bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Fake” gemination in suffixed words and compounds in English and German
Authors: Kotzor Sandra , Molineaux Benjamin J. , Banks Elanor , Lahiri Aditi
Published: July 2016

In languages with an underlying consonantal length contrast, the most salient acoustic cue differentiating singletons and geminates is duration of closure. When concatenation of identical phonemes through affixation or compounding produces “fake” geminates, these may or may not be realized phonetically as true geminates. English and German no longer have a productive length contrast in consonants, but do allow sequences of identical consonants in certain morphological contexts, e.g., suffixation (green-ness; zahl-los “countless”) or compounding (pine nut; Schul-leiter “headmaster”). The question is whether such concatenated sequences are produced as geminates and realized acoustically with longer closure duration, and whether this holds in both languages. This issue is investigated here by analyzing the acoustics of native speakers reading suffixed and compound words containing both fake geminate and non-geminate consonants in similar phonological environments. Results indicate that the closure duration is consistently nearly twice as long for fake geminates across conditions. In addition, voice onset time is proportionally longer for fake geminates in English while vowel duration shows few significant differences (in German sonorants only). These results suggest that English and German speakers articulate fake geminates with acoustic characteristics similar to those found in languages with an underlying length contrast, despite no longer displaying the contrast morpheme-internally.
Stabilizing electrodeposition in elastic solid electrolytes containing immobilized anions
Authors: Tikekar Mukul D. , Archer Lynden A. , Koch Donald L.
Published: July 2016

Elastic deformation in solid electrolytes with immobilized anions suppresses dendritic electrodeposition of metals.
Stability of Fe,Al-bearing bridgmanite in the lower mantle and synthesis of pure Fe-bridgmanite
Authors: Ismailova Leyla , Bykova Elena , Bykov Maxim , Cerantola Valerio , McCammon Catherine , Boffa Ballaran Tiziana , Bobrov Andrei , Sinmyo Ryosuke , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Glazyrin Konstantin , Liermann Hanns-Peter , Kupenko Ilya , Hanfland Michael , Prescher Clemens , Prakapenka Vitali , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: July 2016

A study of Fe,Al-bearing bridgmanite in Earth‘s mantle and synthesis of pure Fe-bridgmanite with anomalously low compressibility.
Heterogeneity of cellular circadian clocks in intact plants and its correction under light-dark cycles
Authors: Muranaka Tomoaki , Oyama Tokitaka
Published: July 2016

Cellular circadian clocks in a plant work in coordination under light-dark cycles by correcting heterogeneous traits between them.
Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Iron-Dominated Flocculent Mats in Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Environments
Authors: Makita Hiroko , Kikuchi Sakiko , Mitsunobu Satoshi , Takaki Yoshihiro , Yamanaka Toshiro , Toki Tomohiro , Noguchi Takuroh , Nakamura Kentaro , Abe Mariko , Hirai Miho , Yamamoto Masahiro , Uematsu Katsuyuki , Miyazaki Junichi , Nunoura Takuro , Takahashi Yoshio , Takai Ken
Published: July 2016

It has been suggested that iron is one of the most important energy sources for photosynthesis-independent microbial ecosystems in the ocean crust. Iron-metabolizing chemolithoautotrophs play a key role as primary producers, but little is known about their distribution and diversity and their ecological role as submarine iron-metabolizing chemolithotrophs, particularly the iron oxidizers. In this study, we investigated the microbial communities in several iron-dominated flocculent mats found in deep-sea hydrothermal fields in the Mariana Volcanic Arc and Trough and the Okinawa Trough by culture-independent molecular techniques and X-ray mineralogical analyses. The abundance and composition of the 16S rRNA gene phylotypes demonstrated the ubiquity of zetaproteobacterial phylotypes in iron-dominated mat communities affected by hydrothermal fluid input. Electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis revealed the chemical and mineralogical signatures of biogenic Fe-(oxy)hydroxide species and the potential contribution of
Zetaproteobacteria
to the
in situ
generation. These results suggest that putative iron-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophs play a significant ecological role in producing iron-dominated flocculent mats and that they are important for iron and carbon cycles in deep-sea low-temperature hydrothermal environments.

IMPORTANCE
We report novel aspects of microbiology from iron-dominated flocculent mats in various deep-sea environments. In this study, we examined the relationship between
Zetaproteobacteria
and iron oxides across several hydrothermally influenced sites in the deep sea. We analyzed iron-dominated mats using culture-independent molecular techniques and X-ray mineralogical analyses. The scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy SEM-EDS analysis and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis revealed chemical and mineralogical signatures of biogenic Fe-(oxy)hydroxide species as well as the potential contribution of the zetaproteobacterial population to the
in situ
production. These key findings provide important information for understanding the mechanisms of both geomicrobiological iron cycling and the formation of iron-dominated mats in deep-sea hydrothermal fields.
A Tetrahydrofolate-Dependent Methyltransferase Catalyzing the Demethylation of Dicamba in Sphingomonas sp. Strain Ndbn-20
Authors: Yao Li , Yu Lin-Lu , Zhang Jun-Jie , Xie Xiang-Ting , Tao Qing , Yan Xin , Hong Qing , Qiu Ji-Guo , He Jian , Ding De-Rong
Published: July 2016

