bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of thermo‐rheological properties of smart materials based on SiO2 and PPG modificated with expanded graphite
Authors: Głuszek Małgorzata , Kubiś Michał , Żurowski Radosław , Wiśniewski Tomasz , Szafran Mikołaj
Published: September 2017

The influence of expanded graphite (EG) on the thermal and rheological properties of shear thickening fluids (STF) based on silica powder with poly (propylene glycol) matrix was studied. Capturing the benefits of this non‐Newtonian system in a fabricated material allows producing advance flexible protectors. However, in order to provide high protection potential in response to an external force, it is necessary to minimize negative effect of temperature on STF. The doping additives reduce the unfavorable effect of temperature increase on shear thickening flow during an impact through faster heat exchange and return to the initial state, characterized by the highest protective potential. EG in different volume fractions (0.10% ‐ 5.00%) as a partial substitution of STF and SiO2 was added to studied systems and measured at temperatures in the range from 25.0 to 50.0°C. The dilatant effect of fluids increased by 580% for 5% volume fraction EG at 50.0°C.
A unified materials approach to mitigating optical nonlinearities in optical fiber. II. A. Material additivity models and basic glass properties
Authors: Dragic Peter D. , Cavillon Maxime , Ballato Arthur , Ballato John
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper, Part IIA in the trilogy (Int J Appl Glass Sci. 2018;9:263‐277; Int J Appl Glass Sci. 2018 (in press); Int J Appl Glass Sci. 2018 (in press)), is to describe the continuum models employed to deduce the physical, acoustic, and optical properties of optical fibers that exhibit intrinsically low optical nonlinearities. The continuum models described herein are based on the additivity approaches of Winklemann and Schott (W‐S). Initially developed over 120 years ago, W‐S additivity works well for predicting the basic properties of bulk silicate glasses. While high‐silica‐content glasses are still the gold‐standard for telecommunication and high energy laser fibers, the models have been systematically expanded to include deduction of the physical, thermophysical, and acoustic constants and coefficients that bear on parasitic nonlinearities. The state‐of‐the‐art in W‐S‐based continuum materials models is reviewed here with specific examples provided based on canonical material systems suggested from the findings of Part I and treated in detail in Part III.
Diminished presentation of complement regulatory protein CD55 on red blood cells from patients with hereditary haemolytic anaemias
Authors: Loniewska‐Lwowska A. , Koza K. , Mendek‐Czajkowska E. , Wieszczy P. , Adamowicz‐Salach A. , Branicka K. , Witos I. , Sapala‐Smoczynska A. , Jackowska T. , Fabijanska‐Mitek J.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Hereditary haemolytic anaemias (HHA) encompass a heterogeneous group of anaemias characterized by decreased red blood cell survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of red blood cell (RBC) surface molecules known or previously proposed to participate in preventing premature RBC clearance, analysing erythrocytes from patients with two types of HHA: hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and microcytosis.

Material/Methods

Relative binding of five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), anti‐CD55, anti‐CD59, anti‐CD44, anti‐CD47 and anti‐CD58, was evaluated in erythrocytes of patients with HS and hereditary microcytosis, using flow cytometry. The amount of CD55 protein was assessed by semi‐quantitative Western blots densitometry analysis.

Results

The majority of both HS and microcytic patients demonstrated significant reduction of anti‐CD55 binding by erythrocytes (average 23% and 19%, respectively, P < .001), with no concomitant anti‐CD59‐binding deficiency. Anti‐CD44, anti‐CD47 and anti‐CD58 binding was within the healthy control range or was slightly decreased.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence supporting the presence of erythrocytes deficient in CD55 presentation in HS and hereditary microcytosis. Moreover, deficiency of CD55 antigen presentation on RBC does not correlate with the amount of CD55 in RBC membrane. Further studies using molecular techniques will clarify the exact participation of CD55 deficiency in premature RBC clearance in HHA.
Bacterial cellulose skin masks—Properties and sensory tests
Authors: Pacheco Guilherme , de Mello Carolina Véspoli , Chiari‐Andréo Bruna Galdorfini , Isaac Vera Lucia Borges , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , Pecoraro Édison , Trovatti Eliane
Published: September 2017

Background

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile material produced by microorganisms in the form of a membranous hydrogel, totally biocompatible, and endowed with high mechanical strength. Its high water‐holding capacity based on its highly porous nanofibrillar structure allows BC to incorporate and to release substances very fast, thus being suitable for the preparation of skincare masks.

Aims

The preparation and characterization of cosmetic masks based on BC membranes and active cosmetics.

Methods

The masks were prepared by the simple incorporation of the cosmetic actives into BC membranes, used as a swelling matrix. The masks were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sensory tests, and skin moisture tests on volunteers.

