bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory network and genetic interactions established by OsMADS34 in rice inflorescence and spikelet morphogenesis
Authors: Meng Qingcai , Li Xiaofeng , Zhu Wanwan , Yang Li , Liang Wanqi , Dreni Ludovico , Zhang Dabing
Published: August 2017

Grasses display highly diversified inflorescence architectures that differ in the arrangement of spikelets and flowers and determine cereal yields. However, the molecular basis underlying grass inflorescence morphogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we investigate the role of a functionally diversified SEPALLATA MADS‐box transcription factor, OsMADS34, in regulating rice (Oryza sativa L.) inflorescence and spikelet development. Microarray analysis showed that, at the very early stages of inflorescence formation, dysfunction of OsMADS34 caused altered expression of 379 genes that are associated with protein modification and degradation, transcriptional regulation, signaling and metabolism activity. Genetic analysis revealed that OsMADS34 controls different aspects of inflorescence structure, branching and meristem activity synergistically with LAX PANICLE1 (LAX1) and FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER4 (FON4), as evidenced by the enhanced phenotypes of osmads34 lax1 and osmads34 fon4 compared with the single mutants. Additionally, double mutant between osmads34 and the sterile lemma defective mutant elongated empty glume (ele) displayed an enhanced phenotype, that is, longer and wider sterile lemmas that were converted into lemma/palea‐like organs, suggesting that ELE and OsMADS34 synergistically control the sterile lemma development. OsMADS34 may act together with OsMADS15 in controlling sterile lemma development. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the regulatory function of OsMADS34 in rice inflorescence and spikelet development.
Plasma stem cell factor levels are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and death
Authors: Björkbacka H. , Yao Mattisson I. , Wigren M. , Melander O. , Fredrikson G. N. , Bengtsson E. , Gonçalves I. , Almgren P. , Lagerstedt J. O. , Orho‐Melander M. , Engström G. , Nilsson J.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a key growth factor for several types of stem and progenitor cells. There is experimental evidence that such cells are of importance for maintaining the integrity of the cardiovascular system. We investigated the association between circulating levels of SCF and risk for development of cardiovascular events and death.

Methods

SCF was analysed by the proximity extension assay technique in plasma from 4742 subjects participating in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Cardiovascular events and death were monitored through national registers with a mean follow‐up time of 19.2 years.

Results

Subjects with high baseline levels of SCF had lower cardiovascular (n = 340) and all‐cause mortality (n = 1159) as well as a lower risk of heart failure (n = 177), stroke (n = 318) and myocardial infarction (n = 452). Smoking, diabetes and high alcohol consumption were associated with lower levels of SCF. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene region encoding PDX1 C‐terminal inhibiting factor 1 (PCIF1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 were associated with plasma SCF levels. The highest SCF quartile remained independently associated with a lower risk of a lower risk of cardiovascular [hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval 0.59 (0.43–0.81)] and all‐cause mortality [0.68 (0.57–0.81)], heart failure [0.50 (0.31–0.80)] and stroke [0.66 (0.47–0.92)], but not with MI [0.96 (0.72–1.27)] as compared with the lowest quartile when adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors in Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Conclusions

This prospective population‐based study demonstrates that subjects with high levels of SCF have a lower risk of cardiovascular events and death. The findings provide clinical support for a protective role of SCF in maintaining cardiovascular integrity.
The Surprising Duality of Jugaad: Low Firm Growth and High Inclusive Growth
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: August 2017

Western theories on creativity emphasize the importance of access to resources and the generation of innovations as a source of sustainable competitive advantage for firms. However, perhaps the emphasis on slack resources and the firm as the level of analysis may be less appropriate for understanding the benefits of individual creative problem solving in resource‐poor environments of the east; focusing solely on the firm is not sufficiently inclusive and may underestimate the benefits of creative problem solving under resource scarcity. Through an inductive interpretive case study of 12 problem solvers in the highly resource‐poor environment of rural India, we identified the antecedents, dimensions and duality of outcomes for an Indian cultural source of creative problem solving called jugaad. Jugaad relies on assertive defiance, trial‐and‐error experiential learning and the recombination of available resources to improvise a frugal quick‐fix solution. Our inductive framework provides new insights into the dual outcomes of creative problem solving from an eastern perspective; jugaad is unlikely to be a source of competitive advantage for firm growth but represents a source of enhanced wellbeing for inclusive growth.
Explaining Mandate Loss of Regional Headquarters: The Difference between Full and Partial Loss
Authors: Kähäri Perttu , Saittakari Iiris , Piekkari Rebecca , Barner‐Rasmussen Wilhelm
Published: August 2017