Sphingomonas
sp. strain Ndbn-20 degrades and utilizes the herbicide dicamba as its sole carbon and energy source. In the present study, a tetrahydrofolate (THF)-dependent dicamba methyltransferase gene,
dmt
, was cloned from the strain, and three other genes,
metF
,
dhc
, and
purU
, which are involved in THF metabolism, were found to be located downstream of
dmt
. A transcriptional study revealed that the four genes constituted one transcriptional unit that was constitutively transcribed. Lysates of cells grown with glucose or dicamba exhibited almost the same activities, which further suggested that the
dmt
gene is constitutively expressed in the strain. Dmt shared 46% and 45% identities with the methyltransferases DesA and LigM from
Sphingomonas paucimobilis
SYK-6, respectively. The purified Dmt catalyzed the transfer of methyl from dicamba to THF to form the herbicidally inactive metabolite 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid (DCSA) and 5-methyl-THF. The activity of Dmt was inhibited by 5-methyl-THF but not by DCSA. The introduction of a codon-optimized
dmt
gene into
Arabidopsis thaliana
enhanced resistance against dicamba. In conclusion, this study identified a THF-dependent dicamba methyltransferase, Dmt, with potential applications for the genetic engineering of dicamba-resistant crops.

IMPORTANCE
Dicamba is a very important herbicide that is widely used to control more than 200 types of broadleaf weeds and is a suitable target herbicide for the engineering of herbicide-resistant transgenic crops. A study of the mechanism of dicamba metabolism by soil microorganisms will benefit studies of its dissipation, transformation, and migration in the environment. This study identified a THF-dependent methyltransferase, Dmt, capable of catalyzing dicamba demethylation in
Sphingomonas
sp. Ndbn-20, and a preliminary study of its enzymatic characteristics was performed. Introduction of a codon-optimized
dmt
gene into
Arabidopsis thaliana
enhanced resistance against dicamba, suggesting that the
dmt
gene has potential applications for the genetic engineering of herbicide-resistant crops.
Enrichment of Root Endophytic Bacteria from Populus deltoides and Single-Cell-Genomics Analysis
Authors: Utturkar Sagar M. , Cude W. Nathan , Robeson Michael S. , Yang Zamin K. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Land Miriam L. , Allman Steve L. , Lu Tse-Yuan S. , Brown Steven D. , Schadt Christopher W. , Podar Mircea , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Pelletier Dale A.
Published: July 2016

Bacterial endophytes that colonize
Populus
trees contribute to nutrient acquisition, prime immunity responses, and directly or indirectly increase both above- and below-ground biomasses. Endophytes are embedded within plant material, so physical separation and isolation are difficult tasks. Application of culture-independent methods, such as metagenome or bacterial transcriptome sequencing, has been limited due to the predominance of DNA from the plant biomass. Here, we describe a modified differential and density gradient centrifugation-based protocol for the separation of endophytic bacteria from
Populus
roots. This protocol achieved substantial reduction in contaminating plant DNA, allowed enrichment of endophytic bacteria away from the plant material, and enabled single-cell genomics analysis. Four single-cell genomes were selected for whole-genome amplification based on their rarity in the microbiome (potentially uncultured taxa) as well as their inferred abilities to form associations with plants. Bioinformatics analyses, including assembly, contamination removal, and completeness estimation, were performed to obtain single-amplified genomes (SAGs) of organisms from the phyla
Armatimonadetes
,
Verrucomicrobia
, and
Planctomycetes
, which were unrepresented in our previous cultivation efforts. Comparative genomic analysis revealed unique characteristics of each SAG that could facilitate future cultivation efforts for these bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Plant roots harbor a diverse collection of microbes that live within host tissues. To gain a comprehensive understanding of microbial adaptations to this endophytic lifestyle from strains that cannot be cultivated, it is necessary to separate bacterial cells from the predominance of plant tissue. This study provides a valuable approach for the separation and isolation of endophytic bacteria from plant root tissue. Isolated live bacteria provide material for microbiome sequencing, single-cell genomics, and analyses of genomes of uncultured bacteria to provide genomics information that will facilitate future cultivation attempts.
Efficient and Regioselective Synthesis of β-GalNAc/GlcNAc-Lactose by a Bifunctional Transglycosylating β-
N
-Acetylhexosaminidase from Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Chen Xiaodi , Xu Li , Jin Lan , Sun Bin , Gu Guofeng , Lu Lili , Xiao Min
Published: July 2016

β-
N
-Acetylhexosaminidases have attracted interest particularly for oligosaccharide synthesis, but their use remains limited by the rarity of enzyme sources
, low efficiency, and relaxed regioselectivity of transglycosylation. In this work, genes of 13 β-
N
-acetylhexosaminidases, including 5 from
Bacteroides fragilis
ATCC 25285, 5 from
Clostridium perfringens
ATCC 13124, and 3 from
Bifidobacterium bifidum
JCM 1254, were cloned and heterogeneously expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The resulting recombinant enzymes were purified and screened for transglycosylation activity. A β-
N
-acetylhexosaminidase named BbhI, which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 20 and was obtained from
B. bifidum
JCM 1254, possesses the bifunctional property of efficiently transferring both GalNAc and GlcNAc residues through β1-3 linkage to the Gal residue of lactose. The effects of initial substrate concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time on transglycosylation activities of BbhI were studied in detail. With the use of 10 mM
p
NP-β-GalNAc or 20 mM
p
NP-β-GlcNAc as the donor and 400 mM lactose as the acceptor in phosphate buffer (pH 5.8), BbhI synthesized GalNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc and GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc at maximal yields of 55.4% at 45°C and 4 h and 44.9% at 55°C and 1.5 h, respectively. The model docking of BbhI with lactose showed the possible molecular basis of strict regioselectivity of β1-3 linkage in β-
N
-acetylhexosaminyl lactose synthesis.