Results

The results of sensory tests revealed the good performance of BC, being considered effective by the panel of volunteers, specially for adhesion to the skin (7.7 at the score scale), and improvement of the skin moisture (the hydration effect increased 76% in 75% of the volunteers that used vegetable extract mask formulation [VEM]), or a decrease in skin hydration (80% of the volunteers showed 32.6% decrease on skin hydration using propolis extract formulation [PEM] treatment), indicating the BC nanofiber membranes can be used to skincare applications.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the BC can be used as an alternative support for cosmetic actives for skin treatment.
How a Firm's Domestic Footprint and Domestic Environmental Uncertainties Jointly Shape Added Cultural Distances: The Roles of Resource Dependence and Headquarters Attention
Authors: Hendriks Guus , Slangen Arjen H. L. , Heugens Pursey P. M. A. R.
Published: September 2017

Even though many firms conduct most of their business domestically, international management research has remained remarkably silent on the role of a firm's domestic footprint in its internationalization strategy. We shed light on that role by exploring how the size of a firm's domestic footprint influences the cultural distance that the firm adds to its country portfolio when expanding internationally. Integrating resource dependence theory and the attention‐based view, we hypothesize that a firm's domestic footprint has a negative relationship with added cultural distance (ACD), and that domestic policy uncertainty strengthens this relationship whereas domestic demand uncertainty weakens it. We find robust support for our hypotheses in a sample of the world's largest retailers covering the period 2000–07, indicating that a firm's domestic footprint and domestic environmental uncertainties jointly shape cross‐cultural expansion strategies. Our findings suggest that ACDs reflect headquarters executives' desire to avoid ineffective foreign expansions, hinting at possible biases in studies of the performance effects of distance.
Rheological characteristics of binary composite gels of wheat flour and high amylose corn starch
Authors: Shahsavani Mojarrad Lida , Rafe Ali
Published: September 2017

The effect of addition of high amylose corn starch (Hylon VII or H) to wheat flour (WF) on the mechanical properties of the resulting binary composite gels (BCG) under small and large deformations was evaluated. To this end, the composite gels at different ratios of WF/H including 95:5, 90:10, and 85:15 were tested under a linear viscoelastic regime (LVE) in oscillatory angular frequency and a texture profile analysis in compression mode. However, the gel firmness was increased by Hylon VII addition, but the springiness was reduced. Since the adhesiveness and cohesiveness were not significantly different, no dilution effect was observed for the samples. Furthermore, the dominance of G′ than G″ over the range of LVE and high fracture stress at high level of Hylon VII confirmed the high gel strength which can be attributed to the retrogradation of amylose and reduction of amylopectin from WF. The less frequency dependency of BCG revealed the solid‐like response and strong gels structures with more elastic network. High value of α revealed a lower number of interactions within the gel network structures. Consequently, due to the high gel strength of BCG of WF/H, it can be exploited at high thermal operations such as retort processing as well as it can be utilized for dysphagia therapy due to the special textural parameters.

Practical applications

Small and large deformation properties can provide profound insights toward the gel structure. The former gets knowledge about dynamic rheology and the latter gives the textural properties of the gel matrices. Since, achieving the desired texture of foods has a chief impact on the target consumers, and chewing and swallowing disorders such as dysphagia are common problems in older people, more effort is needed to modify the texture of food with a soft structure. On the contrary, supplying a more gel strength network, which can withstand at high thermal processing and not collapse, is so vital. Therefore, the current work was accomplished to provide some knowledge about the binary composite gel of WF and Hylon VII starch such as the gel strength, fracture stress, fracture strain and material stiffness which enables us to evaluate the nature of starch gels for further applications such as drug delivery systems, elderly diet and further processes.
Antihistone Autoantibodies in Dobermans With Hepatitis
Authors: Dyggve H. , Meri S. , Spillmann T. , Jarva H. , Speeti M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Immune system involvement is suggested as an underlying cause for Doberman hepatitis (DH) based on female predisposition, lymphocyte infiltration, abnormal hepatocyte expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens, and homozygosity for dog leukocyte antigen DRB1*00601.

Objective

To measure serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and serum antihistone antibodies (AHA) in Dobermans with hepatitis. To determine whether increased serum ANA or serum AHA could be used to support the diagnosis of Doberman hepatitis (DH).

Animals

Privately owned 25 subclinically and 13 clinically affected DH Dobermans and 17 healthy control Dobermans.

Methods

Case–control study. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) microscopy and line blot tests were employed for the ANA pilot studies and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay for detection of IgG AHA.

Results

Indirect immunofluorescence revealed ANA‐positive cases, and line blot showed AHA reactivity. In ELISA, importantly increased concentrations of AHA were found in 92% (23/25) of dogs in the subclinical stage and 84.6% (11 of 13) of dogs in the clinical stage of DH compared with no control dogs (0/17) (P < 0.0005). The mean AHA absorbance values of the blood samples obtained from the 25 subclinical DH dogs (1.36 ± 0.60, mean ± SD) and the 13 clinically affected dogs (1.46 ± 0.49) were significantly higher than in 17 control dogs (0.51 ± 0.18; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

As the presence of AHA indicates autoimmune activity, our results favor an autoimmune background as one cause for DH. Antihistone antibody could represent a novel means for screening Dobermans with increased serum alanine transaminase concentrations and suspicion of DH.
Body mass index trajectories in young adulthood predict non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in middle age: The CARDIA cohort study
Authors: VanWagner Lisa B. , Khan Sadiya S. , Ning Hongyan , Siddique Juned , Lewis Cora E. , Carr John J. , Vos Miriam B. , Speliotes Elizabeth , Terrault Norah A. , Rinella Mary E. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Allen Norrina B.
Published: September 2017

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is an epidemic. Identifying modifiable risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease development is essential to design effective prevention programmes. We tested whether 25‐year patterns of body mass index change are associated with midlife non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

In all, 4423 participants from Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults, a prospective population‐based biracial cohort (age 18‐30), underwent body mass index measurement at baseline (1985‐1986) and 3 or more times over 25 years. At Year 25, 3115 had liver fat assessed by non‐contrast computed tomography. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was defined as liver attenuation ≤40 Hounsfield Units after exclusions. Latent mixture modelling identified 25‐year trajectories in body mass index per cent change (%Δ) from baseline.