The fluidity of regional headquarters (RHQ) mandates is a core aspect of disaggregating HQ activities in MNCs. While ‘slicing’ of global value chains has received attention in previous research, the parallel disaggregation of management activities has not. Our longitudinal study of 374 RHQ between 1998 and 2010 redresses this omission by asking why RHQ lose their mandates. We apply the concept of absorptive capacity and find two different explanatory mechanisms for full and partial mandate loss driven by RHQ‐specific capabilities and location‐specific capabilities. Full mandate loss is associated with deficient RHQ‐specific capabilities and realised absorptive capacity. By contrast, partial mandate loss is driven by an RHQ's lack of the location‐specific capabilities to respond to local changes, leading to removal of mandates for some subunits only. The distinction between full and partial loss offers a more nuanced and granular explanation of how geographic regions of MNCs are composed.
Parents' traces in life: When and how parents are presented in spontaneous life narratives
Authors: Köber Christin , Habermas Tilmann
Published: August 2017

Objective

Although parents are acknowledged to be a part of their children's personality and narrative identity and to remain important across the life span, narrative personality research has not yet explored the spontaneous presentation of parents in life stories. Therefore, this study examined longitudinally the place given to parents when crafting one's life narrative and how this changes with age. Furthermore, in contrast to prior studies, we focused on spontaneous mentions of parents.

Method

We investigated how often parents are mentioned in life narratives of six age groups spanning from age 8 to 69, how the parental relationship is evaluated, whether narrators express understanding of their parents, and whether they respond to parental values.

Results

People of all ages dedicated a substantial part of their life narratives to their parents and evaluated their relationship with them in an increasingly differentiated manner. Parents were increasingly perceived as individuals beyond their parental nurturing role. Until late in life, individuals reflect on values and opinions that were transferred to them by their parents.

Conclusions

Parents hold a consistent place in life narratives, emphasizing their importance for narrative identity. Results are discussed in terms of lifelong child–parent relationships. Directions for future research are outlined.
Medication‐Assisted Opioid Treatment Prescribers in Federally Qualified Health Centers: Capacity Lags in Rural Areas
Authors: Jones Emily B.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study explores correlates of on‐site availability of substance use disorder treatment services in federally qualified health centers, including buprenorphine treatment that is critical to addressing the opioid epidemic.

Methods

We employed descriptive and multivariable analyses with weighted 2010 Assessment of Behavioral Health Services survey data and the 2010 Uniform Data System.

Findings

In 2010, 47.6% of health centers provided on‐site substance use disorder treatment, 12.3% provided buprenorphine treatment for opioids, and 38.8% were interested in expanding buprenorphine availability. Urban health centers, those in the West, and health centers with electronic health records had higher odds of offering on‐site substance use disorder treatment. Compared with on‐site mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment was available in fewer clinic sites within each organization. Health centers in rural areas had lower odds of providing on‐site buprenorphine treatment (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26‐0.94), and those in the South had lower odds of providing on‐site buprenorphine treatment compared with health centers in other regions. Rural health centers had lower odds of expressing interest in expanding the availability of buprenorphine treatment (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35‐0.97).

Conclusions

Improving access to substance use disorder treatment in primary care is a critical part of the strategy to combat the opioid use disorder epidemic. These findings highlight the important role of health centers as portals of access to substance use disorder treatment services in underserved communities. Recent investments to expand treatment capacity in health centers will expand the availability of substance use disorder services, but urban/rural and regional disparities should be monitored.
The Effect of Rurality on Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Incidence: An Exploratory Study of a National Registry Utilizing a Categorical Approach
Authors: Masterson Siobhán , Teljeur Conor , Cullinan John , Murphy Andrew W. , Deasy Conor , Vellinga Akke
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Variation in incidence is a universal feature of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). One potential source of variation is the rurality of the location where the OHCA incident occurs. While previous work has used a simple binary approach to define rurality, the purpose of this study was to use a categorical approach to quantify the impact of urban‐rural classification on OHCA incidence in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

The observed versus expected ratio of OHCA incidence where resuscitation was attempted for the period January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, was calculated for each of the 3,408 electoral divisions (ED). EDs were then classified into 1 of 6 urban‐rural classes. Multilevel modeling was used to test for variation in incidence ratios (IR) across the urban‐rural classes.

Findings

A total of 4,755 cases of adult OHCA, not witnessed by Emergency Medical Services, where resuscitation was attempted were included in the study. The number of EDs in each category was as follows: city (n = 477); town (n = 293); near village (n = 182); remote village (n = 84); near rural (n = 1,479); remote rural (n = 893). The IR per ED varied from 0 to 18.38 (EDs, n = 3,408). Multilevel modeling showed that 2.36% of variation in IR was due to urban‐rural classification. This dropped to 0.45% when adjusted for ED deprivation score and median distance to an ambulance station. The addition of other explanatory variables did not improve the model.