IMPORTANCE
Oligosaccharides play a crucial role in many biological events and therefore are promising potential therapeutic agents. However, their use is limited because large-scale production of oligosaccharides is difficult. The chemical synthesis requires multiple protecting group manipulations to control the regio- and stereoselectivity of glycosidic bonds. In comparison, enzymatic synthesis can produce oligosaccharides in one step by using glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Given the lower price of their glycosyl donor and their broader acceptor specificity, glycosidases are more advantageous than glycosyltransferases for large-scale synthesis. β-
N
-Acetylhexosaminidases have attracted interest particularly for β-
N
-acetylhexosaminyl oligosaccharide synthesis, but their application is affected by having few enzyme sources, low efficiency, and relaxed regioselectivity of transglycosylation. In this work, we describe a microbial β-
N
-acetylhexosaminidase that exhibited strong transglycosylation activity and strict regioselectivity for β-
N
-acetylhexosaminyl lactose synthesis and thus provides a powerful synthetic tool to obtain biologically important GalNAcβ1-3Lac and GlcNAcβ1-3Lac.
Polydiglycosylphosphate Transferase PdtA (SCO2578) of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) Is Crucial for Proper Sporulation and Apical Tip Extension under Stress Conditions
Authors: Sigle Steffen , Steblau Nadja , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Muth Günther
Published: July 2016

Although anionic glycopolymers are crucial components of the Gram-positive cell envelope, the relevance of anionic glycopolymers for vegetative growth and morphological differentiation of
Streptomyces coelicolor
A3(2) is unknown. Here, we show that the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) protein PdtA (SCO2578), a TagV-like glycopolymer transferase, has a dual function in the
S. coelicolor
A3(2) life cycle. Despite the presence of 10 additional LCP homologs, PdtA is crucial for proper sporulation. The integrity of the spore envelope was severely affected in a
pdtA
deletion mutant, resulting in 34% nonviable spores.
pdtA
deletion caused a significant reduction in the polydiglycosylphosphate content of the spore envelope. Beyond that, apical tip extension and normal branching of vegetative mycelium were severely impaired on high-salt medium. This growth defect coincided with the mislocalization of peptidoglycan synthesis. Thus, PdtA itself or the polydiglycosylphosphate attached to the peptidoglycan by the glycopolymer transferase PdtA also has a crucial function in apical tip extension of vegetative hyphae under stress conditions.

IMPORTANCE
Anionic glycopolymers are underappreciated components of the Gram-positive cell envelope. They provide rigidity to the cell wall and position extracellular enzymes involved in peptidoglycan remodeling. Although
Streptomyces coelicolor
A3(2), the model organism for bacterial antibiotic production, is known to produce two distinct cell wall-linked glycopolymers, teichulosonic acid and polydiglycosylphosphate, the role of these glycopolymers in the
S. coelicolor
A3(2) life cycle has not been addressed so far. This study reveals a crucial function of the anionic glycopolymer polydiglycosylphosphate for the growth and morphological differentiation of
S. coelicolor
A3(2). Polydiglycosylphosphate is attached to the spore wall by the LytR-CpsA-Psr protein PdtA (SCO2578), a component of the
Streptomyces
spore wall-synthesizing complex (SSSC), to ensure the integrity of the spore envelope. Surprisingly, PdtA also has a crucial role in vegetative growth under stress conditions and is required for proper peptidoglycan incorporation during apical tip extension.
Use of Raman Spectroscopy and Phase-Contrast Microscopy To Characterize Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inactivation of Individual Bacterial Spores
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Doona Christopher J. , Setlow Peter , Li Yong-qing
Published: July 2016

Raman spectroscopy and phase-contrast microscopy were used to examine calcium dipicolinate (CaDPA) levels and rates of nutrient and nonnutrient germination of multiple individual
Bacillus subtilis
spores treated with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). Major results for this work include the following: (i) >5 logs of spores deposited on glass surfaces were inactivated by CAP treatment for 3 min, while deposited spores placed inside an impermeable plastic bag were inactivated only ∼2 logs in 30 min; (ii) >80% of the spores treated for 1 to 3 min with CAP were nonculturable and retained CaDPA in their core, while >95% of spores treated with CAP for 5 to 10 min lost all CaDPA; (iii) Raman measurements of individual CAP-treated spores without CaDPA showed differences from spores that germinated with
l
-valine in terms of nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins; and (iv) 1 to 2 min of CAP treatment killed 99% of spores, but these spores still germinated with nutrients or exogenous CaDPA, albeit more slowly and to a lesser extent than untreated spores, while spores CAP treated for >3 min that retained CaDPA did not germinate via nutrients or CaDPA. However, even after 1 to 3 min of CAP treatment, spores germinated normally with dodecylamine. These results suggest that exposure to the present CAP configuration severely damages a spore's inner membrane and key germination proteins, such that the treated spores either lose CaDPA or can neither initiate nor complete germination with nutrients or CaDPA. Analysis of the various CAP components indicated that UV photons contributed minimally to spore inactivation, while charged particles and reactive oxygen species contributed significantly.

