many bridging oxygen (BO) polyhedrons and all Si-polyhedrons do not contain Na atoms. Most non-bridging oxygen (NBO) polyhedrons contain 2, 1 or no Na atoms, where BO, NBF is the O bonded with 2 and 1 or no Si, respectively. Average volume per polyhedron decreases in order: NBFx-polyhedron ® BOx-polyhedron ® Six-polyhedron. Na atoms are found in NBFx-polyhedrons and frequently move through them leading to very fast diffusivity of Na in comparison with Si and O. The simulation shows that the number of neighbors around the NBFx-polyhedron is larger than that around the BOx-polyhedron.
A Comprehensive Review on Carbon Sequestration Potential and Addition of Organic Carbon to Soil
Authors: Pandey Pragya , Swaroopa V. Jyoti , Kushal  , Sahu Prem Lal , Parmar Bharti
Published: July 2024

Various soil management techniques can be used to sequester carbon in agricultural fields. With widespread implementation, these methods could sequester a substantial amount of carbon. For the purpose of removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil, various management techniques exist. The efficacy of these tactics varies depending on the region, soil type, and climate. The longevity of soil sequestration and the ideal circumstances for maximising the reduction of carbon emissions remain topics of discussion. This essay examines the process by which soil stores carbon, the current status of soil carbon research, and the controversy surrounding the potential of soil carbon. It emphasises the numerous side advantages of raising soil carbon and provides a set of suggestions for further investigation. A substantial amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) might be sequestered by switching from conventional to conservation tillage, although this change would only have a long-term impact on tillage practices. Crop rotation based on legumes is more effective than that based on grass in converting biomass carbon to soil organic carbon. Rotational grazing lowers the overall quantity of CO2 released into the atmosphere while improving the quality of the grass. Producing biochar and incorporating it into soil is an additional strategy for storing carbon from the atmosphere.
Sub-chronic Hepatotoxicity Assessment of Ghana Cleanser® in Exposed Wistar Rats
Authors: Ise Uduak Peter , Famojuro Tayo Ibukun , Maman Ambi Ibrahim , Samuel Ponman Nanpon , Duppe Patience , Builders Modupe Iretiola
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the toxicity of a polyherbal Formulation (Ghana Cleanser®) on liver function markers of exposed albino rats. Thirty (30) male and female rats of the Wistar strain were randomly allotted into six (6) groups with n=5. 10.0 mL/kg distilled water was given to control groups 1 and 4. Polyherbal formulation doses of 374.0 mg/kg and 187.0 mg/kg were administered to groups 2-3 and 5-6, respectively. A modified Lorke's approach was used to compute acute toxicity.  Animals were euthanized after 60 days under diethyl ether. Blood was collected for biochemical analyses through cardiac puncture. The liver was excised from each animal and was fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde and prepared for histological assessment. LD50 of the polyherbal preparation was calculated as 3740 mg/kg (oral). The results indicated an appreciable increase (p<0.05) in ALT activity at 374.0 mg/kg in female rats; while there was no increase recorded at 187.0mg/kg in male rats. A significant increase in ALT activity was recorded at 374 mg/kg in male rats as well and increased AST activities were recorded at 187mg/kg in female rats. In the treated animals of both sexes, ALP activities were significantly elevated. Histopathology assessment of the hepatocytes showed no significant damage at 187 mg/kg in rats of both sexes when compared with their respective controls while some degrees of pathologies such as hepatocyte inflammation, hyperplasia, and congestion were recorded at 374 mg/kg in rats of both sexes. Results suggest caution on the long-term use of the polyherbal mixture due to its hepatotoxic potential.
Drone Technology for Crop Disease Resistance: Innovations and Challenges
Authors: Doggalli Gangadhara , E Santhoshinii , H G Manojkumar , Srivastava Mitali , H S Ganesh , Barigal Amruta , V Anithaa , Ameen Arfa , Kundu Ritama
Published: July 2024