Conclusion

OHCA variation in Ireland is limited and almost fully explained by area‐level deprivation and proximity to ambulance stations.
Surface energy and viscoelasticity influence caramel adhesiveness
Authors: Wagoner Ty B. , Foegeding Edward Allen
Published: August 2017

Adhesion is an important textural attribute that directs consumer eating patterns and behaviors and can be a negative attribute during food processing. The objectives of this study were to modify caramel formulation and compare adhesion to different materials to quantify the influence of surface energetics and viscoelasticity on caramel adhesiveness. Mechanical adhesion was viewed in the context of pressure sensitive tack theory, where adhesion is controlled by viscoelasticity of the adhesive material and the surface energy relationship of material and probe. Caramel samples varied in total amount of fat and protein, and mechanical adhesion was measured using a series of materials with total surface energies of 39.7–53.2 mJ/m2. Adhesiveness decreased as fat and protein content increased, with a significant effect of total surface energy. Viscoelasticity was modeled using creep recovery data fit to a four‐element Burger mechanistic model. Burger model parameters representing retarded elasticity correlated strongly with adhesiveness. The results suggest two zones of adhesion based on formulation, one driven by both surface energy relationships—most notably dispersive and total surface energy—and viscoelasticity, and the other driven solely by viscoelasticity.

Practical applications

Relationships between mechanical properties and adhesion have been explored but are still not well understood, and could aid in the design of food products with a controlled level of adhesion. The results of this study indicate the importance of considering material surface energy when measuring mechanical adhesion or texture profile analysis. Understanding the relationships between viscoelastic behavior and adhesion can be used to make inferences on perceived texture.
A Method to Identify and Classify the Vertical Alignment of Existing Roads
Authors: Higuera de Frutos Santiago , Castro María
Published: August 2017

A detailed knowledge of the geometric characteristics of already built roads is necessary for various tasks related to their exploitation. However, sufficiently accurate or updated information about their geometric characteristics is frequently not available. Therefore, it is common to collect data of road geometry normally by means of a vehicle equipped with various sensors and, from the data obtained, generate analytically a geometric design that fits reality as closely as possible. There are several procedures to recreate the horizontal alignment of existing roads. However, no such effort has been made for vertical alignment. Knowledge of vertical profile's geometry is important for safety traffic studies as sight distance. This article presents a method of obtaining the geometrical elements of the vertical profile of highways through the longitudinal slope of their centerline points. The procedure has been successfully validated by its application on five rural highways in Spain.
Surveillance of biting midges (Culicoides spp.) in Northern Ireland: influence of seasonality, surrounding habitat and livestock housing
Authors: JESS S. , THOMPSON G. M. , CLAWSON S. , FORSYTHE I. W. N. , REA I. , GORDON A. W. , MURCHIE A. K.
Published: August 2017

Biting midges, Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), are important vectors of viral pathogens. Following the outbreak of bluetongue serotype 8 in Europe between 2006 and 2009, many Culicoides surveillance programmes were initiated to identify vector‐active periods, in accordance with European Commission regulation 2007/1266/EC. This study utilized surveillance data from 4 years of continuous light‐trapping at 14 sites in Northern Ireland. The number of captured Culicoides varied from none during the vector‐free period (December–April) to more than 36 000 per night during peak activity in the summer. The Obsoletus group represented 75% of Culicoides collected and the Pulicaris group represented 21%. A total of 91% of Culicoides were female, of which 42% were parous. Abundance data, sex ratios and parous rates suggested that both the Obsoletus and Pulicaris groups underwent three generations/year. The Obsoletus group was associated with cattle‐rearing habitats and woodland, the Impunctatus group was found in habitats related to sheep rearing and the Pulicaris group were associated with both cattle and sheep. Housing did not reduce incursion of female Obsoletus group Culicoides but it did for males and for the Pulicaris group Culicoides. The influence of housing was strongly affected by time of year, probably reflecting the presence of livestock indoors/outdoors.
Explanatory Roles for Minimal Content
Authors: Borg Emma
Published: August 2017

A standard objection to so‐called ‘minimal semantics’ (Borg 2004, 2012, Cappelen and Lepore 2005) is that minimal contents are explanatorily redundant as they play no role in an adequate account of linguistic communication (those making this objection include Levinson 2000, Carston 2002, Recanati 2004). This paper argues that this standard objection is mistaken. Furthermore, I argue that seeing why the objection is mistaken sheds light both on how we should draw the classic Gricean distinction between saying and implicating, and how we should think about the key philosophical notion of assertion. Specifically, it reveals that these ideas are best understood primarily in socio‐linguistic terms (resting on the degree of liability a speaker is held to have for linguistically conveyed content).
Inquiry and Belief
Authors: Friedman Jane
Published: August 2017

In this paper I look at belief and degrees of belief through the lens of inquiry. I argue that belief and degrees of belief play different roles in inquiry. In particular I argue that belief is a “settling” attitude in a way that degrees of belief are not. Along the way I say more about what inquiring amounts to, argue for a central norm of inquiry connecting inquiry and belief and say more about just what it means to have an inquiry or question settled.
Who still remains at risk of arrhythmic death at time of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator generator replacement?
Authors: Madeira Marta , António Natália , Milner James , Ventura Miguel , Cristóvão João , Costa Marco , Nascimento José , Elvas Luís , Gonçalves Lino , Mariano Pego Guilherme
Published: August 2017

Background

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) is associated with reduction in arrhythmic mortality. However, at the time of generator replacement (GR) some patients had not experienced therapies and had a different clinical profile. Therefore, the risk‐benefit ratio of ICD may have changed. Our aim was to determine the proportion of patients with ICD implanted in primary prevention that maintain guideline‐derived indications at the time of GR and assess predictors of therapies in the postreplacement period. We evaluate the long‐term benefit of ICD after GR in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) versus ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).

