bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of density gradient driven trapped electron mode turbulence in the H-mode inner core with electron heating
Authors: Ernst D. R. , Burrell K. H. , Guttenfelder W. , Rhodes T. L. , Dimits A. M. , Bravenec R. , Grierson B. A. , Holland C. , Lohr J. , Marinoni A. , McKee G. R. , Petty C. C. , Rost J. C. , Schmitz L. , Wang G. , Zemedkun S. , Zeng L. ,   the DIII-D Team
Published: May 2016

A series of DIII-D [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] low torque quiescent H-mode experiments show that density gradient driven trapped electron mode (DGTEM) turbulence dominates the inner core of H-mode plasmas during strong electron cyclotron heating (ECH). Adding 3.4 MW ECH doubles Te/Ti from 0.5 to 1.0, which halves the linear DGTEM critical density gradient, locally reducing density peaking, while transport in all channels displays extreme stiffness in the density gradient. This suggests that fusion α-heating may degrade inner core confinement in H-mode plasmas with moderate density peaking and low collisionality, with equal electron and ion temperatures, key conditions expected in burning plasmas. Gyrokinetic simulations using GYRO [J. Candy and R. E. Waltz, J. Comput. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)] (and GENE [Jenko et al., Phys. Plasmas 7, 1904 (2000)]) closely match not only particle, energy, and momentum fluxes but also density fluctuation spectra from Doppler backscattering (DBS), with and without ECH. Inner core DBS density fluctuations display discrete frequencies with adjacent toroidal mode numbers, which we identify as DGTEMs. GS2 [Dorland et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 5579 (2000)] predictions show the DGTEM can be suppressed, to avoid degradation with electron heating, by broadening the current density profile to attain q0>qmin>1.
Nanosecond-resolved temperature measurements using magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Wenbiao , Liu Wenzhong , Zhang Pu
Published: May 2016

Instantaneous and noninvasive temperature measurements are important when laser thermotherapy or welding is performed. A noninvasive nanosecond-resolved magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) temperature measurement system is described in which a transient change in temperature causes an instantaneous change in the magnetic susceptibilities of the MNPs. These transient changes in the magnetic susceptibilities are rapidly recorded using a wideband magnetic measurement system with an upper frequency limit of 0.5 GHz. The Langevin function (the thermodynamic model characterizing the MNP magnetization process) is used to obtain the temperature information. Experiments showed that the MNP DC magnetization temperature-measurement system can detect a 14.4 ns laser pulse at least. This method of measuring temperature is likely to be useful for acquiring the internal temperatures of materials irradiated with lasers, as well as in other areas of research.
Risk management of smart grids based on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles' charging considering transformers' hottest spot temperature-dependent aging failures
Authors: Hamzeh M. , Hashemi-Dezaki H. , Askarian Abyaneh H. , Gharehpetian G. B. , Vahidi B.
Published: May 2016

This paper introduces a stochastic reliability evaluation methodology for quantifying the impact of unmanaged plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs') charging on the transformers' hottest spot temperature (HST)-dependent aging failures. Further, a novel PHEVs' charging management method has been proposed from the distribution transformers' dynamic thermal modeling perspective. The proposed reliability evaluation method provided the precise stochastic model corresponding to the PHEV owners' behavior. The introduced reliability evaluation methodology has been applied to an actual distribution system of the Hormozgan Regional Electrical Company in Iran under various PHEVs' charging scenarios. The numerical results imply that the distribution transformers' failures are adversely affected due to unmanaged PHEVs charging. The system under study has been simulated during a 10-year-period. The test results show that the transformers' HST-dependent failures due to the PHEVs' charging demand load exponentially increased as a function of system age. As revealed by the results, the proposed PHEVs' charging management methodology mitigates the aggregated peak load and transformers' HST by deferring the peak charging load to midnight.
Note: A portable laser induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument for rapid sampling and analysis of silicon-containing aerosols
Authors: McLaughlin R. P. , Mason G. S. , Miller A. L. , Stipe C. B. , Kearns J. D. , Prier M. W. , Rarick J. D.
Published: May 2016