Results

We identified four distinct trajectories of BMI%Δ: stable (26.2% of cohort, 25‐year BMI %Δ = 3.1%), moderate increase (46.0%, BMI%Δ = 21.7%), high increase (20.9%, BMI%Δ = 41.9%) and extreme increase (6.9%, BMI%Δ = 65.9%). Y25 non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was higher in groups with greater BMI %Δ: 4.1%, 9.3%, 13.0%, and 17.6%, respectively (P‐trend <.0001). In multivariable analyses, participants with increasing BMI%Δ had increasingly greater odds of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to the stable group: OR: 3.35 (95% CI: 2.07‐5.42), 7.80 (4.60‐13.23) and 12.68 (6.68‐24.09) for moderate, high and extreme body mass index increase, respectively. Associations were only moderately attenuated when adjusted for baseline or Y25 body mass index.

Conclusions

Trajectories of weight gain during young adulthood are associated with greater non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence in midlife independent of metabolic covariates and baseline or concurrent body mass index highlighting the importance of weight maintenance throughout adulthood as a target for primary non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevention.
Clinical and virological heterogeneity of hepatitis delta in different regions world‐wide: The Hepatitis Delta International Network (HDIN)
Authors: Wranke Anika , Pinheiro Borzacov Lourdes M. , Parana Raymundo , Lobato Cirley , Hamid Saeed , Ceausu Emanoil , Dalekos George N. , Rizzetto Mario , Turcanu Adela , Niro Grazia A. , Lubna Farheen , Abbas Minaam , Ingiliz Patrick , Buti Maria , Ferenci Peter , Vanwolleghem Thomas , Hayden Tonya , Dashdorj Naranjargal , Motoc Adriana , Cornberg Markus , Abbas Zaigham , Yurdaydin Cihan , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Hardtke Svenja ,   the Hepatitis Delta International Network
Published: September 2017

Background & Aims

Chronic hepatitis D (delta) is a major global health burden. Clinical and virological characteristics of patients with hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection and treatment approaches in different regions world‐wide are poorly defined.

Methods

The Hepatitis Delta International Network (HDIN) registry was established in 2011 with centres in Europe, Asia, North‐ and South America. Here, we report on clinical/ virological characteristics of the first 1576 patients with ongoing or past HDV infection included in the database until October 2016 and performed a retrospective outcome analysis. The primary aim was to investigate if the region of origin was associated with HDV replication and clinical outcome.

Results

The majority of patients was male (n = 979, 62%) and the mean age was 36.7 years (range 1‐79, with 9% of patients younger than 20 years). Most patients were HBeAg‐negative (77%) and HDV‐RNA positive (85%). Cirrhosis was reported in 48.7% of cases which included 13% of patients with previous or ongoing liver decompensation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 30 patients (2.5%) and 44 (3.6%) underwent liver transplantation. Regions of origin were independently associated with clinical endpoints and detectability of HDV RNA. Antiviral therapy was administered to 356 patients with different treatment uptakes in different regions. Of these, 264 patients were treated with interferon‐a and 92 were treated with HBV‐Nucs only.

Conclusions

The HDIN registry confirms the severity of hepatitis delta but also highlights the heterogeneity of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes in different regions. There is an urgent need for novel treatment options for HDV infection.
Jettisoning Illusions About the Median Mandate
Authors: Best Robin E. , Budge Ian , McDonald Michael D.
Published: September 2017

We endorse G. Bingham Powell's cautionary corrective to challenge Paul Warwick's conclusions that the median mandate thesis needs to be jettisoned because there is not a close match between median voter and government left‐right positions. More to the point, however, we go beyond Powell's mild caution to challenge Warwick's rejection more assertively and thoroughly. We show his rejection mistakes responsiveness for congruence, misapprehends how and why the median mandate thesis distinguishes between those two concepts, and fails to take account of a measurement artifact associated with his survey data.
Zap1‐dependent transcription from an alternative upstream promoter controls translation of RTC4 mRNA in zinc‐deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Taggart Janet , MacDiarmid Colin W. , Haws Spencer , Eide David J.
Published: September 2017

Maintaining zinc homeostasis is an important property of all organisms. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Zap1 transcriptional activator is a central player in this process. In response to zinc deficiency, Zap1 activates transcription of many genes and consequently increases accumulation of their encoded proteins. In this report, we describe a new mechanism of Zap1‐mediated regulation whereby increased transcription of certain target genes results in reduced protein expression. Transcription of the Zap1‐responsive genes RTC4 and RAD27 increases markedly in zinc‐deficient cells but, surprisingly, their protein levels decrease. We examined the underlying mechanism further for RTC4 and found that this unusual regulation results from altered transcription start site selection. In zinc‐replete cells, RTC4 transcription begins near the protein‐coding region and the resulting short transcript leader allows for efficient translation. In zinc‐deficient cells, RTC4 RNA with longer transcript leaders are expressed that are not efficiently translated due to the presence of multiple small open reading frames upstream of the coding region. This regulation requires a potential Zap1 binding site located farther upstream of the promoter. Thus, we present evidence for a new mechanism of Zap1‐mediated gene regulation and another way that this activator protein can repress protein expression.
Unveiling the biotransformation mechanism of indole in a Cupriavidus sp. strain
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Ma Qiao , Liu Ziyan , Wang Weiwei , Tang Hongzhi , Zhou Jiti , Xu Ping
Published: September 2017