Methods

We included 141 patients undergoing GR from 11/2009 to 7/2015. Patients were divided into: G1 – guideline congruent indication for ICD at the time of GR (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 35% or appropriate therapies) and G2 – guideline incongruent indication (patients without appropriate therapies and LVEF >35%). We also compared ICD benefit between ICM and NICM patients.

Results

Maintenance of guideline‐driven indications for ICD (G1) was present in 68% of patients and 32% had recovery of LVEF and no ICD therapies at the time of GR (G2). After GR, G2 patients showed a lower rate of appropriate therapies (3% vs 33%, P < 0.01). LVEF ≤ 35% was the only independent predictor of appropriate therapies (OR 12.0, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, etiology of heart failure did not predict the arrhythmic risk.

Conclusion

At the time of GR, a significant proportion of patients no longer met guideline indications for ICD and their need for therapies is reduced. The etiology of heart failure did not predict freedom from therapies.
Impact of race and gender on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bukari Abdallah , Nayak Hemal , Aziz Zaid , Deshmukh Amrish , Tung Roderick , Ozcan Cevher
Published: August 2017

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment of drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the efficacy of CA by race and gender has not been well characterized. We sought to determine the impact of ethnicity and gender on clinical outcome following CA in patients with AF.

Methods

Patients who underwent CA for AF from September 2013 to April 2016 were included in this study. Patients were identified retrospectively and followed prospectively.

Results

A total of 118 patients (15.3% black and 78.8% white, 33% female) comprised the cohort, with mean age at ablation 63.4 ± 10.4 years. Black patients were older at time of the procedure (65.4 vs 63.4 years old) and had more prevalent comorbidities, including hypertension (77.8% vs 63.4%), diabetes (33.3% vs 15.0%), chronic kidney disease (22.2% vs 7.5%), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (51.8% vs 56.2%). Blacks also had significantly larger left atrial size (P  =  0.03). Late recurrence of AF was similar between blacks and whites (33.3% vs 34.4%, P  =  1) as well as between women and men (28.2% vs 36.7%, P  =  0.41). Early recurrence was predictive of late recurrence in men (P < 0.001) but not in women (P  =  0.48). Enlarged left atrium and early recurrence of AF were significant predictors for late recurrence of AF in the cohort.

Conclusions

CA for AF is equally effective in black patients despite more prevalent comorbidity and increased left atrial size. Early recurrence of AF after CA was not predictive of late recurrence of AF in women but was in men.
The Environmental Performance of Participatory and Collaborative Governance: A Framework of Causal Mechanisms
Authors: Newig Jens , Challies Edward , Jager Nicolas W. , Kochskaemper Elisa , Adzersen Ana
Published: August 2017

Many have advocated for collaborative governance and the participation of citizens and stakeholders on the basis that it can improve the environmental outcomes of public decision making, as compared to traditional, top‐down decision making. Others, however, point to the potential negative effects of participation and collaboration on environmental outcomes. This article draws on several literatures to identify five clusters of causal mechanisms describing the relationship between participation and environmental outcomes. We distinguish (i) mechanisms that describe how participation impacts on the environmental standard of outputs, from (ii) mechanisms relating to the implementation of outputs. Three mechanism clusters focus on the role of representation of environmental concerns, participants' environmental knowledge, and dialogical interaction in decision making. Two further clusters elaborate on the role of acceptance, conflict resolution, and collaborative networks for the implementation of decisions. In addition to the mechanisms, linking independent with dependent variables, we identify the conditions under which participation may lead to better (or worse) environmental outcomes. This helps to resolve apparent contradictions in the literature. We conclude by outlining avenues for research that builds on this framework for analysis.
Defiant Innovation: The Adoption of Medical Marijuana Laws in the American States
Authors: Hannah A. Lee , Mallinson Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Diffusion research often characterizes the role of the federal government in innovation adoption as a supportive one, either increasing the likelihood of adoption or its speed. We examine the adoption of medical marijuana laws (MMLs) from 1996 to 2014 to shed light on what motivates states to adopt innovations that are in explicit defiance of federal law. Furthermore, we examine whether federal signals have any influence on the likelihood of adoption. In doing so, we utilize implementation theory to expand our understanding of how the federal government's position impacts state policy innovation adoption. We find mixed evidence for the influence of federal signals on the adoption of MMLs. The results suggest that medical marijuana policies are much more likely to be adopted in states when proponents have the political or institutional capital, rather than a medical or fiscal need. Moreover, this political capital is sufficient independent of the federal government's real or perceived position.
When Epistemic Communities Fail: Exploring the Mechanism of Policy Influence
Authors: Löblová Olga
Published: August 2017