A portable instrument has been developed for measuring silicon-containing aerosols in near real-time using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The instrument uses a vacuum system to collect and deposit airborne particulate matter onto a translatable reel of filter tape. LIBS is used to analyze the deposited material, determining the amount of silicon-containing compounds present. In laboratory testing with pure silica (SiO2), the correlation between LIBS intensity for a characteristic silicon emission and the concentration of silica in a model aerosol was determined for a range of concentrations, demonstrating the instrument’s plausibility for identifying hazardous levels of silicon-containing compounds.
Exact solutions of the position-dependent-effective mass Schrödinger equation
Authors: Sebawe Abdalla M. , Eleuch H.
Published: May 2016

The position-dependent effective mass Schrödinger equation exhibiting a similar position dependence for both the potential and mass is exactly solved. Some physical examples are given for bound and scattering systems. We analyze the behavior of the wavefunctions for scattered states in light of the parameters involved. We show that the parameters of the potential play a crucial role.
Temperature characteristics of Pockels electro-optic voltage sensor with double crystal compensation
Authors: Sima Wenxia , Liu Tong , Yang Qing , Han Rui , Sun Shangpeng
Published: May 2016

Voltage sensors based on the Pockels electro-optic effect in LiNbO3 crystals have been applied to practical engineering measurements because of their passive nature, wide operating bands, and low transmission loss. However, the temperature of the measurement environment can greatly affect the dynamic responses of these sensors because the natural birefringence of a single LiNbO3 crystal voltage sensor (SVS) is related to its temperature. To improve the stability of this sensor over a wide temperature range, a double crystal compensation method is introduced in this paper to compensate for the natural birefringence of the SVS. A double LiNbO3 crystal voltage sensor (DVS) was fabricated, and its working point drift characteristics and amplitude-frequency response were investigated over the temperature range from 0°C to 50°C. The effects of two intrinsic parameters of the LiNbO3 crystal were also investigated. Comparison between an existing SVS and the proposed DVS showed that the DVS resisted environmental temperature fluctuations more strongly.
Chromium–niobium co-doped vanadium dioxide films: Large temperature coefficient of resistance and practically no thermal hysteresis of the metal–insulator transition
Authors: Miyazaki Kenichi , Shibuya Keisuke , Suzuki Megumi , Sakai Kenichi , Fujita Jun-ichi , Sawa Akihito
Published: May 2016

We investigated the effects of chromium (Cr) and niobium (Nb) co-doping on the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and the thermal hysteresis of the metal–insulator transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films. We determined the TCR and thermal-hysteresis-width diagram of the V1−x−yCrxNbyO2 films by electrical-transport measurements and we found that the doping conditions x ≳ y and x + y ≥ 0.1 are appropriate for simultaneously realizing a large TCR value and an absence of thermal hysteresis in the films. By using these findings, we developed a V0.90Cr0.06Nb0.04O2 film grown on a TiO2-buffered SiO2/Si substrate that showed practically no thermal hysteresis while retaining a large TCR of 11.9%/K. This study has potential applications in the development of VO2-based uncooled bolometers.
Variable duration of reproductive suppression in male coyotes (Canis latrans) treated with a high dose of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist deslorelin
Authors: MacGregor Marjorie J. , Asa Cheryl S. , Skinner Donal C.
Published: May 2016

Effective and humane management strategies for coyotes (Canis latrans) remain elusive. We hypothesised that exposure to a high dose of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist would cause prolonged suppression of the reproductive axis. Two groups of male coyotes were administered 47 mg deslorelin in the form of either five 9.4-mg controlled-release Suprelorin (Peptech Animal Health, Macquarie Park NSW, Australia) implants (n = 3) or 10 4.7-mg implants (n = 5). In the first group, deslorelin suppressed plasma LH, testosterone and testes volume in two of three coyotes for three breeding seasons. In the second group, two of five deslorelin-treated coyotes had no sperm production after 1 year and plasma LH, FSH, testosterone and testes volume were suppressed. Although plasma gonadotropins and testosterone were suppressed in three treated coyotes in group two, testes volume and sperm production were evident. Because the duration of suppression differed among individual coyotes, we further hypothesised that a variation in deslorelin release underlay the variability. To test this, we analysed in vivo plasma profiles of deslorelin concentrations. These profiles suggested that deslorelin concentrations >100 pg mL–1 are required to maintain suppression in male coyotes. For field implementation, the development of an implant capable of releasing deslorelin for the life of the coyote is necessary.
Implantation rates subsequent to the transfer of embryos produced at different phases during double stimulation of poor ovarian responders
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Guo Xiaoyue M. , Li Yanping
Published: May 2016