Drones have been used for diverse application purposes in precision agriculture and new ways of using them are being explored. Many drone applications have been developed for different purposes such as pest detection, crop yield prediction, crop spraying, yield estimation, water stress detection, land mapping, identifying nutrient deficiency in plants, weed detection, livestock control, protection of agricultural products and soil analysis. Drones can create georeferenced maps that pinpoint the exact location of disease outbreaks within a field. These maps help farmers and agronomists monitor disease progression and plan targeted interventions. Drone operations are highly dependent on weather conditions. High winds, rain, and fog can hinder drone flights and affect the quality of images captured. Addressing technical limitations, regulatory and safety concerns, economic barriers, and data management issues will be crucial for the widespread adoption of drones in agriculture. By overcoming these challenges, drone technology can become a vital tool in sustainable and effective crop disease management.
Accuracy and precision of 88Sr/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr measurements by MC‐ICPMS compromised by high barium concentrations
Authors: Scher Howie D. , Griffith Elizabeth M. , Buckley Wayne P.
Published: January 2014

Barite (BaSO4) is a widely distributed mineral that incorporates strontium (Sr) during formation. Mass‐dependent fractionation of Sr isotopes occurs during abiotic precipitation of barite and formation of barite associated with biological processes (e.g., bacterial sulfide oxidation). Sr isotopes in barite can provide provenance information as well as potentially reconstruct sample formation conditions (e.g., saturation state, temperature, biotic versus abiotic). Incomplete separation of Ba from Sr has complicated measurements of Sr isotopes by MC‐ICPMS. In this study, we tested the effects of Ba in Sr sample solutions and modified extraction chromatography of Sr using Eichrom Sr Spec (Eichrom Technologies LLC, USA) resin to enable rapid, accurate, and precise measurements of 88Sr/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios from Ba‐rich matrices. Sr isotope ratios of sample solutions doped with Ba were statistically indistinguishable from Ba‐free sample solutions below 1 ppm Ba. Deviations in both 87Sr/86Sr and δ88/86Sr occurred above 1 ppm Ba. An updated extraction chromatography method tested with barite and Ba‐doped seawater produces Sr sample solutions containing 10–100 ppb levels of Ba. The practice of Zr spiking for external mass‐discrimination correction of 88Sr/86Sr ratios was also evaluated, and it was confirmed that variable Zr levels do not have adverse effects on the accuracy and precision of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the Zr concentration range required to produce accurate δ88/86Sr values.
An empirically observed pitch‐angle diffusion eigenmode in the Earth's electron belt near L* = 5.0
Authors: O'Brien T. P. , Claudepierre S. G. , Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Clemmons J. H. , Roeder J. L. , Spence H. E. , Reeves G. D. , Baker D. N.
Published: January 2014

Using data from NASA's Van Allen Probes, we have identified a synchronized exponential decay of electron flux in the outer zone, near L* = 5.0. Exponential decays strongly indicate the presence of a pure eigenmode of a diffusion operator acting in the synchronized dimension(s). The decay has a time scale of about 4 days with no dependence on pitch angle. While flux at nearby energies and L* is also decaying exponentially, the decay time varies in those dimensions. This suggests the primary decay mechanism is elastic pitch angle scattering, which itself depends on energy and L*. We invert the shape of the observed eigenmode to obtain an approximate shape of the pitch angle diffusion coefficient and show excellent agreement with diffusion by plasmaspheric hiss. Our results suggest that empirically derived eigenmodes provide a powerful diagnostic of the dynamic processes behind exponential decays.
Impact of physical processes on the seasonal distribution of the fugacity of CO2 in the western tropical Atlantic
Authors: Lefèvre Nathalie , Urbano Domingos F. , Gallois Francis , Diverrès Denis
Published: January 2014