Indole, an important signaling molecule as well as a typical N‐heterocyclic aromatic pollutant, is widespread in nature. However, the biotransformation mechanisms of indole are still poorly studied. Here, we sought to unlock the genetic determinants of indole biotransformation in strain Cupriavidus sp. SHE based on genomics, proteomics and functional studies. A total of 177 proteins were notably altered (118 up‐ and 59 downregulated) in cells grown in indole mineral salt medium when compared with that in sodium citrate medium. RT‐qPCR and gene knockout assays demonstrated that an indole oxygenase gene cluster was responsible for the indole upstream metabolism. A functional indole oxygenase, termed IndA, was identified in the cluster, and its catalytic efficiency was higher than those of previously reported indole oxidation enzymes. Furthermore, the indole downstream metabolism was found to proceed via the atypical CoA‐thioester pathway rather than conventional gentisate and salicylate pathways. This unusual pathway was catalyzed by a conserved 2‐aminobenzoyl‐CoA gene cluster, among which the 2‐aminobenzoyl‐CoA ligase initiated anthranilate transformation. This study unveils the genetic determinants of indole biotransformation and will provide new insights into our understanding of indole biodegradation in natural environments and its functional studies.
Beyond immune escape: a variant surface glycoprotein causes suramin resistance in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Wiedemar Natalie , Graf Fabrice E. , Zwyer Michaela , Ndomba Emiliana , Kunz Renggli Christina , Cal Monica , Schmidt Remo S. , Wenzler Tanja , Mäser Pascal
Published: September 2017

Suramin is one of the first drugs developed in a medicinal chemistry program (Bayer, 1916), and it is still the treatment of choice for the hemolymphatic stage of African sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Cellular uptake of suramin occurs by endocytosis, and reverse genetic studies with T. b. brucei have linked downregulation of the endocytic pathway to suramin resistance. Here we show that forward selection for suramin resistance in T. brucei spp. cultures is fast, highly reproducible and linked to antigenic variation. Bloodstream‐form trypanosomes are covered by a dense coat of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), which protects them from their mammalian hosts' immune defenses. Each T. brucei genome contains over 2000 different VSG genes, but only one is expressed at a time. An expression switch to one particular VSG, termed VSGSur, correlated with suramin resistance. Reintroduction of the originally expressed VSG gene in resistant T. brucei restored suramin susceptibility. This is the first report of a link between antigenic variation and drug resistance in African trypanosomes.
How much do we know about the frequency of hybridisation and polyploidy in the Mediterranean region?
Authors: Marques I. , Loureiro J. , Draper D. , Castro M. , Castro S.
Published: September 2017

Natural hybridisation and polyploidy are currently recognised as drivers of biodiversity, despite early scepticism about their importance. The Mediterranean region is a biodiversity hotspot where geological and climatic events have created numerous opportunities for speciation through hybridisation and polyploidy. Still, our knowledge on the frequency of these mechanisms in the region is largely limited, despite both phenomena are frequently cited in studies of Mediterranean plants. We reviewed information available from biodiversity and cytogenetic databases to provide the first estimates of hybridisation and polyploidy frequency in the Mediterranean region. We also inspected the most comprehensive modern Mediterranean Flora (Flora iberica) to survey the frequency and taxonomic distribution of hybrids and polyploids in Iberian Peninsula. We found that <6% of Mediterranean plants were hybrids, although a higher frequency was estimated for the Iberian Peninsula (13%). Hybrids were concentrated in few families and in even fewer genera. The overall frequency of polyploidy (36.5%) was comparable with previous estimates in other regions; however our estimates increased when analysing the Iberian Peninsula (48.8%). A surprisingly high incidence of species harbouring two or more ploidy levels was also observed (21.7%). A review of the available literature also showed that the ecological factors driving emergence and establishment of new entities are still poorly studied in the Mediterranean flora, although geographic barriers seem to play a major role in polyploid complexes. Finally, this study reveals several gaps and limitations in our current knowledge about the frequency of hybridisation and polyploidy in the Mediterranean region. The obtained estimates might change in the future with the increasing number of studies; still, rather than setting the complete reality, we hope that this work triggers future studies on hybridisation and polyploidy in the Mediterranean region.
Multi‐Modal Order Fulfillment: Concept and Application
Authors: Lawson Benn , Pil Frits K. , Holweg Matthias
Published: September 2017