To compare the implantation capacity of embryos obtained at different phases of double stimulation (DS) of poor ovarian responders, 153 DS cycles were analysed retrospectively. As part of the DS protocol, antral follicles were stimulated continuously during both the follicular and luteal phases. Fresh embryos obtained in both phases were cryopreserved and transferred in the next artificial cycle. The mean number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes and zygotes with two pronuclei was significantly higher for collections during luteal-phase stimulation. Furthermore, the dose of exogenous gonadotropin administered was higher during the luteal phase. The rate of clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation increased progressively from pure follicular phase embryos to mixed embryos to pure luteal phase embryos. Embryos produced during the luteal phase resulted in higher implantation rates.
Once more into the wilderness of panbiogeography: a reply to Heads (2014)
Authors: McGlone Matt S.
Published: May 2016

In two recent papers in this journal a leading proponent of panbiogeography, Michael Heads, has continued his critique of long-distance dispersal and molecular clocks, and promotion of alternative geological and evolutionary ideas. An axiomatic rejection of long-distance dispersal, on the grounds that it has no explanatory power, informs these critiques. However, fundamental issues with panbiogeographic theory remain unaddressed. In particular, insurmountable problems for most biologists are created by the requirement for a widespread, often ancient ancestor from which vicariant taxa arose through orthogenesis, and rejection of a role for natural selection or environmental change in species formation. Heads also discusses events in New Zealand in the late 1980s and early 1990s and claims the reaction of the scientific establishment to panbiogeography resulted in two panbiogeographers losing tenured positions, and excluded, silenced or drove the rest into exile. This is a dramatic but misleading interpretation of what happened. The losses of positions were unconnected to science issues. That it is difficult to get panbiogeographic work funded or published in New Zealand is undoubtedly true, but this fate is shared by any work that seeks to overturn established evolutionary theory but provides no convincing evidence for doing so.
Type IV pilins regulate their own expression via direct intramembrane interactions with the sensor kinase PilS
Authors: Kilmury Sara L. N. , Burrows Lori L.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Although two-component systems are a ubiquitous means of rapid bacterial adaptation to changing environments, identification of the specific signals detected by sensor kinases can be challenging. Also, little is known about the diverse, poorly characterized family of sensor kinases that detect intramembrane signals. We show that the major type IV pilin, PilA, is an inhibitory intramembrane ligand for the PilS sensor kinase that controls
pilA
expression and we characterize the mechanism of signal transduction. Because the conserved N-terminal domain of PilA alone can repress
pilA
expression, peptides corresponding to this short region could have potential as therapeutic agents to suppress type IV Pili (T4P) biogenesis.
Ancient and modern DNA reveal dynamics of domestication and cross-continental dispersal of the dromedary
Authors: Almathen Faisal , Charruau Pauline , Mohandesan Elmira , Mwacharo Joram M. , Orozco-terWengel Pablo , Pitt Daniel , Abdussamad Abdussamad M. , Uerpmann Margarethe , Uerpmann Hans-Peter , De Cupere Bea , Magee Peter , Alnaqeeb Majed A. , Salim Bashir , Raziq Abdul , Dessie Tadelle , Abdelhadi Omer M. , Banabazi Mohammad H. , Al-Eknah Marzook , Walzer Chris , Faye Bernard , Hofreiter Michael , Peters Joris , Hanotte Olivier , Burger Pamela A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The dromedary is one of the largest domesticates, sustainably used in arid and hostile environments. It provides food and transport to millions of people in marginal agricultural areas. We show how important long-distance and back-and-forth movements in ancient caravan routes shaped the species’ genetic diversity. Using a global sample set and ancient mitochondrial DNA analyses, we describe the population structure in modern dromedaries and their wild extinct ancestors. Phylogenetic analyses of ancient and modern dromedaries suggest a history of restocking from wild animals from the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Dromedaries now extend the list of species for which classic models of domestication from a single center and from wild conspecific individuals in isolation are rejected.
Bacteria in an intense competition for iron: Key component of the
Campylobacter jejuni
iron uptake system scavenges enterobactin hydrolysis product
Authors: Raines Daniel J. , Moroz Olga V. , Blagova Elena V. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Wilson Keith S. , Duhme-Klair Anne-K.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Almost all bacteria require Fe(III) for survival and growth. To compete successfully for this essential nutrient, bacteria developed very efficient Fe(III) uptake mechanisms based on high-affinity Fe(III) chelators, so-called siderophores. To gain a competitive advantage, many bacteria have evolved to scavenge and effectively poach siderophores from other species. Enterobactin, one of the strongest Fe(III) chelators known, is produced and secreted by many enteric bacteria. We show that a key protein involved in Fe(III) uptake in the foodborne pathogen
Campylobacter jejuni
is adapted to scavenge enterobactin hydrolysis products, a strategy that may enable the pathogen to more efficiently exploit siderophores produced by other bacteria and hence their resources.
Taste cell-expressed α-glucosidase enzymes contribute to gustatory responses to disaccharides
Authors: Sukumaran Sunil K. , Yee Karen K. , Iwata Shusuke , Kotha Ramana , Quezada-Calvillo Roberto , Nichols Buford L. , Mohan Sankar , Pinto B. Mario , Shigemura Noriatsu , Ninomiya Yuzo , Margolskee Robert F.
Published: May 2016