The fugacity of CO2 (fCO2) has been measured underway during three quasi‐synoptic cruises in the western tropical Atlantic in March/April 2009 and July/August 2010 in the region 6°S–15°N, 52°W–24°W. The distribution of fCO2 is related to the main features of the ocean circulation. Temperature exerts a dominant control on the distribution of fCO2 in March/April whereas salinity plays an important role in July/August due to the more developed North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) carrying Amazon water and to the high precipitation associated with the presence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The main surface currents are characterized by different fCO2. Overall, the NECC carries less saline waters with lower fCO2 compared to the South Equatorial Current (SEC). The North Equatorial Current (NEC) is usually characterized by CO2 undersaturation in winter and supersaturation in summer. Using empirical fCO2‐SST‐SSS relationships, two seasonal maps of fCO2 are constructed for March 2009 and July 2010. The region is a sink of CO2 of 0.40 mmol m−2d−1 in March, explained by the winter cooling in the northern hemisphere, whereas it is a source of CO2 of 1.32 mmol m−2d−1 in July. The equatorial region is a source of CO2 throughout the year due to the upwelling supplying CO2‐rich waters to the surface. However, the evolution of fCO2 over time, determined from all the available cruises in a small area, 1°S–1°N, 32°W–28°W, suggests that the source of CO2 has decreased in February‐March from 1983 to 2011 or has remained constant in October‐November from 1991 to 2010.
Separation of ultrasonic contributions and energy utilization characteristics of ultrasonic regeneration
Authors: Yang Kun , Yao Ye , Liu Shiqing , He Beixing
Published: January 2014

The method of applying ultrasound to silica gel regeneration process has been proved to be able to improve regeneration efficiency and reduce regeneration temperature. The average regeneration rate can be increased by 10% and the benefits should owe to the special “vibration effect” and “heating effect” induced by ultrasound. In this article, a dynamic one‐dimensional mathematical model, validated by experiments, has been developed. It is then used to investigate energy utilization efficiency of the ultrasonic regeneration and respective contribution ratio of the two ultrasonic effects. The results show that the contribution ratio of vibration effect dominates and the energy utilization efficiency of silica gel regeneration with ultrasound can be 1% higher. The ultrasonic regeneration is more energy‐saving when the contribution ratio of vibration effect is greater. The results also show that the enhancement of regeneration brought by ultrasound is not a simple sum of their respective contribution. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1843–1853, 2014
Effects of copper on CHO cells: Insights from gene expression analyses
Authors: Yuk Inn H. , Zhang Jitao David , Ebeling Martin , Berrera Marco , Gomez Natalia , Werz Silke , Meiringer Christoph , Shao Zhixin , Swanberg Jeffrey C. , Lee Kelvin H. , Luo Jun , Szperalski Berthold
Published: January 2014

Copper concentration can impact lactate metabolism in Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In our previous study, a 20‐fold increase in initial copper concentration enabled CHO cultures to shift from net lactate production to net lactate consumption, and achieve higher cell growth and productivity. In this follow‐up study, we used transcriptomics to investigate the mechanism of action (MOA) of copper that mediates this beneficial metabolism shift. From microarray profiling (days 0–7), the number of differentially expressed genes increased considerably after the lactate shift (>day 3). To uncouple the effects of copper at early time points (days 0–3) from that of lactate per se (>day 3), and to validate microarray hits, we analyzed samples before the lactate shift by RNA‐Seq. Out of 6,398 overlapping genes analyzed by both transcriptomic methods, only the early growth response 1 gene—coding for a transcription factor that activates signaling pathways in response to environmental stimuli—satisfied the differential expression criteria (fold change ≥1.5; P < 0.05). Gene expression correlation and biological pathway analyses further confirmed that copper differences exerted minimal transcriptional impact on the CHO cultures before the lactate shift. By contrast, genes associated with hypoxia network and oxidative stress response were upregulated after the lactate shift. These upregulations should boost cell proliferation and survival, but do not account for the preceding shift in lactate metabolism. The findings here indicate that the primary MOA of copper that enabled the shift in lactate metabolism is not at the transcriptional level. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:429–442, 2014
Survival with good neurological outcome in a patient with prolonged ischemic cardiac arrest—Utility of automated chest compression systems in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Authors: Psaltis Peter J. , Meredith Ian T. , Ahmar Walid
Published: January 2014