IMPORTANCE
Much research has shown that cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising tool for the inactivation of spores in the medical and food industries. However, knowledge about the effects of plasma treatment on spore properties is limited, especially at the single-cell level. In this study, Raman spectroscopy and phase-contrast microscopy were used to analyze CaDPA levels and kinetics of nutrient- and non-nutrient-germinant-induced germination of multiple individual spores of
Bacillus subtilis
that were treated by a planar CAP device. The roles of different plasma species involved in spore inactivation were also investigated. The knowledge obtained in this study will aid in understanding the mechanism(s) of spore inactivation by CAP and potentially facilitate the development of more effective and efficient plasma sterilization techniques in various applications.
Self-Regulation and Interplay of Rsm Family Proteins Modulate the Lifestyle of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Huertas-Rosales Óscar , Ramos-González María Isabel , Espinosa-Urgel Manuel
Published: July 2016

In the plant-beneficial bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440, three genes have been identified that encode posttranscriptional regulators of the CsrA/RsmA family. Their regulatory roles in the motile and sessile lifestyles of
P. putida
have been investigated by generating single-, double-, and triple-null mutants and by overexpressing each protein (RsmA, RsmE, and RsmI) in different genetic backgrounds. The
rsm
triple mutant shows reduced swimming and swarming motilities and increased biofilm formation, whereas overexpression of RsmE or RsmI results in reduced bacterial attachment. However, biofilms formed on glass surfaces by the triple mutant are more labile than those of the wild-type strain and are easily detached from the surface, a phenomenon that is not observed on plastic surfaces. Analysis of the expression of adhesins and exopolysaccharides in the different genetic backgrounds suggests that the biofilm phenotypes are due to alterations in the composition of the extracellular matrix and in the timing of synthesis of its elements. We have also studied the expression patterns of Rsm proteins and obtained data that indicate the existence of autoregulation mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE
Proteins of the CsrA/RsmA family function as global regulators in different bacteria. More than one of these proteins is present in certain species. In this study, all of the RsmA homologs in
P. putida
are characterized and globally taken into account to investigate their roles in controlling bacterial lifestyles and the regulatory interactions among them. The results offer new perspectives on how biofilm formation is modulated in this environmentally relevant bacterium.
AcmB Is an S-Layer-Associated β-
N
-Acetylglucosaminidase and Functional Autolysin in Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Authors: Johnson Brant R. , Klaenhammer Todd R.
Published: July 2016

Autolysins, also known as peptidoglycan hydrolases, are enzymes that hydrolyze specific bonds within bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan during cell division and daughter cell separation. Within the genome of
Lactobacillus acidophilus
NCFM, there are 11 genes encoding proteins with peptidoglycan hydrolase catalytic domains, 9 of which are predicted to be functional. Notably, 5 of the 9 putative autolysins in
L. acidophilus
NCFM are S-layer-associated proteins (SLAPs) noncovalently colocalized along with the surface (S)-layer at the cell surface. One of these SLAPs, AcmB, a β-
N
-acetylglucosaminidase encoded by the gene
lba0176
(
acmB
), was selected for functional analysis.
In silico
analysis revealed that
acmB
orthologs are found exclusively in S-layer- forming species of
Lactobacillus
. Chromosomal deletion of
acmB
resulted in aberrant cell division, autolysis, and autoaggregation. Complementation of
acmB
in the Δ
acmB
mutant restored the wild-type phenotype, confirming the role of this SLAP in cell division. The absence of AcmB within the exoproteome had a pleiotropic effect on the extracellular proteins covalently and noncovalently bound to the peptidoglycan, which likely led to the observed decrease in the binding capacity of the Δ
acmB
strain for mucin and extracellular matrices fibronectin, laminin, and collagen
in vitro
. These data suggest a functional association between the S-layer and the multiple autolysins noncovalently colocalized at the cell surface of
L. acidophilus
NCFM and other S-layer-producing
Lactobacillus
species.

IMPORTANCE
Lactobacillus acidophilus
is one of the most widely used probiotic microbes incorporated in many dairy foods and dietary supplements. This organism produces a surface (S)-layer, which is a self-assembling crystalline array found as the outermost layer of the cell wall. The S-layer, along with colocalized associated proteins, is an important mediator of probiotic activity through intestinal adhesion and modulation of the mucosal immune system. However, there is still a dearth of information regarding the basic cellular and evolutionary function of S-layers. Here, we demonstrate that multiple autolysins, responsible for breaking down the cell wall during cell division, are associated with the S-layer. Deletion of the gene encoding one of these S-layer-associated autolysins confirmed its autolytic role and resulted in reduced binding capacity to mucin and intestinal extracellular matrices. These data suggest a functional association between the S-layer and autolytic activity through the extracellular presentation of autolysins.
Spatial-temporal dynamics and structural determinants of child and maternal mortality in a rural, high HIV burdened South African population, 2000–2014: a study protocol
Authors: Tlou B , Sartorius B , Tanser F
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Child (infant and under-5) and maternal mortality rates are key indicators for assessing the health status of populations. South Africa's maternal and child mortality rates are high, and the country mirrors the continental trend of slow progress towards its Millennium Development Goals. Rural areas are often more affected regarding child and maternal mortalities, specifically in areas with a high HIV burden. This study aims to understand the factors affecting child and maternal mortality in the Africa Centre Demographic Surveillance Area (DSA) from 2003 to 2014 towards developing tailored interventions to reduce the deaths in resource poor settings. This will be done by identifying child and maternal mortality ‘hotspots’ and their associated risk factors.