Significance

We previously showed that glucose transporters and the K
ATP
metabolic sensor are coexpressed in sweet-responsive taste cells and could serve as sugar sensors in the absence of the sweet receptor (type 1 taste receptors 2 and 3). However, only monosaccharides are substrates for these transporters, whereas dietary carbohydrates are mostly polysaccharides and disaccharides. Here we show that the disaccharide-digesting enzymes maltase-glucoamylase and sucrase-isomaltase are expressed selectively in sweet taste cells. Pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes diminished taste nerve responses only to disaccharides. We hypothesize that these enzymes act in concert with salivary amylase to generate monosaccharide substrates for taste cell-expressed glucose transporters. The transported monosaccharides can then be metabolized to ATP to close K
ATP
and activate the T1R-independent sweet taste pathway.
Ectopic expression of ceramide synthase 2 in neurons suppresses neurodegeneration induced by ceramide synthase 1 deficiency
Authors: Spassieva Stefka D. , Ji Xiaojie , Liu Ye , Gable Kenneth , Bielawski Jacek , Dunn Teresa M. , Bieberich Erhard , Zhao Lihong
Published: May 2016

Significance

It is well known that because of constant metabolic flow and interconnectivity, alteration of any one step in lipid metabolism can lead to changes in many lipid metabolites. Therefore, the exact metabolites causing lipid metabolic diseases are often elusive. By creating a new genetic model, we uncoupled the changes of long-chain bases and ceramide that are caused by ceramide synthase 1 deficiency. This work sheds light on the neurotoxicity of sphingolipid precursors, the long-chain bases, in neurodegenerative diseases.
Blockage of neddylation modification stimulates tumor sphere formation in vitro and stem cell differentiation and wound healing in vivo
Authors: Zhou Xiaochen , Tan Mingjia , Nyati Mukesh K. , Zhao Yongchao , Wang Gongxian , Sun Yi
Published: May 2016

Significance

MLN4924, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, blocks cullin-RING ligase activity through inhibiting cullin neddylation. MLN4924 is widely used in both preclinical and clinical settings for an anticancer application. We report here an unexpected finding: MLN4924 at nanomolar concentration stimulates stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation in both tumor and normal stem cell models and promotes skin wound healing in a mouse model and cell migration in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that MLN4924 causes c-MYC accumulation and promotes EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) dimerization to activate the EGFR signaling pathway. Our study raises a concern in anticancer application of MLN4924, but at the same time provides an opportunity for future development of MLN4924 as an agent for stem cell therapy and tissue regeneration.
Glutathione adducts induced by ischemia and deletion of glutaredoxin-1 stabilize HIF-1α and improve limb revascularization
Authors: Watanabe Yosuke , Murdoch Colin E. , Sano Soichi , Ido Yasuo , Bachschmid Markus M. , Cohen Richard A. , Matsui Reiko
Published: May 2016

Significance

Glutathione (GSH)-protein adducts are oxidative posttranslational modifications that are reversed by glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx). We show that ischemia-induced oxidants promote revascularization through GSH adducts on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, an angiogenic transcriptional factor. GSH adducts on Cys
520
stabilize HIF-1α protein, and depletion of Glrx stabilizes HIF-1α in vitro and increases angiogenic gene expression. Glrx ablation in vivo increases GSH adducts in ischemic muscles after femoral artery ligation in mice and improves blood flow recovery associated with increased HIF-1α and VEGF expression. Thus, increased GSH-protein adducts on HIF-1α in ischemic limbs are beneficial in promoting angiogenesis. Our data indicate HIF-1α is a novel in vivo target of Glrx, and inhibition of Glrx is a potential therapeutic strategy to improve ischemic limb revascularization.
Formation and maintenance of nitrogen-fixing cell patterns in filamentous cyanobacteria
Authors: Muñoz-García Javier , Ares Saúl
Published: May 2016