Empirical work on order fulfillment strategies suggests that building products to customer order is an important driver of organizational value. Similarly, the experimental literature indicates that customers derive value from customization. The modeling literature provides a more equivocal perspective, suggesting that a combination of build‐to‐forecast and build‐to‐order (BTO) fulfillment modalities may lead to the best system‐wide outcomes. Using an industry studies approach, we build on these theoretical perspectives to examine order fulfillment at a global automotive producer. Interviews with key decision makers and a statistical analysis of 48,534 individual vehicle sales enable the development of four propositions on the organizational and profitability implications of the firm's evolution in order fulfillment strategy. Our analyses indicate that building products to customer order is a source of higher unit profit margin. The BTO process also exposes fault lines and generates opportunities for operational improvement, both in the order‐to‐delivery system and in the broader organization. Build‐to‐order evolves to provide the firm with insight on customers’ willingness to trade delivery lead times against their product attribute preferences. This information allows BTO to incorporate a demand management role, for example, by shifting custom orders to later time periods to accommodate excess demand. These changes lay the groundwork for a multi‐modal order fulfillment strategy that no longer distinguishes between the order source or production modality. This strategy enhances customer responsiveness, while addressing manufacturing capacity management imperatives. Our findings open new avenues for theory building, as well as experimental, empirical and modeling research in order fulfillment.
SOME CORRELATES OF RURAL‐URBAN LED URBANIZATION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Authors: Oke David Mautin , Bokana Koye Gerry , Shobande Olatunji Abdul
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we analyze some correlates of urbanization in Lagos resulting from rural‐urban migration. We provide empirical evidence to show that the gross domestic product of Lagos State is insignificant in determining the pace of rural‐urban led urbanization. However, urbanization significantly reduces as state government expenditure on housing and modern health is increased. Conversely, urbanization rises when the state government increases spending on education and transportation. Therefore, education and modern transportation provisions by the government of Lagos are critical toward urbanization drive of the State.
HLA‐A*24:388N: a novel HLA‐A*24 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Wang D. , Yang X. , Chai X. , Fang J. , Zhang X.
Published: September 2017

The novel allele, A*24:388N, was identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual.
Identification of the novel allele, HLA‐B*15:388, in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Han B. , Zhu Y.‐L. , Guo Q.‐M. , Pang S.‐T. , Feng Z.‐H.
Published: September 2017

The novel allele, HLA‐B*15:388, was identified in a Chinese bone marrow donor by sequence‐based typing.
Cell density and airspace patterning in the leaf can be manipulated to increase leaf photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Lehmeier Christoph , Pajor Radoslaw , Lundgren Marjorie R. , Mathers Andrew , Sloan Jen , Bauch Marion , Mitchell Alice , Bellasio Chandra , Green Adam , Bouyer Daniel , Schnittger Arp , Sturrock Craig , Osborne Colin P. , Rolfe Stephen , Mooney Sacha , Fleming Andrew J.
Published: September 2017

The pattern of cell division, growth and separation during leaf development determines the pattern and volume of airspace in a leaf. The resulting balance of cellular material and airspace is expected to significantly influence the primary function of the leaf, photosynthesis, and yet the manner and degree to which cell division patterns affect airspace networks and photosynthesis remains largely unexplored. In this paper we investigate the relationship of cell size and patterning, airspace and photosynthesis by promoting and repressing the expression of cell cycle genes in the leaf mesophyll. Using microCT imaging to quantify leaf cellular architecture and fluorescence/gas exchange analysis to measure leaf function, we show that increased cell density in the mesophyll of Arabidopsis can be used to increase leaf photosynthetic capacity. Our analysis suggests that this occurs both by increasing tissue density (decreasing the relative volume of airspace) and by altering the pattern of airspace distribution within the leaf. Our results indicate that cell division patterns influence the photosynthetic performance of a leaf, and that it is possible to engineer improved photosynthesis via this approach.
Ferroelectric self-assembled molecular materials showing both rectifying and switchable conductivity
Authors: Gorbunov Andrey V. , Garcia Iglesias Miguel , Guilleme Julia , Cornelissen Tim D. , Roelofs W. S. Christian , Torres Tomas , González-Rodríguez David , Meijer E. W. , Kemerink Martijn
Published: September 2017

Combining dipolar and semiconducting functionality in a single molecule yields a ferroelectrically switchable conductivity.
Electrical access to critical coupling of circularly polarized waves in graphene chiral metamaterials
Authors: Kim Teun-Teun , Oh Sang Soon , Kim Hyeon-Don , Park Hyun Sung , Hess Ortwin , Min Bumki , Zhang Shuang
Published: September 2017

Electric control of coupling in hybrid graphene/metamaterial system enables strong selective modulation of light polarization.
Liquid-like behavior of UV-irradiated interstellar ice analog at low temperatures
Authors: Tachibana Shogo , Kouchi Akira , Hama Tetsuya , Oba Yasuhiro , Piani Laurette , Sugawara Iyo , Endo Yukiko , Hidaka Hiroshi , Kimura Yuki , Murata Ken-ichiro , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Watanabe Naoki
Published: September 2017

UV-irradiated interstellar ice analog behaves like a liquid at 50 to 150 kelvin, below its crystallization temperature.
Perovskite solar cells with CuSCN hole extraction layers yield stabilized efficiencies greater than 20%
Authors: Arora Neha , Dar M. Ibrahim , Hinderhofer Alexander , Pellet Norman , Schreiber Frank , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Grätzel Michael
Published: September 2017

Transporter layers improve stability

Although perovskite solar cells can have power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%, they can have limited thermal and ultraviolet irradiation stability. This is in part because of the materials used to extract the charge carriers (electrons and holes) from the active layer. Arora
et al.
replaced organic hole transporter layers with CuCSN to improve thermal stability. Device lifetime was enhanced when a conducting reduced graphene oxide spacer was added between the CuSCN layer and the gold electrode.