The management of refractory cardiac arrest during invasive coronary procedures has substantial logistical challenges and is typically associated with disappointing outcomes. We describe the case of a young woman with recalcitrant ventricular fibrillation due to acute anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction caused by occlusion of her proximal left anterior descending artery. Survival without neurological deficit or organ failure was achieved following primary percutaneous reperfusion and a total of 52 min of intra‐procedural chest compression support, made possible by the use of an automated chest compression device. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Core valve implant failure in the presence of mechanical mitral prosthesis: Importance of assessing left ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Sarkar Kunal , Speciale Giulio , Ussia Gian Paolo
Published: January 2014

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the presence of a mitral prosthetic valve is a technically challenging endeavor. The presence of a mitral prosthesis can alter the geometry of the landing zone for the device. A multi slice computerized tomography with comprehensive review of left ventricular outflow tract and aortic root in its entirety is critical for preventing implant failure. Technical expedients to treat implant failure involve understanding of the device as well its relationship with the mitral prosthesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peripheral arterial calcification: Prevalence, mechanism, detection, and clinical implications
Authors: Rocha‐Singh Krishna J. , Zeller Thomas , Jaff Michael R.
Published: January 2014

Vascular calcification (VC), particularly medial (Mönckeberg's medial sclerosis) arterial calcification, is common in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic pathways of VC are not fully known, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and the suppression of parathyroid hormone activity are central to the development of vessel mineralization and, consequently, bone demineralization. In addition to preventive measures, such as the modification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors, current treatment strategies include the use of calcium‐free phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and calcium mimetics that have shown promising results, albeit in small patient cohorts. The impact of intimal and medial VC on the safety and effectiveness of endovascular devices to treat symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains poorly defined. The absence of a generally accepted, validated vascular calcium grading scale hampers clinical progress in assessing the safety and utility of various endovascular devices (e.g., atherectomy) in treating calcified vessels. Accordingly, we propose the peripheral arterial calcium scoring system (PACSS) and a method for its clinical validation. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular calcification and the development of optimal medical and endovascular treatment strategies are crucial as the population ages and presents with more chronic comorbidities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capacity Flexibility of Chemical Plants
Authors: Seifert Tim , Lesniak Anna‐Katharina , Sievers Stefan , Schembecker Gerhard , Bramsiepe Christian
Published: January 2014

In the light of market uncertainties and globalization, the capacity of fast and flexible adaption of a chemical plant to changing market conditions becomes a major necessity in future production scenarios. The capacity flexibility of a plant can be influenced by oversizing and numbering up of unit operations. The additional costs for these measures have to be compensated for by the financial benefit arising from the option to adapt to uncertain market demands. Therefore, the additional costs have to be balanced against the gain in flexibility. In this work, methods for the evaluation of capacity flexibility are adapted from the manufacturing industries to enable a cost‐effective design of a modular plant. The evaluation methods are used to select modular plant setups allowing the best compromise between costs and flexibility in different market scenarios.
What are the Early Indicators of Persistent Word Reading Difficulties among Chinese Readers in Elementary Grades?
Authors: Yeung Pui‐sze , Ho Connie Suk‐han , Chan David Wai‐ock , Chung Kevin Kien‐hoa
Published: January 2014