Methods and analysis

This retrospective study will use data for 2003–2014 from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System (ACDIS) in rural KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. All homesteads in the study area have been mapped to an accuracy of <2 m, all deaths recorded and the assigned cause of death established using a verbal autopsy interview. Advanced spatial-temporal clustering techniques (both regular (Kulldorff) and irregular (FleXScan)) will be used to identify mortality ‘hotspots’. Various advanced statistical modelling approaches will be tested and used to identify significant risk factors for child and maternal mortality. Differences in attributability and risk factors profiles in identified ‘hotspots’ will be assessed to enable tailored intervention guidance/development. This multicomponent study will enable a refined intervention model to be developed for typical rural populations with a high HIV burden.

Ethics

Ethical approval was received from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (BE 169/15).
Quality of harness fit for normal and low birthweight infants observed among newborns in infant car seats
Authors: Brown Julie , Sinn John Kam Hung , Chua Aileen , Clarke Elizabeth Clare
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Child restraint fit is important for crash protection. For newborns, standards universally require a rear-facing restraint and some upper limit on size, but historically there has been no specification of a lower design limit and there is concern over whether low birthweight infants (LBW) are adequately restrained. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of harness fit for newborns of low and normal weight in a range of modern child restraints.

Methods

A convenience sample of infants (1.657–4.455 kg) were recruited from the postnatal ward and special care nursery <1 week from discharge. Infants (n=84) were assessed for harness fit in rear-facing-only restraints, convertible rear/forward restraints and a subset were assessed in a restraint specifically designed to accommodate LBW infants. Measures of harness fit were based on shoulder strap, crotch strap and buckle positioning.

Results

Less than 20% of infants achieved good harness fit, regardless of whether they were categorised as low (<2.5 kg) or normal weight. Rear-facing-only restraints were less likely to provide good fit than convertible restraints, in all measures of fit other than shoulder strap width. The proportions of infants achieving good fit were greater in the restraint designed for LBW infants than other restraint types.

Conclusion

Poor accommodation continues to be a problem for LBW infants but is rectified in specifically designed restraints. Better specification of harness configuration for all rearward-facing restraints may be required to ensure adequate accommodation of normal birthweight infants.
Serum and Vitreous Fibulin-1 Concentrations in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Tian Meiling , Wang Jing , Wei Yuqin , Lu Qingle , Huang Baohua
Published: July 2016

Fibulin-1, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is closely correlated with angiogenesis. The purpose of this investigation is to determine serum and vitreous fibulin-1 concentrations in diabetic retinopathy (DR). This cross-sectional investigation was carried out in a population of 154 diabetic patients (54 without DR, 42 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 58 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)) and 49 control subjects. The diabetic group showed higher serum and vitreous fibulin-1 concentrations than the controls. Serum and vitreous fibulin-1 concentrations in PDR patients were significantly elevated compared with those in the other 3 groups. NPDR patients showed elevated levels of serum and vitreous fibulin-1 concentrations compared with patients without DR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum and vitreous fibulin-1 were risk factors for developing DR. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum fibulin-1 was correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose and vitreous fibulin-1. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis showed that vitreous fibulin-1 was correlated with SBP, DBP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum fibulin-1. Serum and vitreous fibulin-1 concentrations are elevated under DR condition.
A population-based incidence of acute large vessel occlusions and thrombectomy eligible patients indicates significant potential for growth of endovascular stroke therapy in the USA
Authors: Rai Ansaar T , Seldon Aaron E , Boo SoHyun , Link Paul S , Domico Jennifer R , Tarabishy Abdul R , Lucke-Wold Noelle , Carpenter Jeffrey S
Published: July 2016

Background

Data on large vessel strokes are important for resource allocation and infrastructure development.

Objective

To determine an annual incidence of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) and a thrombectomy eligible patient population.

Methods

All patients with acute ischemic stroke discharged over 3 years from a tertiary-level hospital serving a large geographic area were evaluated for an LVO (M1, internal carotid artery terminus, basilar artery). The incidence of LVO was determined for the hospital's 4-county primary service area (PSA, population 210 000) based on each county's discharges and extrapolated to the US population. ‘Thrombectomy eligibility’ for anterior circulation LVOs was based on time (onset <6 hours) and imaging (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≥6). The number of annual thrombectomy procedures was calculated for Medicare and private payer patients using federally available databases.

Results

1157 patients were discharged from the hospital's PSA, of whom 129 (11.1%, 95% CI 9.5% to 13.1%) had an LVO. This translated into an LVO incidence of 24 per 100 000 people per year (95% CI 20 to 28). 20 per 100 000 people per year had anterior circulation LVOs (95% CI 19 to 22), of whom 10/100 000/year (95% CI 8 to 11) were ‘thrombectomy eligible’. An additional 5/100 000/year (95% CI 3 to 6) presented with favorable ASPECTS after 6 hours of symptom onset. Basilar occlusion incidence was estimated at 4/100 000/year (95% CI 2 to 5). These rates yield 77 569 (95% CI 65 835 to 91 091) new LVOs per year in the USA. An estimated 10 284 mechanical thrombectomy procedures were performed in 2015.