Science
, this issue p.
768
A single mutation in the prM protein of Zika virus contributes to fetal microcephaly
Authors: Yuan Ling , Huang Xing-Yao , Liu Zhong-Yu , Zhang Feng , Zhu Xing-Liang , Yu Jiu-Yang , Ji Xue , Xu Yan-Peng , Li Guanghui , Li Cui , Wang Hong-Jiang , Deng Yong-Qiang , Wu Menghua , Cheng Meng-Li , Ye Qing , Xie Dong-Yang , Li Xiao-Feng , Wang Xiangxi , Shi Weifeng , Hu Baoyang , Shi Pei-Yong , Xu Zhiheng , Qin Cheng-Feng
Published: September 2017

Mutation for microcephaly

Zika virus infections in humans have been known since 1947. Microcephaly and neuropathologies associated with Zika have only been reported recently, most prevalently in the Americas. Yuan
et al.
investigated recent stable mutations in the virus genome and engineered them into a low-virulence ancestral strain (see the Perspective by Screaton and Mongkolsapaya). A single amino acid substitution (serine to asparagine, S139N) in the viral precursor membrane protein exacerbated symptoms in pregnant mice. The reverse mutation (N139S) was less virulent. The S139N mutation arose in 2013 in French Polynesia before the virus jumped to Brazil in 2015. In vitro, this amino acid change made the virus more infectious for mouse and human neural progenitor cells and promoted apoptosis. The terrible sequelae of infection during pregnancy could thus be the result of a simple viral mutation.

Science
, this issue p.
933
; see also p.
863
Southern African ancient genomes estimate modern human divergence to 350,000 to 260,000 years ago
Authors: Schlebusch Carina M. , Malmström Helena , Günther Torsten , Sjödin Per , Coutinho Alexandra , Edlund Hanna , Munters Arielle R. , Vicente Mário , Steyn Maryna , Soodyall Himla , Lombard Marlize , Jakobsson Mattias
Published: September 2017

Ancient DNA pushes human emergence back

Anatomically modern humans evolved in Africa, but pinpointing when has been difficult. Schlebusch
et al.
sequenced three ancient African genomes from the Stone Age, about 2000 years old, and four from the Iron Age, 300 to 500 years old. One of the oldest samples, sequenced to 13× coverage, appears most closely to resemble individuals from the present-day San population. However, this individual seems to have lacked genetic contributions from other modern African populations, including pastoralists and farmers, which were observed in modern San individuals. Thus, the earliest divergence between human populations may have occurred 350,000 to 260,000 years ago.

Science
, this issue p.
652
Dynamics of the human antibody repertoire after B cell depletion in systemic sclerosis
Authors: de Bourcy Charles F. A. , Dekker Cornelia L. , Davis Mark M. , Nicolls Mark R. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: September 2017

Immune repertoire sequencing reveals humoral signatures of systemic sclerosis and uncovers determinism in the repertoire’s response to B cell depletion.
Genetic and epigenetic inactivation of
SESTRIN1
controls mTORC1 and response to EZH2 inhibition in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Oricchio Elisa , Katanayeva Natalya , Donaldson Maria Christine , Sungalee Stephanie , Pasion Joyce P. , Béguelin Wendy , Battistello Elena , Sanghvi Viraj R. , Jiang Man , Jiang Yanwen , Teater Matt , Parmigiani Anita , Budanov Andrei V. , Chan Fong Chun , Shah Sohrab P. , Kridel Robert , Melnick Ari M. , Ciriello Giovanni , Wendel Hans-Guido
Published: September 2017

SESTRIN1
is a tumor suppressor deleted or epigenetically silenced by mutated EZH2.
Broad-spectrum antiviral GS-5734 inhibits both epidemic and zoonotic coronaviruses
Authors: Sheahan Timothy P. , Sims Amy C. , Graham Rachel L. , Menachery Vineet D. , Gralinski Lisa E. , Case James B. , Leist Sarah R. , Pyrc Krzysztof , Feng Joy Y. , Trantcheva Iva , Bannister Roy , Park Yeojin , Babusis Darius , Clarke Michael O. , Mackman Richard L. , Spahn Jamie E. , Palmiotti Christopher A. , Siegel Dustin , Ray Adrian S. , Cihlar Tomas , Jordan Robert , Denison Mark R. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: September 2017

Broad-spectrum antiviral GS-5734 inhibits both epidemic and zoonotic coronaviruses in vitro and in vivo.
Type 2 immunity is protective in metabolic disease but exacerbates NAFLD collaboratively with TGF-β
Authors: Hart Kevin M. , Fabre Thomas , Sciurba Joshua C. , Gieseck Richard L. , Borthwick Lee A. , Vannella Kevin M. , Acciani Thomas H. , de Queiroz Prado Rafael , Thompson Robert W. , White Sandra , Soucy Genevieve , Bilodeau Marc , Ramalingam Thirumalai R. , Arron Joseph R. , Shoukry Naglaa H. , Wynn Thomas A.
Published: September 2017

Development of NASH fibrosis is accompanied by accumulation of hepatic eosinophils and driven by TGF-β and profibrotic type 2 inflammation.
Fortifying the BBB: Border control by increasing regulators
Authors: Choi Huimahn Alex
Published: September 2017

Treatment with exogenous regulatory T cells fortifies the blood-brain barrier after tissue plasminogen activator therapy in models of acute ischemic stroke.
Surf’s up for ER stress
Authors: Haspel Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