Epistemic communities are an established concept in the study of international relations but can also explain policy change at the domestic level. This article asks why some epistemic communities manage to convince decision makers of their preferred policies while others do not. It suggests that the reason lies in the causal mechanism of epistemic communities' influence on decision makers, mediated by decision makers' demand for expert input. Most epistemic communities scholarship focuses on single case studies where the communities' influence on policy was strong and clear, leading to an overestimation of the groups' influence. To help correct this probable bias, this article compares a successful case of epistemic community influence (health technology assessment in Poland) with an unsuccessful example of the same policy (in the Czech Republic). The juxtaposition allows for unpacking of the necessary parts of the causal mechanism (emergence of an epistemic community, its activity, access to decision makers, and successful suasion) and separating them from the crucial scope condition. Decision makers' uncertainty about the policy issue at hand has traditionally been the key scope condition for epistemic communities but the successful Polish case demonstrates that epistemic communities can be influential even in highly certain areas of routine policymaking, leading to a reconceptualization of uncertainty as policymakers' demand for expert input. Demand can originate from various sources, but any change of it affects individual parts of the causal mechanism, leading to a success or failure of epistemic communities' policy enterprise.
Sequence‐based typing of a novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*14:32:03, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li J.‐P. , Zhang X. , Lin F.‐Q. , Dong Y.‐H. , Li X.‐F.
Published: August 2017

HLA‐DRB1*14:32:03 has one synonymous nucleotide change from HLA‐DRB1*14:32:02at nucleotide 303 (codon 72 Arginine).
High‐throughput next‐generation sequencing to genotype six classical HLA loci from 96 donors in a single MiSeq run
Authors: Ehrenberg P. K. , Geretz A. , Sindhu R. K. , Vayntrub T. , Fernández Viña M. A. , Apps R. , Michael N. L. , Thomas R.
Published: August 2017

Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods have been established as an efficient approach for HLA typing because unlike traditional Sanger sequencing, they provide unambiguous results at a reasonable cost. We previously developed a multi‐locus index method to genotype four HLA loci (A, B, C, and DRB1) on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We have now expanded this method to include two additional loci, HLA‐DPB1 and DQB1. Contiguous full‐length amplicons from 5′UTR through 3′UTR regions were generated using one long‐range PCR reaction per locus for each of the six loci from 96 individuals of different ethnicities. The six amplicons from each donor were pooled, enzymatically fragmented and given a donor‐specific index. This approach enabled sequencing of 576 loci from 96 individuals in a single MiSeq run. Donor‐specific sequence reads were demultiplexed, and allele calls were generated from FASTQ files using commercially available software. Comparison to HLA genotypes generated from Sanger sequence‐based typing (SBT) identified no discordances among any of the alleles analyzed in this study. Importantly, this method was able to resolve 22 DPB1 and 20 DQB1 alleles that were ambiguous with the SBT method. Furthermore, a novel allele in each of these two loci was identified, with the DQB1*05:01:24 allele having a frequency of greater than five percent. This method was subsequently validated against a blinded panel of 22 samples from the 17th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop. The flexibility of the method is further highlighted by successful genotyping of eight loci comprising all classical HLA loci for a subset of the samples. We now present a high‐throughput, high‐resolution, scalable NGS HLA typing method to accurately and efficiently genotype all classical HLA class I and II loci.
A Comparison of Felt-Type and Paper-Type Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications Using X-Ray Techniques
Authors: Banerjee R. , Chevalier S. , Liu H. , Lee J. , Yip R. , Han K. , Hong B. K. , Bazylak A.
Published: August 2017

This work presents a comparison between carbon felt-type and paper-type gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells in terms of the similarities and the differences between their microstructures and the corresponding manner in which liquid water accumulated within the microstructures during operation. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to investigate the microstructure of single-layered GDLs (without a microporous layer (MPL)) and bilayered GDLs (with an MPL). In-operando synchrotron X-ray radiography was used to visualize the GDL liquid water accumulation during fuel cell operation as a function of current density. The felt-type GDLs studied here exhibited a more uniform porosity in the core regions, and the carbon fibers in the substrate were more prone to MPL intrusion. More liquid water accumulated in the felt-type GDLs during fuel cell operation; however, when differentiating between the microstructural impact of felt and paper GDLs, the presence of an MPL in bilayered GDLs was the most influential factor in liquid water management.
On/off switchable electronic conduction in intercalated metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Ogihara Nobuhiro , Ohba Nobuko , Kishida Yoshihiro
Published: August 2017

On/off switchable electronic conduction occurs in intercalated metal-organic framework formed by chemical lithiation and heating.
Crystal structures of a ZIP zinc transporter reveal a binuclear metal center in the transport pathway
Authors: Zhang Tuo , Liu Jian , Fellner Matthias , Zhang Chi , Sui Dexin , Hu Jian
Published: August 2017

Structures of a ZIP zinc transporter reveal an inward-open conformation with a binuclear metal center in the transport pathway.
Antiferroic electronic structure in the nonmagnetic superconducting state of the iron-based superconductors
Authors: Shimojima Takahiro , Malaeb Walid , Nakamura Asuka , Kondo Takeshi , Kihou Kunihiro , Lee Chul-Ho , Iyo Akira , Eisaki Hiroshi , Ishida Shigeyuki , Nakajima Masamichi , Uchida Shin-ichi , Ohgushi Kenya , Ishizaka Kyoko , Shin Shik
Published: August 2017