Conclusions

This study estimates an LVO incidence of 24 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 20 to 28). A current estimated annual thrombectomy rate of three procedures per 100 000 people indicates significant potential increase in the volume of endovascular procedures and the need to develop systems of care.
Use of a pressure sensing sheath: comparison with standard means of blood pressure monitoring in catheterization procedures
Authors: Purdy Phillip D , South Charles , Klucznik Richard P , Liu Kenneth C , Novakovic Robin L , Puri Ajit S , Pride G Lee , Aagaard-Kienitz Beverly , Ray Abishek , Elliott Alan C
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Monitoring of blood pressure (BP) during procedures is variable, depending on multiple factors. Common methods include sphygmomanometer (BP cuff), separate radial artery catheterization, and side port monitoring of an indwelling sheath. Each means of monitoring has disadvantages, including time consumption, added risk, and signal dampening due to multiple factors. We sought an alternative approach to monitoring during procedures in the catheterization laboratory.

Methods

A new technology involving a 330 µm fiberoptic sensor embedded in the wall of a sheath structure was tested against both radial artery catheter and sphygmomanometer readings obtained simultaneous with readings recorded from the pressure sensing system (PSS). Correlations and Bland–Altman analysis were used to determine whether use of the PSS could substitute for these standard techniques.

Results

The results indicated highly significant correlations in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAP) when compared against radial artery catheterization (p<0.0001), and MAP means differed by <4%. Bland–Altman analysis of the data suggested that the sheath measurements can replace a separate radial artery catheter. While less striking, significant correlations were seen when PSS readings were compared against BP cuff readings.

Conclusions

The PSS has competitive functionality to that seen with a dedicated radial artery catheter for BP monitoring and is available immediately on sheath insertion without the added risk of radial catheterization. The sensor is structurally separated from the primary sheath lumen and readings are unaffected by device introduction through the primary lumen. Time delays and potential complications from radial artery catheterization are avoided.
First example of an organocatalytic asymmetric Mannich reaction between aldimines of glycinates and sulphonyl imines
Authors: Wu Lei , Li Guangxun , He Migu , Wang Yingwei , Zhao Gang , Tang Zhuo
Published: July 2016

The catalytic enantioselective Mannich-type reaction between glycinate Schiff base and imines has been one of the most efficient routes for accessing α,β-diamino acids. However, the glycinate Schiff bases used in the references were almost ketimines. Only several examples of aldimines were used in the presence of metal catalyst. We developed the first example of an asymmetric direct Mannich reaction using aldimines of glycinates instead of ketimines of glycinates. The reaction was well catalyzed by chiral guanidine with high yield (up to 92%) and moderate stereoselectivity (up to 65%).
Transform margins: development, controls and petroleum systems – an introduction
Authors: Nemčok M. , Rybár S. , Sinha S. T. , Hermeston S. A. , Ledvényiová L.
Published: July 2016

This paper provides an overview of the existing knowledge of transform margins including their dynamic development, kinematic development, structural architecture and thermal regime, together with the factors controlling these. This systematic knowledge is used for describing predictive models of various petroleum system concept elements such as source rock, seal rock and reservoir rock distribution, expulsion timing, trapping style and timing, and migration patterns. The paper then introduces individual contributions to this volume and their focus.

Supplementary material:

Location table and map of specific transform examples, structural elements of the Romanche transform margin and glossary of terms used in this article is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3276407
Clarence Dutton's geology
Authors: Aalto K. R.
Published: July 2016

Clarence Edward Dutton (1841–1912), a Yale University graduate, served in the Civil War and, as a captain in the United States Army, was detailed for duty with John Wesley Powell's US Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region and, later, the US Geological Survey. He spent 10 years in geological research in the Colorado Plateau region, studying its geomorphological and stratigraphic evolution, and coined the term ‘isostasy’. His monograph
Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District
is renowned for its particular charm, with sublime landscape descriptions and superb illustrations. Dutton later undertook studies in volcanic geology in Hawaii, the Cascades and on the Colorado Plateau. Dutton studied the effects of the catastrophic Charleston earthquake of 31 August 1886 and later engaged in irrigation research in the American West. Dutton critically reviewed many major geological concepts, including the causes of volcanism, earthquakes and, especially, orogeny. His pioneering work on stratigraphy, geomorphology, isostasy and seismology place him at the forefront of nineteenth century researchers and reflects his ability to generalize from field observations and formulate principles that constitute explanations of the observed facts.
Mitochondrial long noncoding RNAs as blood based biomarkers for cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kitow Janina , Derda Anselm A. , Beermann Julia , Kumarswarmy Regalla , Pfanne Angelika , Fendrich Jasmin , Lorenzen Johan M. , Xiao Ke , Bavendiek Udo , Bauersachs Johann , Thum Thomas
Published: July 2016