Significance

Cyanobacteria produce an important fraction of oxygen on Earth and, together with archaea, fix atmospheric nitrogen used by all other organisms. Some types live in colonies with specialized cells that perform different functions. In particular, the genusAnabaenaforms filaments in which some cells differentiate, forming patterns to effectively provide nitrogen for the colony. We present a theory that combines genetic, metabolic, and morphological aspects to understand this prokaryotic example of multicellularity. Our results quantitatively reproduce the appearance and dynamics of this pattern and are used to learn how different aspects, like fixed-nitrogen diffusion, cell division, or stochasticity, affect it.
Impaired NK-mediated regulation of T-cell activity in multiple sclerosis is reconstituted by IL-2 receptor modulation
Authors: Gross Catharina C. , Schulte-Mecklenbeck Andreas , Rünzi Anna , Kuhlmann Tanja , Posevitz-Fejfár Anita , Schwab Nicholas , Schneider-Hohendorf Tilman , Herich Sebastian , Held Kathrin , Konjević Matea , Hartwig Marvin , Dornmair Klaus , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Ziemssen Tjalf , Klotz Luisa , Meuth Sven G. , Wiendl Heinz
Published: May 2016

Significance

The importance of natural killer (NK) cells in the control of autoimmunity has recently attracted considerable attention. The current study revealed NK cells as additional players in controlling T-cell activity in CNS autoimmunity. NK-mediated control of T-cell activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is dysregulated and caused by impaired DNAX accessory molecule-1/CD155 interaction between NK cells and CD4+T cells. Therapeutic immune modulation of the IL-2 receptor with daclizumab, which has just successfully passed a phase III study in relapsing-remitting MS, not only enhances the cytolytic activity of NK cells but also restores defective NK-mediated immune regulation by increasing the proportion of CD155-expressing CD4+T cells, thus rendering CD4+T cells most likely more sensitive to NK-mediated lysis.
Self-sustained lift and low friction via soft lubrication
Authors: Saintyves Baudouin , Jules Theo , Salez Thomas , Mahadevan L.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Contacting solids that move relative to each other in a fluid environment abound in many settings such as soft contact lenses in eyes, animal joints, and bearings in rotating machinery. Motion is inevitably accompanied by flow and deformation, and raises the question of how these correlate with friction at the interface. A minimal experimental setting, associated with how a cylinder slides and rolls along a soft inclined plane, allows us to see the induction of a self-sustained lift that reduces the friction by nearly an order of magnitude. A simple scaling theory explains our results and suggests a design principle for low-friction interfaces and a partial explanation for phenomena such as reduced wear in animal joints and long-runout landslides.
Development and localization of reverse-polarity mechanotransducer channels in cochlear hair cells
Authors: Beurg Maryline , Goldring Adam C. , Ricci Anthony J. , Fettiplace Robert
Published: May 2016

Significance

Cochlear hair cells are the receptors of the inner ear, detecting sound stimuli by to-and-fro motion of their sensory hair bundle to open mechano-electrical transduction (MT) channels at the tips of the hairs. During embryonic development, mechanically sensitive ion channels appear transiently in mouse cochlear hair cells before acquisition of the normal adult MT channel. These channels are located on the hair-cell apical plasma membrane, are stretch-activated by membrane deformation, and have similar but not identical properties to normal MT channels. It will be important to establish whether the two types of channel possess the same protein core or are structurally distinct, as this may provide a clue to the functional significance of these supernumerary mechanically sensitive channels.
Halogen radicals contribute to photooxidation in coastal and estuarine waters
Authors: Parker Kimberly M. , Mitch William A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Scavenging by halides to produce halogen radicals is recognized as a significant sink for hydroxyl radical (
•
OH) in seawater. However, the contribution of halogen radicals to the transformation of marine organic constituents has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that halogen radicals are formed predominantly by direct oxidation of seawater halides (i.e., Cl
−
, Br
−
) by excited-state triplet dissolved organic matter chromophores, an
•
OH-independent pathway. The resulting halogen radicals increase photochemical transformation rates of important algal products, including dimethyl sulfide and the neurotoxin domoic acid, by up to fivefold relative to freshwater conditions. The contribution of halogen radicals to the photochemical transformation of critical marine organic compounds may have important implications for biogeochemical processes in coastal and estuarine waters.
Study retention as bias reduction in a hard-to-reach population
Authors: Western Bruce , Braga Anthony , Hureau David , Sirois Catherine
Published: May 2016