A new type of biological clock regulates the unfolded protein response.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar rongseni Reference Strain SCG04-02, a Strain Toxic to
Plutella xylostella
Authors: Fu Yajuan , Wu Yan , Yuan Yihui , Gao Meiying
Published: September 2017

Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) is widely used to control agricultural and forestry pests, though there are only a few available complete genome sequences of the Bt reference strain. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
B. thuringiensis
serovar rongseni reference strain SCG04-02, which is toxic to
Plutella xylostella
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp.
jinghongiensis
Reference Strain YGd22-03
Authors: Wu Yan , Fu Yajuan , Yuan Yihui , Gao Meiying
Published: September 2017

Bacillus thuringiensis
is widely used in producing ecofriendly microbial agents for the purpose of controlling insect pests. In this study, we determined the complete genome sequence of
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
jinghongiensis
reference strain YGd22-03, which contains three
cry
genes and one cerecidin biosynthetic gene cluster.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Trichophyton rubrum
CMCC(F)T
1i
and
Trichophyton violaceum
CMCC(F)T
3l
by Illumina 2000 and Pacific Biosciences
Authors: Zhan Ping , de Hoog Sybren , Liu Weida
Published: September 2017

One strain of
Trichophyton rubrum
CMCC(F)T
1i
(=CBS 139224) isolated from onychomycosis and one strain of
Trichophyton violaceum
CMCC(F)T
3l
(=CBS 141829) isolated from tinea capitis in China were whole-genome sequenced by Illumina/Solexa, while the former was also sequenced by Pacific Biosciences sequencing in parallel.
Complete Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli KRX, a Strain for Efficient Cloning and High-Yield Expression of Proteins under Control of the T7 RNA Polymerase
Authors: Schwarzhans Jan-Philipp , Wibberg Daniel , Winkler Anika , Kalinowski Jörn , Friehs Karl
Published: September 2017

Escherichia coli
KRX is a strain offering both a high transformation efficiency and the possibility to produce the target protein to high yields in one host, avoiding additional cloning steps. Here, the draft genome sequence of
E. coli
KRX is presented and provides the genetic basis for additional biotechnological applications.
Draft Genome Sequences of Historical Strains of Coxiella burnetii Isolated from Cow’s Milk and a Goat Placenta
Authors: Beare Paul A. , Jeffrey Brendan M. , Martens Craig A. , Pearson Talima , Heinzen Robert A.
Published: September 2017

Here, we report draft genome sequences of historical strains ofCoxiella burnetiiderived from cow’s milk and the placenta of a goat that had aborted. The California and Ohio milk strains display a different sequence type than do contemporary milk strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma bovirhinis Strain HAZ141_2 from Bovine Nasal Discharge in Japan
Authors: Hata Eiji , Nagai Kazuya , Murakami Kenji
Published: September 2017

Mycoplasma bovirhinis
, a mycoplasmal species involved in bovine respiratory diseases, is also a commensal microorganism that inhabits the bovine respiratory and reproductive organs. We present the complete 948,039-bp genome sequence of
M. bovirhinis
strain HAZ141_2, which was isolated from bovine nasal discharge in Japan.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Bacteremia Isolates of Bordetella holmesii
Authors: Tettelin Hervé , Hooven Thomas A. , Zhao Xuechu , Su Qi , Sadzewicz Lisa , Tallon Luke J. , Fraser Claire M. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: September 2017

Bordetella holmesii
causes respiratory and invasive diseases in humans, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We report here the genome sequences of seven bacteremia isolates of
B. holmesii
, including the type strain. Comparative analysis of these sequences may aid studies of
B. holmesii
biology and assist in the development of species-specific diagnostic strategies.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Type Strain Pseudomonas umsongensis DSM 16611
Authors: Furmanczyk Ewa M. , Kaminski Michal A. , Dziembowski Andrzej , Lipinski Leszek , Sobczak Adam
Published: September 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas umsongensis
type strain DSM 16611. The assembly consists of 14 contigs containing 6,701,403 bp with a GC content of 59.73%.
Draft Genome Sequence of a
Gordonia
sp. Isolated from the Soil of a Red Alder Plant
Authors: Devitt Nicholas P. , Herman Barrington , Luchterhand Randi A. , Costa Michael A. , Jacobi Jennifer L. , Davin Laurence B. , Lewis Norman G. , Bell Callum J.
Published: September 2017

A
Gordonia
species was cultured from soil of a red alder (
Alnus rubra
) plant. Here we present the assembled and annotated genome sequence to aid investigations into the potential of this organism as a symbiont and comparative studies of the genus
Gordonia
.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Acid-Tolerant Yeast,
Candida zemplinina
NP2, a Potential Producer of Organic Acids
Authors: Ko Hyeok-Jin , Park Hyun Joo , Lee Sun Hee , Jeong Haeyoung , Bae Jung-Hoon , Sung Bong Hyun , Choi In-Geol , Sohn Jung-Hoon
Published: September 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the acid-tolerant yeast
Candida zemplinina
NP2, which was isolated from peach peels. This genome sequence will aid in the understanding of the organism’s physiological properties as a potential producer of organic acids in acidic environments.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methanobrevibacter smithii Isolate WWM1085, Obtained from a Human Stool Sample
Authors: Jennings Matthew E. , Chia Nicholas , Boardman Lisa A. , Metcalf William W.
Published: September 2017