Antiferroic electronic instability in Ba,KFe
2
As
2
persists in the nonmagnetic phase covering the superconducting dome.
Identifying key intermediates generated in situ from Cu(II) salt–catalyzed C–H functionalization of aromatic amines under illumination
Authors: Meng Qing-Yuan , Gao Xue-Wang , Lei Tao , Liu Zan , Zhan Fei , Li Zhi-Jun , Zhong Jian-Ji , Xiao Hongyan , Feng Ke , Chen Bin , Tao Ye , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: August 2017

Cu(II) salts can activate C–H bonds of aromatic amines or imines to construct C–C bonds in air without external photosensitizer.
Observation of prethermalization in long-range interacting spin chains
Authors: Neyenhuis Brian , Zhang Jiehang , Hess Paul W. , Smith Jacob , Lee Aaron C. , Richerme Phil , Gong Zhe-Xuan , Gorshkov Alexey V. , Monroe Christopher
Published: August 2017

Many-body interactions could lead to quantum thermalization, but long-range interactions provide an alternative.
A polyaromatic nanocapsule as a sucrose receptor in water
Authors: Yamashina Masahiro , Akita Munetaka , Hasegawa Taisuke , Hayashi Shigehiko , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: August 2017

A supramolecular capsule with a polyaromatic shell binds
d
-sucrose from natural saccharide mixtures with perfect selectivity.
Photoinduced nanobubble-driven superfast diffusion of nanoparticles imaged by 4D electron microscopy
Authors: Fu Xuewen , Chen Bin , Tang Jau , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: August 2017

Direct visualization of superfast ballistic and diffusive gold nanoparticles driven by photoinduced nanobubbles.
Multicohort analysis reveals baseline transcriptional predictors of influenza vaccination responses
Authors:   HIPC-CHI Signatures Project Team,   HIPC-I Consortium, Avey Stefan , Cheung Foo , Fermin Damian , Frelinger Jacob , Gaujoux Renaud , Gottardo Raphael , Khatri Purvesh , Kleinstein Steven H. , Kotliarov Yuri , Meng Hailong , Sauteraud Renan , Shen-Orr Shai S. , Tsang John S. , Vallania Francesco , Anguiano Esperanza , Baisch Jeanine , Baldwin Nicole , Belshe Robert B. , Blevins Tamara P. , Chaussabel Damien , Davis Mark M. , Fikrig Erol , Grill Diane E. , Hafler David A. , Henrich Evan , Joshi Samit R. , Kaech Susan M. , Kennedy Rick B. , Mohanty Subhasis , Montgomery Ruth R. , Oberg Ann L. , Obermoser Gerlinde , Ovsyannikova Inna G. , Palucka A. Karolina , Pascual Virginia , Poland Greg , Pulendran Bali , Reinherz Ellis , Shaw Albert C. , Siconolfi Barbara , Stuart Kenneth D. , Tsang Sui , Ueda Ikuyo , Wilson Jean , Zapata Heidi J.
Published: August 2017

Distinct mechanisms may underlie the lower vaccine response in older individuals.
Environmental Determinants of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Davis Benjamin J. K. , Jacobs John M. , Davis Meghan F. , Schwab Kellogg J. , DePaola Angelo , Curriero Frank C.
Published: August 2017

Vibrio parahaemolyticusnaturally occurs in brackish and marine waters and is one of the leading causes of seafood-borne illness. Previous work studying the ecology ofV. parahaemolyticushas often been limited in geographic extent and lacked a full range of environmental measures. This study used a unique large data set of surface water samples in the Chesapeake Bay (n= 1,385) collected from 148 monitoring stations from 2007 to 2010. Water was analyzed for more than 20 environmental parameters, with additional meteorological and surrounding land use data. TheV. parahaemolyticus-specific genetic markers thermolabile hemolysin (tlh), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), andtdh-related hemolysin (trh) were assayed using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and interval-censored regression models with nonlinear effects were estimated to account for limits of detection and quantitation.tlhwas detected in 19.6% of water samples;tdhortrhmarkers were not detected. The results confirmed previously reported positive associations forV. parahaemolyticusabundance with temperature and turbidity and negative associations with high salinity (>10 to 23‰). Furthermore, the salinity relationship was determined to be a function of both low temperature and turbidity, with an increase of either nullifying the high salinity effect. Associations with dissolved oxygen and phosphate also appeared stronger when samples were taken near human developments. A renewed focus on theV. parahaemolyticusecological paradigm is warranted to protect public health.