Significance

Very poor and otherwise disadvantaged populations pose a challenge for research. The circumstances of extreme disadvantage—homelessness, acute economic insecurity, untreated addiction or mental illness, for example—are urgent problems but also make research subjects elusive or unwilling. We examine study retention in a deeply disadvantaged sample of newly released prisoners, achieving a 94% response rate over five survey waves over 1 y of follow-up. The high response rate indicates strategies for study retention and points to biases associated with nonresponse. Small-scale data collections can illuminate very harsh conditions of contemporary poverty by observing repeated and co-occurring episodes of homelessness, institutionalization, mental illness, and physical disability that are largely unobserved with conventional methods.
Endogenous B-ring oxysterols inhibit the Hedgehog component Smoothened in a manner distinct from cyclopamine or side-chain oxysterols
Authors: Sever Navdar , Mann Randall K. , Xu Libin , Snell William J. , Hernandez-Lara Carmen I. , Porter Ned A. , Beachy Philip A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The Hedgehog protein signal (Hh), covalently modified by cholesterol, functions to coordinate embryonic tissue patterning and postembryonic tissue maintenance. Cholesterol and several of its side-chain oxidized derivatives also function in Hh response by augmenting the activity of Smoothened, an essential seven-transmembrane protein. Here, we show that a distinct class of sterols, oxidized in the B-ring, also affect Hh response, but act by a distinct mechanism to inhibit Smoothened activity. These sterols and their precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol, accumulate in the human genetic disease Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, providing a rationale for diminished Hedgehog pathway activity in Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome and suggesting new candidates as potential modulators of Smoothened activity in normal cells.
PML plays both inimical and beneficial roles in HSV-1 replication
Authors: Xu Pei , Mallon Stephen , Roizman Bernard
Published: May 2016

Significance

Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a component of nuclear domain 10 (ND10) bodies and an antiviral effector of IFN-β. A herpes simplex virus (HSV) protein, ICP0, interacts with PML, merges with ND10 bodies, degrades PML, and ultimately takes over the domain of ND10 bodies. Here we show that viral gene expression and growth are reduced inPML−/−cells infected at low ratios of virus to cells. In essence, the results indicate that HSV-1 evolved the means to take advantage of an inimical cellular defense mechanism to degrade it and at the same time use it to gain access to a nuclear domain essential for efficient replication.
Expression of tandem gene duplicates is often greater than twofold
Authors: Loehlin David W. , Carroll Sean B.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Differences among individuals and species originate from changes to the genome. Yet our knowledge of the principles that might allow prediction of the effects of any particular mutation is limited. One such prediction might be that duplicating a gene would double the gene’s output. We show that this is actually not the case in
Drosophila
flies. Instead, in almost all of the cases we tested (using a naturally occurring and an artificially constructed tandem duplicate gene), we observed that the output of the duplicated genes was greater than double the output of single copies—as much as five times greater. This finding suggests that tandem duplicate genes could have disproportionate effects when they occur.
Opioid Overdose Prevention through Pharmacy-Based Naloxone Prescription Program: Innovations in Health Care Delivery
Authors: Bachyrycz Amy , Shrestha Shikhar , Bleske Barry E. , Tinker Dale , Bakhireva Ludmila N.
Published: May 2016