To identify the indicators of persistent reading difficulties among Chinese readers in early elementary grades, the performance of three groups of Chinese children with different reading trajectories (‘persistent poor word readers’, ‘improved poor word readers’ and ‘skilled word readers’) in reading‐related measures was analysed in a 3‐year longitudinal study. The three groups were classified according to their performance in a standardized Chinese word reading test in Grade 1 and Grade 4. Results of analysis of variance and logistic regression on the reading‐related measures revealed that rapid naming and syntactic skills were important indicators of early word reading difficulty. Syntactic skills and morphological awareness were possible markers of persistent reading problems. Chinese persistent poor readers did not differ significantly from skilled readers on the measures of phonological skills. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Dihydrothiophenes and Thiophenes by the Strategic Use of 2‐Vinylidene‐1,3‐dithiolane as a Masked Thiolate Anion
Authors: Fang Zhongxue , Liao Peiqiu , Yang Zonglian , Wang Yeming , Zhou Biying , Yang Yang , Bi Xihe
Published: January 2014

Differently substituted 4‐(1,3‐dithiolan‐2‐ylidene)but‐1‐ynes were conveniently converted into the corresponding thiophenes and dihydrothiophenes in good to high yields under mild conditions. 1,3‐Dithiolan‐2‐ylidene acted as a masked thiolate anion and underwent tandem fragmentation and 5‐exo‐dig annulation with an alkyne moiety to form the five‐membered sulfur heterocycles.
Foreign Direct Investment from Emerging Markets to Africa: The HRM Context
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Mazouz Khelifa , Yin Shuxing , Cheah Jeremy Eng‐Tuck
Published: January 2014

In this article, we explore what determines the decisions of emerging‐market multinational corporations (MNCs) to invest in Africa and whether this is any different from their counterparts in mature markets, focusing on the HRM context. More specifically, we explore the effect of potential host‐country wages, local capabilities, and the relative rights of owners versus workers on foreign direct investment (FDI) decisions, as well as other relevant factors such as mineral resources and corruption. We found that emerging‐market MNCs were not deterred by relatively weak property owner rights (as indeed, was also the case for their counterparts from mature markets); hence, any weakening of countervailing worker rights is unlikely to unlock significant new FDI. However, emerging‐market MNCs were more likely to invest in low‐wage economies and did not appear to be concerned by local skills gaps; the latter would reflect the relative de facto ease with which even partially skilled expatriate labor can be imported into many African countries. At the same time, a reliance on low‐wage, unskilled labor, coupled with the extensive usage of expatriates, brings with it a wide range of challenges for the HR manager, which a firm committed to cost‐cutting may lack the capabilities to resolve. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial Analysis of Land Cover Changes in Eastern Tigray (Ethiopia) from 1965 to 2007: Are There Signs of a Forest Transition?
Authors: Belay Kassa Teka , Van Rompaey Anton , Poesen Jean , Van Bruyssel Simon , Deckers Jozef , Amare Kassa
Published: January 2014

This paper examines whether eastern Tigray is still in a phase of land degradation or if a trend of landscape greening has started. Hitherto, the land cover in five representative Tigray villages was mapped for three different periods: 1965, 1994, and 2007. These maps were based on the interpretation of aerial photographs and high‐resolution satellite imagery in combination with field validation. The results show a strong decrease of the forest and bush land in favor of arable land and rangeland from 1965 to 1994. This trend is, however, slowed down and even reversed from 1994 onwards whereby some of the arable land and rangeland are abandoned allowing shrubs and bushes to regenerate. Household interviews and census data showed that the rural population number is still increasing. However, the productivity of the farming activities did not show a significant increase. The observed abandonment of marginal farm and rangeland is, therefore, made possible only through food aid and the import of food from other regions. Furthermore, policymakers stimulate land abandonment and landscape greening by establishing exclosures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Sitosterol attenuates high‐fat diet‐induced intestinal inflammation in mice by inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide to toll‐like receptor 4 in the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Ah , Lee In‐Ah , Gu Wan , Hyam Supriya R. , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: January 2014