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary heart disease with a high risk for sudden cardiac death in young people. As a subtype, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) additionally has a left ventricular outflow gradient, showing stronger symptoms and requires a different treatment compared with hypertrophic nonobstructive cardiomyopathy (HNCM). In this study our aim was to investigate the regulation of mitochondrial and cardiac remodeling associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in blood of patients affected with HOCM and HNCM. We included 28 HNCM, 57 HOCM, and 26 control inviduals. Already known mitochondrial and cardiac remodeling associated lncRNAs uc004cos.4, uc004coz.1, uc004cov.4, uc011mfi.2, uc022bqw.1, uc022bqs.1, and uc022bqu.1 were amplified in serum of these patients and correlated with clinical parameters. Long noncoding RNAs uc004cov.4 and uc022bqu.1 were significantly increased in patients with HOCM but not in patients with HNCM. With the use of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, lncRNAs uc004cov.4 and uc022bqu.1 were able to identify HOCM patients. In our study we evidenced that the specific mitochondrial long noncoding RNAs uc004cov.4 and uc022bqu.1 were upregulated in patients with HOCM and they were also able to identify HOCM and could be developed as useful clinical biomarkers in the future.
Partial IK1 blockade destabilizes spiral wave rotation center without inducing wave breakup and facilitates termination of reentrant arrhythmias in ventricles
Authors: Kushiyama Yasunori , Honjo Haruo , Niwa Ryoko , Takanari Hiroki , Yamazaki Masatoshi , Takemoto Yoshio , Sakuma Ichiro , Kodama Itsuo , Kamiya Kaichiro
Published: July 2016

It has been reported that blockade of the inward rectifier K+ current ( IK1) facilitates termination of ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that partial IK1 blockade destabilizes spiral wave (SW) re-entry, leading to its termination. Optical action potential (AP) signals were recorded from left ventricles of Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts with endocardial cryoablation. The dynamics of SW re-entry were analyzed during ventricular tachycardia (VT), induced by cross-field stimulation. Intercellular electrical coupling in the myocardial tissue was evaluated by the space constant. In separate experiments, AP recordings were made using the microelectrode technique from right ventricular papillary muscles of rabbit hearts. Ba2+ (10–50 μM) caused a dose-dependent prolongation of VT cycle length and facilitated termination of VT in perfused hearts. Baseline VT was maintained by a stable rotor, where an SW rotated around an I-shaped functional block line (FBL). Ba2+ at 10 μM prolonged I-shaped FBL and phase-singularity trajectory, whereas Ba2+ at 50 μM transformed the SW rotation dynamics from a stable linear pattern to unstable circular/cycloidal meandering. The SW destabilization was not accompanied by SW breakup. Under constant pacing, Ba2+ caused a dose-dependent prolongation of APs, and Ba2+ at 50 μM decreased conduction velocity. In papillary muscles, Ba2+ at 50 μM depolarized the resting membrane potential. The space constant was increased by 50 μM Ba2+. Partial IK1 blockade destabilizes SW rotation dynamics through a combination of prolongation of the wave length, reduction of excitability, and enhancement of electrotonic interactions, which facilitates termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Blood Pressure in Indians: Systematic Review
Authors: Punia Sonu , Kulandaivelan Sivachidambaram , Singh Varun , Punia Vandana
Published: July 2016

Introduction. High blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which accounts for one in every eight deaths worldwide. It has been predicted that, by 2020, there would be 111% increase in cardiovascular deaths in India. Aerobic exercise in the form of brisk walking, jogging, running, and cycling would result in reduction in BP. Many meta-analytical studies from western world confirm this. However, there is no such review from Indian subcontinent.Objective. Our objective is to systematically review and report the articles from India in aerobic exercise on blood pressure.Methodology. Study was done in March 2016 in Google Scholar using search terms “Aerobic exercise” AND “Training” AND “Blood pressure” AND “India.” This search produced 3210 titles.Results. 24 articles were identified for this review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total of 1107 subjects participated with median of 25 subjects. Studies vary in duration from +3 weeks to 12 months with each session lasting 15–60 minutes and frequency varies from 3 to 8 times/week. The results suggest that there was mean reduction of −05.00 mmHg in SBP and −03.09 mmHg in DBP after aerobic training.Conclusion. Aerobic training reduces the blood pressure in Indians.
Urinary Markers of Tubular Injury in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Fiseha Temesgen , Gebreweld Angesom
Published: July 2016

Renal disease is a common complication of HIV-infected patients, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, progression to AIDS, AIDS-defining illness, and mortality. Early and accurate identification of renal disease is therefore crucial to improve patient outcomes. The use of serum creatinine, along with proteinuria, to detect renal involvement is essentially to screen for markers of glomerular disease and may not be effective in detecting earlier stages of renal injury. Therefore, more sensitive and specific markers are needed in order to early identify HIV-infected patients at risk of renal disease. This review article summarizes some new and important urinary markers of tubular injury in HIV-infected patients and their clinical usefulness in the renal safety follow-up of TDF-treated patients.
Charged Massive Particle’s Tunneling from Charged Nonrotating Microblack Hole
Authors: Soleimani M. J. , Abbasvandi N. , Radiman Shahidan , Wan Abdullah W. A. T.
Published: July 2016