Methanobrevibacter smithii
is a common inhabitant of the human gut. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of
M. smithii
isolate WWM1085, obtained from a human stool sample. This sequence will improve our understanding of the genetic diversity of this human-associated methanogen.
Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica Isolates Containing Incompatibility Group I1 Plasmids from Swine, Poultry, and Human Sources
Authors: Kaldhone Pravin R. , Khajanchi Bijay K. , Han Jing , Nayak Rajesh , Ricke Steven C. , Foley Steven L.
Published: September 2017

The draft genome sequences of eight
Salmonella enterica
isolates from various sources were evaluated for the influence of incompatibility group I1 (IncI1) plasmids on virulence. Strains SE142, SE143, SE144, and SE146 originated from swine, SE36N and SE89N from poultry-related sources, and SE991 and SE1148 from human patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of Marinobacter vinifirmus Type Strain FB1
Authors: Stepanov Victor G. , Roberts Deborah J. , Fox George E.
Published: September 2017

The gammaproteobacterium
Marinobacter vinifirmus
is associated with moderately saline environments and is often found in marine ecosystems. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
M. vinifirmus
type strain FB1 (3.8 Mbp, 3,588 predicted genes). The presented sequence will improve our understanding of the taxonomy and evolution of the genus
Marinobacter
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Biofilm-Forming and Non-Biofilm-Forming Nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica Serovars
Authors: Shetty Deeksha , Grigoryan Alexander A. , Alshalchi Sahar , Withana Gamage Niradha , Roy Julie , Lawrence John R. , Vidovic Sinisa , Korber Darren R.
Published: September 2017

The genetic basis for biofilm formation among nontyphoidal salmonellae (NTS) remains poorly understood. This draft genome submission provides initial insights on the genetic differences between biofilm-forming and non-biofilm-forming clinical and environmental NTS serovars.
Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis J303, Isolated from Infected Walnut Trees in Southern Chile
Authors: Retamales Julio , Segovia Cristopher , Alvarado Romina , Nuñez Pablo , Santander Javier
Published: September 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Xanthomonas arboricola
pv. juglandis J303, isolated from infected walnut trees in southern Chile. The size of the genome is 5,066,424 bp with a G+C content of 65.4%.
X. arboricola
pv. juglandis J303 has several genes related to virulence, antibiotic resistance, and copper resistance.
Facilitating access to surgical care through a decentralised case-finding strategy: experience in Madagascar
Authors: White Michelle C , Hamer Mirjam , Biddell Jasmin , Claus Nathan , Randall Kirsten , Alcorn Dennis , Parker Gary , Shrime Mark G
Published: September 2017

Over two-thirds of the world’s population lack access to surgical care. Non-governmental organisation’s providing free surgeries may overcome financial barriers, but other barriers to care still exist. This analysis paper discusses two different case-finding strategies in Madagascar that aimed to increase the proportion of poor patients, women and those for whom multiple barriers to care exist.From October 2014 to June 2015, we used a centralised selection strategy, aiming to find 70% of patients from the port city, Toamasina, and 30% from the national capital and two remote cities. From August 2015 to June 2016, a decentralised strategy was used, aiming to find 30% of patients from Toamasina and 70% from 11 remote locations, including the capital. Demographic information and self-reported barriers to care were collected. Wealth quintile was calculated for each patient using a combination of participant responses to asset-related and demographic questions, and publicly available data. A total of 2971 patients were assessed. The change from centralised to decentralised selection resulted in significantly poorer patients undergoing surgery. All reported barriers to prior care, except for lack of transportation, were significantly more likely to be identified in the decentralised group. Patients who identified multiple barriers to prior surgical care were less likely to be from the richest quintile (p=0.037) and more likely to be in the decentralised group (p=0.046). Our country-specific analysis shows that decentralised patient selection strategies may be used to overcome barriers to care and allow patients in greatest need to access surgical care.
Limited sterile processing capabilities for safe surgery in low-income and middle-income countries: experience in the Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Benin
Authors: Fast Olive , Fast Christina , Fast Dan , Veltjens Suzanne , Salami Zouliha , White Michelle C
Published: September 2017

It is highly difficult to perform safe surgery without sterile instruments, yet the capacity to adequately clean, disinfect and sterilise surgical instruments in low-income and middle-income countries is largely unknown. Sterile Processing Education Charitable Trust developed an assessment tool and, in partnership with Mercy Ships, evaluated the sterile processing capacity in 59 facilities in Madagascar, Benin and the Republic of Congo. This data-driven analysis paper illustrates how lack of sterile processing capacity acts as a barrier to safe surgical care. Our tool identified widespread lack of knowledge of techniques and resources needed for sterile processing. Only 12% of workers in Republic of Congo and Benin had sterile processing training and none in Madagascar. None of the hospitals surveyed met basic standards for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation as defined by the WHO/Pan American Health Organization. Examples of poor practice included lack of cleaning supplies (basic brushes and detergents), incorrect drying and storage of surgical instruments, and inattention to workflow causing cross-contamination. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solutions, damaging to instruments, were used universally. In our experience, using an assessment tool allowed identification of specific gaps in sterile processing capacity. Many of the gaps are amenable to simple solutions requiring minimal resources and achievable by most hospitals. We recommend that stakeholders seeking to strengthen surgical health systems in low-resource settings incorporate sterile processing capacity assessments and training into their programmes.