Scope

β‐Sitosterol, a common phytosterol, has been shown to exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the effect of β‐sitosterol on high‐fat diet (HFD) induced colitis in mice and on LPS‐stimulated mouse intestinal macrophages.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice were maintained on an LFD (10 kcal% fat), an HFD (60 kcal% fat), or an HFD with β‐sitosterol (20 mg/kg) administration for 8 weeks. The increased levels of body weight and epididymal fat pad weight as well as the concentrations of circulating proinflammatory cytokines and LPS in HFD mice compared with LFD mice were decreased by oral administration of β‐sitosterol. The HFD‐induced colonic inflammation evidenced by the increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in the colon was also inhibited by β‐sitosterol. In LPS‐stimulated intestinal macrophages, β‐sitosterol inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes as well as NF‐κB activation. In addition, β‐sitosterol significantly prevented the binding of LPS to intestinal as well as peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, β‐sitosterol potently inhibited the interaction between LPS and toll‐like receptor 4 in intestinal macrophages transfected with control siRNA or MyD88 siRNA.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that β‐sitosterol ameliorates HFD‐induced colitis by inhibiting the binding of LPS to toll‐like receptor 4 in the NF‐κB pathway.
Nanoemulsion of eucalyptus oil and its larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Sugumar S. , Clarke S.K. , Nirmala M.J. , Tyagi B.K. , Mukherjee A. , Chandrasekaran N.
Published: January 2014

Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease that causes lymphedema and the main vector is Culex quinquefasciatus. A simple measure was taken to eradicate the vector using nanoemulsion. Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion was formulated in various ratios comprising of eucalyptus oil, tween 80 and water by ultrasonication. The stability of nanoemulsion was observed over a period of time and 1:2 ratios of eucalyptus oil (6%) and surfactant (12%) was found to be stable. The formulated eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The nanoemulsion droplets were found to have a Z-average diameter of 9.4 nm and were spherical in shape. The larvicidal activity of eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion and bulk emulsion was tested and compared. Our nanoemulsion showed higher activity when compared to bulk emulsion. The histopathology of larvae-treated and untreated nanoemulsion was analyzed. Furthermore, biochemical assays were carried out to examine the effect of nanoemulsion on biochemical characteristics of larvae. The treated larval homogenate showed decrease in total protein content and a significant reduction in the levels of acetylcholinesterase. The levels of acid and alkaline phosphatase also showed reduction as compared to control larval homogenate.
The genus Herpothallon (Arthoniaceae) in the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: JAGADEESH RAM T. A. M.
Published: January 2014

Eight species of Herpothallon are recorded from the Andaman Islands, four of which are described as new: Herpothallon coralloides, H. globuliferum, H. lutescens and H. minutum. All these new species have a non-pigmented thallus, prothallus, hypothallus and pseudisidia. Herpothallon coralloides and H. lutescens possess cylindrical pseudisidia whereas H. globuliferum and H. minutum have granular to globose pseudisidia. Herpothallon globuliferum is foliicolous. Herpothallon echinatum, H. granulare, H. granulosum and H. philippinum are reported for the first time from the Andaman Islands. A key to the Indian species is provided. Heiomasia pallescens (Graphidaceae), a byssoid taxon with a disc-shaped isidioid structure, is also described as new to science.
Bryobilimbia, a new generic name forLecidea hypnorumand closely related species
Authors: FRYDAY Alan M. , PRINTZEN Christian , EKMAN Stefan
Published: January 2014

The new generic nameBryobilimbiais proposed forLecidea hypnorumand the closely related taxaLecidea ahlesiivar. ahlesii, L. ahlesiivar.nemoralis, L. diapensiae, L. sanguineoatraandMycobilimbia australis. A phylogenetic analysis based on five genes shows thatLecidea berengerianadoes not belong to this group but is more closely related toRomjularia. Both groups of species have been included inMycobilimbiaby some authors but are instead shown to be most closely related to a group of genera (includingClauzadea, Farnoldia, LecidomaandRomjularia) that do not belong toLecideaceaes. str. A neotype is selected forLichen sanguineoaterWulfen and the new combinationsBryobilimbia ahlesiivar.ahlesii, B. ahlesiivar.nemoralis, B. australis, B. diapensiae, B. hypnorumandB. sanguineoatraare proposed. A lectotype is also selected forL. templetoniiTaylor.
New additions to the lichen genus Enterographa (Roccellaceae) from Everglades National Park including an updated world key
Authors: SEAVEY Frederick , SEAVEY Jean
Published: January 2014