In the tunneling framework of Hawking radiation, charged massive particle’s tunneling in charged nonrotating TeV-scale black hole is investigated. To this end, we consider natural cutoffs as a minimal length, a minimal momentum, and a maximal momentum through a generalized uncertainty principle. We focus on the role played by these natural cutoffs on the luminosity of charged nonrotating microblack hole by taking into account the full implications of energy and charge conservation as well as the backscattered radiation.
HLA-E⁎01:03 Allele in Lung Transplant Recipients Correlates with Higher Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction Occurrence
Authors: Di Cristofaro Julie , Pelardy Mathieu , Loundou Anderson , Basire Agnès , Gomez Carine , Chiaroni Jacques , Thomas Pascal , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Picard Christophe
Published: July 2016

Lung transplantation (LTx) is a valid therapeutic option for selected patients with end-stage lung disease. HLA-E seems to play a major role in the immune response to different viral infections and to affect transplantation outcome, in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, for example. Two nonsynonymous alleles, HLA-E⁎01:01 and HLA-E⁎01:03, have functional differences, involving relative peptide affinity, cell surface expression, and potential lytic activity of NK cells. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the impact of these two alleles for LTx recipients on anti-HLA alloimmunization risk, overall survival, and chronic rejection (CLAD). HLA-E was genotyped in 119 recipients who underwent LTx from 1998 to 2010 in a single transplantation center. In univariate analysis, both HLA-E homozygous states were associated with impaired overall survival compared to heterozygous HLA-E alleles (p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, HLA-E⁎01:03 allele showed increased CLAD occurrence when compared to homozygous HLA-E⁎01:01 status (HR: 3.563 (CI 95%, 1.016–12),p=0.047). HLA-E allele did not affect pathogen infection or the production ofde novoDSA. This retrospective study shows an uninvestigated, deleterious association of HLA-E alleles with LTx and requires verification using a larger cohort.
MRI Findings of Syndrome of Acute Bilateral Symmetrical Basal Ganglia Lesions in Diabetic Uremia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cao Xin , Fang Qiang , Shi Hao
Published: July 2016

The syndrome of acute bilateral basal ganglia lesions is an uncommon clinical occurrence exhibiting acute onset of movement abnormalities, which can be seen almost exclusively among patients with chronic renal failure, especially in the setting of concurrent diabetes mellitus. Symmetrical lesions located in basal ganglia demonstrated in MRI are typical manifestation of this syndrome. Our study includes routine MRI examination, MRS, 3D-ASL, and SWI findings, which have been rarely reported and will contribute to diagnosing more cases about this syndrome.
Phenotypic Response of Two Garlic Varieties to Different Nitrogen Fertilization Grown under Irrigation in Sudan Savannah Ecological Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Usman Magaji G. , Fagam A. S. , Dayi Rilwanu U. , Isah Zaharaddeen
Published: July 2016

A study was conducted under irrigation during dry season at the Katsina State Irrigation Site, Ajiwa. The aim of the experiment was to enhance the productivity of garlic through the choice of appropriate levels of nitrogenous fertilizer and suitable cultivar which maximizes yield. The experiment consisted of two varieties (ex-kofa and ex-sokoto) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, and 150 kgN/ha). They were arranged in a randomized complete block design in three replications. The variety ex-sokoto was found superior to ex-kofa with respect to plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and days to maturity, number of bulbs, bulb diameter, bulb weight, and number of cloves per bulb, cloves weight per bulb, and fresh and cured bulb yield. Application of 50 kgN/ha significantly increased plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area, number of bulbs, and the total yield of the garlic. Significant effects of interaction between variety and nitrogen on leaf area and number of cloves per bulb of the garlic were observed. The combination of ex-sokoto variety and 50 kgN/ha was found to increase garlic yield. Maximum growth and yield could be realized using a combination of ex-sokoto variety and 50 kgN/ha at Ajiwa.
Melatonin‐Mediated Intracellular Insulin during 2‐Deoxy‐d‐glucose Treatment Is Reduced through Autophagy and EDC3 Protein in Insulinoma INS‐1E Cells
Authors: Kim Han Sung , Han Tae-Young , Yoo Yeong-Min
Published: July 2016

2‐DG triggers glucose deprivation without altering other nutrients or metabolic pathways and then activates autophagy via activation of AMPK and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We investigated whether 2‐DG reduced intracellular insulin increased by melatonin via autophagy/EDC3 in insulinoma INS‐1E cells. p‐AMPK and GRP78/BiP level were significantly increased by 2‐DG in the presence/absence of melatonin, but IRE1α level was reduced in 2‐DG treatment. Levels of p85α, p110, p‐Akt (Ser473, Thr308), and p‐mTOR (Ser2481) were also significantly reduced by 2‐DG in the presence/absence of melatonin. Mn‐SOD increased with 2‐DG plus melatonin compared to groups treated with/without melatonin alone. Bcl‐2 was decreased and Bax increased with 2‐DG plus melatonin. LC3II level increased with 2‐DG treatment in the presence/absence of melatonin. Intracellular insulin production increased in melatonin plus 2‐DG but reduced in treatment with 2‐DG with/without melatonin. EDC3 was increased by 2‐DG in the presence/absence of melatonin. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, increased GRP78/BiP and EDC3 levels in a dose‐dependent manner and subsequently resulted in a decrease in intracellular production of insulin. These results suggest that melatonin‐mediated insulin synthesis during 2‐DG treatment involves autophagy and EDC3 protein in rat insulinoma INS‐1E cells and subsequently results in a decrease in intracellular production of insulin.