IMPORTANCEVibrio parahaemolyticusis one of the leading causes of seafood-borne illness in the United States and across the globe. Exposure is often through consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. Given the natural presence of the bacterium in the marine environment, an improved understanding of its environmental determinants is necessary for future preventative measures. This analysis of environmentalVibrio parahaemolyticusis one of only a few that utilize a large data set measured over a wide geographic and temporal range. The analysis also includes a large number of environmental parameters forVibriomodeling, many of which have previously only been tested sporadically, and some of which have not been considered before. The results of the analysis revealed previously unknown relationships between salinity, turbidity, and temperature that provide significant insight into the abundance and persistence ofV. parahaemolyticusbacterium in the environment. This information will be essential for developing environmental forecast models for the bacterium.
Mechanism for Restoration of Fertility in Hybrid Zygosaccharomyces rouxii Generated by Interspecies Hybridization
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Uehara Kenji , Mogi Yoshinobu , Tsukioka Yuichiro
Published: August 2017

The mechanism of whole-genome duplication (WGD) in yeast has been intensively studied because it has a large impact on yeast evolution. WGD has shaped the genomic architecture of modern
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
; however, the mechanism for restoring fertility after interspecies hybridization, which would be involved in the process of WGD, has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we obtained a draft genome sequence of the salt-tolerant yeast
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
NBRC110957 and revealed that it is a hybrid lineage of
Z. rouxii
(allodiploid) with two subgenomes equivalent to NBRC1876. Because this allodiploid yeast can mate with other allodiploid strains and form spores, it can be a good model of restoring fertility after interspecies hybridization. We observed that NBRC110957 and NBRC1876 contain six mating-type-like (
MTL
) loci. There are no large deletions or deleterious mutations in
MTL
loci, except for several-base-pair deletions in the X region in certain
MTL
loci. We also assigned only one mating-type (MAT) locus that exclusively determines mating types from six
MTL
loci. These results suggest that it is possible to recover mating competence regardless of whether cells lose one
MAT
locus through random gene loss by mitotically dividing after interspecies hybridization. Moreover, we propose that perturbation of gene expression and substantial breakdown of
MAT
heterozygosity caused by chromosomal rearrangement at
MTL
loci play roles in restoring the mating competence of allodiploids. This scenario can provide a mechanism for restoring fertility after interspecies hybridization that is compatible with random gene loss models and suggests genomic plasticity during WGD in yeast.

IMPORTANCE
A whole-genome duplication occurred in an ancestor of the baker's yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The origins of this complex and multifaceted process, which requires intra- or interspecies hybridization followed by dysfunction of one mating-type (
MAT
) locus to regain mating competence, has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we provide a mechanism for regaining fertility in an interspecies hybrid,
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
. The draft genome sequence analysis and mating test showed that the
Z. rouxii
strain used in this study is an intact interspecies hybrid, suggesting that it is possible to recover fertility regardless of whether cells lose one
MAT
locus.
Dietary Fibers and Protective Lactobacilli Drive Burrata Cheese Microbiome
Authors: Minervini Fabio , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro , Gobbetti Marco , De Angelis Maria
Published: August 2017

This study was aimed at improving the functional attributes and shelf life of burrata cheese by using protective lactobacilli (
Lactobacillus plantarum
LPAL and
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
LRB), fructooligosaccharides, and inulin. Six burrata cheeses were made using (i) the traditional protocol (control), (ii) the addition of 0.5% fructooligosaccharides and inulin (DF cheese), (iii) protective lactobacilli in milk alone (PL cheese), (iv) protective lactobacilli in milk and governing liquid (2PL cheese), (v) protective lactobacilli in milk and dietary fibers (DF_PL cheese), and (vi) protective lactobacilli in milk and governing liquid and dietary fibers (DF_2PL cheese). As expected, DF, DF_PL, and DF_2PL cheeses showed 1.5% of total fibers. Burrata cheeses produced by adding protective lactobacilli only in milk (PL and DF_PL cheeses) showed the lowest acidification during cheese making and storage. Lactic and acetic acids and ethanol were found at the lowest concentrations in these samples. Analyses of cultivable microbiota and the microbiome showed that protective lactobacilli reduced the house microbiota components (e.g.,
Streptococcus thermophilus
,
Lactococcus lactis
, and
Leuconostoc lactis
) during cheese making and storage. Protective lactobacilli slowed the growth of staphylococci, coliforms, and
Pseudomonas
spp., especially in early storage. According to the different microbiome assemblies, burrata samples differed in peptide profiles and the levels of free amino acids. As shown by a sensory analysis, the addition of protective lactobacilli in milk improved the flavor and increased the shelf life of burrata cheese. In comparison to cheeses made using protective cultures only in milk, the shelf lives of those containing cultures also in the governing liquid were not further prolonged and they received lower acceptability scores by the panelists.