Background: Given that opioid misuse/abuse and opioid overdose have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, expansion of naloxone access programs are desperately needed. The objective of this study was to describe emerging trends in naloxone rescue kit (NRK) prescription patterns by pharmacists in New Mexico as an example of a unique health care delivery system. Methods: The study presents cross-sectional analysis of the data on NRK prescriptions by pharmacists who received naloxone pharmacist prescriptive authority certification since 2013. Data were obtained from the Prevention of Opioid Overdose by New Mexico Pharmacists (POINt-Rx) Registry, maintained by the University of New Mexico and the New Mexico Pharmacists Association. Results: Since 2013, 133 NRKs prescribed by pharmacists have been reported to the POINt-Rx Registry. The mean age of the patients was 41.5 ± 12.0 years (range: 19–67 years), and 60.2% were female participants. Only 11.3% of the prescriptions were from pharmacists practicing in rural/mixed urban-rural areas. The majority of NRKs (89.5%) were first-time prescriptions. The most common reason for a NRK prescription was patient's request (56.4%), followed by a pharmacist's prescription of NRK due to high dose of prescription opioids (28.6%) and history of opioid misuse/abuse (15.0%). In addition to opioids, other frequently reported substances included alcohol (9.2%) and benzodiazepines (10.8%). More than a third of patients (38.5%) reported polysubstance use in the previous 72 hours. Conclusions: These results indicate that patients at risk of opioid overdose might feel comfortable soliciting NRKs from a pharmacist. Participation of pharmacists in rural areas in the naloxone prescriptive authority highlight the opportunity for this novel health care delivery model in underserved areas; however, the program is clearly underutilized in these areas. Such a model can provide expanded patient access in community practices, whereas systematic efforts for uptake of the program by policy makers, communities, and pharmacists continue to be needed nationwide.
Attitudes, Practices, and Preparedness to Care for Patients with Substance use Disorder: Results from a Survey of General Internists
Authors: Wakeman Sarah E. , Pham-Kanter Genevieve , Donelan Karen
Published: May 2016

Background: Previous research demonstrates that most primary care physicians feel unprepared to diagnose and treat substance use disorder (SUD). Confidence in SUD management has been associated with improved clinical practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 290 inpatient and outpatient general internists in an academic medical center evaluating attitudes, preparedness, and clinical practice related to SUD. Results: 149 general internists responded, a response rate of 51%. Forty-six percent frequently cared for patients with SUD. Sixteen percent frequently referred patients to treatment and 6% frequently prescribed a medication to treat SUD. Twenty percent felt very prepared to screen for SUD, 9% to provide a brief intervention, 7% to discuss behavioral treatments, and 9% to discuss medication treatments. Thirty-one percent felt that SUD is different from other chronic diseases because they believe using substances is a choice. Fourteen percent felt treatment with opioid agonists was replacing one addiction with another. Twelve percent of hospitalists and 6% of PCPs believe that someone who uses drugs is committing a crime and deserves punishment. Preparedness was significantly associated with evidence-based clinical practice and favorable attitudes. Frequently caring for patients with SUD was significantly associated with preparedness, clinical practice, and favorable attitudes. Conclusions: SUD is a treatable and prevalent disease, yet a majority of general internists do not feel very prepared to screen, diagnose, provide a brief intervention, refer to treatment, or discuss treatment options with patients. Very few frequently prescribe medications to treat SUD. Some physicians view substance use as a crime and a choice. Physician preparedness and exposure to SUD is associated with improved clinical practice and favorable attitudes towards SUD. Physicians need education and support to provide better care for patients with SUD.
Report on APMP bilateral comparison measurement of long gauge blocks by comparative method
Authors: Phauaknoi P , Eom T B , Takatsuji T
Published: May 2016

A bilateral comparison, APMP.L-S6, was held in 2013 to demonstrate the equivalence of routine calibration services of long gauge block offered to clients. Participants in this APMP.L-S6 comparison are NIMT and KRISS. Both agreed to apply comparative method for length measurement of long gauge blocks.

This report describes the measurement results of 3 long gauge blocks length 150 mm, 250 mm and 500 mm. The artefacts were inspected prior and after the comparison and illustrated that all long gauge block were in stable condition. The results show that there is a degree of equivalence within 1. KRISS had participated in the APMP.L-K2: calibration of long gauge blocks and hence this comparison and the regional key comparison can be linked.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Sn-113 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 113Sn to include the 2010 results of the PTB (Germany) and the LNE-LNHB (France), and the 2011 result of the CIEMAT (Spain)
Authors: Michotte C , Ratel G , Courte S , Kossert K , Nähle O , Bobin C , Lépy M - C , Moune M , Garcia-Toraño E , Peyres V , Roteta M
Published: May 2016

Since 1975, seven national metrology institutes (NMI) have submitted eleven samples of known activity of 113Sn to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Sn-113. The values of the activity submitted were between about 0.7 MBq and 22 MBq. The present primary standardization results for the PTB, Germany and the LNE-LNHB, France, replace their earlier results of 1989 and 1992, respectively. A key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been evaluated for the first time for 113Sn. There are only three results remaining in the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Sn-113 comparison, all the previously published ones being outdated. The degrees of equivalence between each of these three equivalent activities measured in the SIR and the KCRV have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table. A graphical presentation is also given.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Final report. SIM comparison in mass standards SIM.M.M-K4
Authors: Becerra L O , Peña L M , Luján L , Díaz J C , Centeno L M , Loayza V , Cacais F , Olman Ramos , Rodriguez S , Garcia Fe , Garcia Fr , Leyton F , Santo C , Caceres J , Kornblit F , Leiblich J , Jacques C
Published: May 2016