During 2010–12 collecting seasons, we visited 27 islands, locally called keys, in Florida Bay within the boundaries of Everglades National Park for the purpose of investigating their lichen flora. A disproportionate number of the resultant collections belong to Enterographa Fée, a genus mostly tropical in distribution. Currently, 11 species are known from Everglades National Park, of which Enterographa bradleyana, E. caudata, E. murrayana and E. nitidula are described here as new to science. Enterographa bradleyana is superificially similar to Enterographa divergens but has smaller ascospores, a wider perispore and contains gyrophoric acid. Enterographa candata is easily identified by an unusual chemistry of lichexanthone and schizopeltic acid and its extremely long tailed ascospores. Enterographa murrayana resembles E. anguinella in the field but has a different chemistry, wider ascospores with more septation and a wider perispore. Enterographa nitidula has an unusual fine powdery and glossy thallus, small 4-celled ascospores and contains an unidentified substance. Because a large number of Enterographa have been described (20 including those newly described here) since Sparrius monographed the genus in 2004, an updated world key to the genus is provided.
Large values of the additive energy in and
Authors: SHAO XUANCHENG
Published: January 2014

Combining Freiman's theorem with Balog–Szemerédi–Gowers theorem one can show that if an additive set has large additive energy, then a large piece of the set is contained in a generalized arithmetic progression of small rank and size. In this paper, we prove the above statement with the optimal bound for the rank of the progression. The proof strategy involves studying upper bounds for additive energy of subsets of ${\mathbb{R}^d$ and ${\mathbb{Z}^d$.
Management of adults with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Martinez Richard M. , Ringewald Jeremy M. , Fontanet Hector L. , Quintessenza James A. , Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2014

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common form of cyanotic congenital cardiac disease. Patients with previously repaired tetralogy of Fallot are the most common patients seen in the Program for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease at The Johns Hopkins All Children's Heart Institute. Guidelines for the management of these patients are available from multiple sources including The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and The American Heart Association (AHA), The Canadian Cardiovascular Society, and The European Society of Cardiology (ESC). These guidelines describe multiple components related to the care for these patients including strategies for medical follow-up, the management of arrhythmias and electrophysiological diseases, and the treatment of chronic pulmonary insufficiency and stenosis. Several new strategies are available for replacement of the pulmonary valve including transcatheter replacement of the pulmonary valve and replacement of the pulmonary valve with a self-manufactured bicuspid polytetrafluoroethylene pulmonary valve.
COMMERCIAL ISLAM IN INDONESIA: HOW TELEVISION PRODUCERS MEDIATE RELIGIOSITY AMONG NATIONAL AUDIENCES
Authors: Barkin Gareth
Published: January 2014

While Indonesia's burgeoning private television industry has prospered through the country's democratic transition and the rise of popular Islam, it has remained ideologically constrained by many of the content restrictions established during Suharto's New Order era. One area in which producers have broken these norms is in the field of religious imagery, and the adaptation of religiously-themed narratives and tropes. This article – based on a long-term ethnographic study of television producers in Indonesia and the social institutions that influence them – explores the strategies and goals behind the industry's handling of the imagined religious audience. It asserts that the tension of appeasing cultural conservatives has been redirected by the industry into content that appeals to the much larger demographic of moderate Muslims, through the adaptation of narrative conventions and stylistic forms that draw on an array of global media traditions. It examines new genres and conventions invoked by producers in their efforts to both placate and mobilize religious sentiment among Indonesia's culturally heterogeneous population, arguing that these practices promote a successful, commercial Islam that largely comports with neoliberal subjectivity.