IMPORTANCE
This study provides more in-depth knowledge of the microbiome of burrata cheese and the set-up for a novel biotechnology using prebiotic dietary fibers and protective probiotic
Lactobacillus plantarum
LPAL and
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
LRB in milk. The biotechnology proposed in this study should be considered a useful tool to improve the functional value of burrata cheese. The use of protective lactobacilli in milk enhanced the flavor formation and shelf life of burrata cheese.
Lactolisterin BU, a Novel Class II Broad-Spectrum Bacteriocin from Lactococcus lactis subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis BGBU1-4
Authors: Lozo Jelena , Mirkovic Nemanja , O'Connor Paula M. , Malesevic Milka , Miljkovic Marija , Polovic Natalija , Jovcic Branko , Cotter Paul D. , Kojic Milan
Published: August 2017

Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis BGBU1-4 produces a novel bacteriocin, lactolisterin BU, with strong antimicrobial activity against many species of Gram-positive bacteria, including important food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, such as
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Bacillus
spp., and streptococci. Lactolisterin BU was extracted from the cell surface of BGBU1-4 by 2-propanol and purified to homogeneity by C
18
solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The molecular mass of the purified lactolisterin BU was 5,160.94 Da, and an internal fragment, AVSWAWQH, as determined by N-terminal sequencing, showed low-level similarity to existing antimicrobial peptides. Curing and transformation experiments revealed the presence of a corresponding bacteriocin operon on the smallest plasmid, pBU6 (6.2 kb), of strain BGBU1-4. Analysis of the bacteriocin operon revealed a leaderless bacteriocin of 43 amino acids that exhibited similarity to bacteriocin BHT-B (63%) from
Streptococcus ratti
, a bacteriocin with analogy to aureocin A.

IMPORTANCE
Lactolisterin BU, a broad-spectrum leaderless bacteriocin produced by
L. lactis
subsp.
lactis
bv. diacetylactis BGBU1-4, expresses strong antimicrobial activity against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, such as
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Bacillus
spp., and streptococci. Lactolisterin BU showed the highest similarity to aureocin-like bacteriocins produced by different bacteria. The operon for synthesis is located on the smallest plasmid, pBU6 (6.2 kb), of strain BGBU1-4, indicating possible horizontal transfer among producers.
In Bacillus subtilis, the SatA (Formerly YyaR) Acetyltransferase Detoxifies Streptothricin via Lysine Acetylation
Authors: Burckhardt Rachel M. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: August 2017

Soil is a complex niche, where survival of microorganisms is at risk due to the presence of antimicrobial agents. Many microbes chemically modify cytotoxic compounds to block their deleterious effects. Streptothricin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by streptomycetes that affects Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria alike. Here we identify the SatA (for
s
treptothricin
a
ce
t
yltransferase
A
, formerly YyaR) enzyme of
Bacillus subtilis
as the mechanism used by this soil bacterium to detoxify streptothricin.
B. subtilis
strains lacking
satA
were susceptible to streptothricin. Ectopic expression of
satA
+
restored streptothricin resistance to
B. subtilis
satA
(
Bs
SatA) strains. Purified
Bs
SatA acetylated streptothricin
in vitro
at the expense of acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). A single acetyl moiety transferred onto streptothricin by SatA blocked the toxic effects of the antibiotic. SatA bound streptothricin with high affinity (

K
d

[dissociation constant] = 1 μM), and did not bind acetyl-CoA in the absence of streptothricin. Expression of
B. subtilis
satA
+
in
Salmonella enterica
conferred streptothricin resistance, indicating that SatA was necessary and sufficient to detoxify streptothricin. Using this heterologous system, we showed that the SatA homologue from
Bacillus anthracis
also had streptothricin acetyltransferase activity. Our data highlight the physiological relevance of lysine acetylation for the survival of
B. subtilis
in the soil.

IMPORTANCE
Experimental support is provided for the functional assignment of gene products of the soil-dwelling bacilli
Bacillus subtilis
and
Bacillus anthracis
. This study focuses on one enzyme that is necessary and sufficient to block the cytotoxic effects of a common soil antibiotic. The enzyme alluded to is a member of a family of proteins that are broadly distributed in all domains of life but poorly studied in
B. subtilis
and
B. anthracis
. The initial characterization of the enzyme provides insights into its mechanism of catalysis.
Survival and osmoregulation of the purple marsh crab (Sesarmareticulatum) at varying salinity and pH
Authors: Shaughnessy C.A. , Anderson E.C. , Kasparian M. , LaMontagne J.M. , Bystriansky J.S.
Published: August 2017

Overfishing of top predators along the western Atlantic coastline has led to a trophic cascade in salt marshes, with increases in herbivorous purple marsh crab (Sesarma reticulatum (Say, 1817)) abundances in North American estuaries leading to overgrazing of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel.) and shoreline erosion. To evaluate potential physiological limits on the range of S. reticulatum within an estuary, we evaluated survival and physiological tolerance of S. reticulatum from the Ashepoo–Combhee–Edisto (ACE) River Basin in South Carolina, USA, to combinations of salinity (5‰ and 30‰) and pH (pH 6.6, 7.6, and 8.6) challenges, representative of estuarine extremes. Survival, haemolymph ion concentrations, and gill Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) and vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (VHA) activity were measured after a 48 h exposure to each experimental condition. Survival was nearly 100% and osmoregulatory control was maintained across estuarine salinity and pH ranges. Sesarma reticulatum appeared to be robust to all potential combinations of salinity and pH stressors examined in this study, and therefore are likely unrestricted in their fundamental niche based on these stressors throughout an estuary.