This report summarizes the results of a SIM comparison of a 1 kg mass standard carried out by 7 NMIs. The results reported by the participants are consistent with each other and they can be linked to the comparison CCM.M-K4 with satisfactory degrees of equivalence.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The Addiction-Related Protein ANKK1 is Differentially Expressed During the Cell Cycle in Neural Precursors
Authors: España-Serrano Laura , Guerra Martín-Palanco Noelia , Montero-Pedrazuela Ana , Pérez-Santamarina Estela , Vidal Rebeca , García-Consuegra Inés , Valdizán Elsa María , Pazos Angel , Palomo Tomás , Jiménez-Arriero Miguel Ángel , Guadaño-Ferraz Ana , Hoenicka Janet
Published: May 2016

TaqIA is a polymorphism associated with addictions and dopamine-related traits. It is located in the ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 gene (ANKK1) nearby the gene for the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R). Since ANKK1 function is unknown, TaqIA-associated traits have been explained only by differences in D2R. Here we report ANKK1 studies in mouse and human brain using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. ANKK1 mRNA and protein isoforms vary along neurodevelopment in the human and mouse brain. In mouse adult brain ANKK1 is located in astrocytes, nuclei of postmitotic neurons and neural precursors from neurogenic niches. In both embryos and adults, nuclei of neural precursors show significant variation of ANKK1 intensity. We demonstrate a correlation between ANKK1 and the cell cycle. Cell synchronization experiments showed a significant increment of ANKK1-kinase in mitotic cells while ANKK1-kinase overexpression affects G1 and M phase that were found to be modulated by ANKK1 alleles and apomorphine treatment. Furthermore, during embryonic neurogenesis ANKK1 was expressed in slow-dividing neuroblasts and rapidly dividing precursors which are mitotic cells. These results suggest a role of ANKK1 during the cell cycle in neural precursors thus providing biological support to brain structure involvement in the TaqIA-associated phenotypes.
Susceptibility of Lenticels within the Stem Depression of Tomato Fruit to Bacterial Soft Rot
Authors: Bartz J. A. , Huber D. J. , Stahl S. L. , Lee J. H. , Spiceland D. , Elkahky M. T.
Published: May 2016

The postharvest development of bacterial soft rot in tomato fruit caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum is herein linked with inoculation of lenticel-like apertures located around the stem attachment. Stem scars misted with aqueous cell suspensions of P. carotovorum (1 × 106 CFU/ml) or briefly (5 s) immersed in the suspension were likely to become infected during subsequent storage, with a disease incidence exceeding 70% within 7 days at 24°C. Water soaking was initially observed beneath the fruit surface at the juncture of radial walls of endocarp tissues and a corky ring around the stem attachment. If fruit were swirled for 1 min in chlorine at 150 ppm, pH 6.5, within 5 s after inoculation, lesions did not occur. However, if the chlorine treatment was delayed by 120 s, lesions occasionally developed. A 60-min delay usually assured that decay would occur before fruit ripened (within 5 days). Delaying the chlorine wash by 18 h, as would occur if commercial harvests were held overnight prior to packing operations, led to the same incidence of bacterial soft rot as observed among control fruit. Inoculation of fruit with attached stems did not lead to as much decay during storage compared with stemless fruit, suggesting that an intact calyx physically reduced lenticel exposure to external aqueous cell suspensions. Tomato fruit exposed to uncontrolled free moisture during or shortly after harvest have a high potential for postharvest decays and the likely site for infection development is the area surrounding the stem attachment.
Use of Immune Crops as Barrier in the Management of Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD)—Long-Term Assessment
Authors: Domfeh O. , Ameyaw G. A. , Dzahini-Obiatey H. K. , Ollennu L. A. A. , Osei-Bonsu K. , Acheampong K. , Aneani F. , Owusu-Ansah F.
Published: May 2016

A field trial was conducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana from 1992 to 2004 to investigate the prospects of using Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV)-immune crops as a barrier to prevent the spread of the virus from existing outbreaks into newly established cacao plantings. The treatments consisted of four crops—citrus (Citrus spp.), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), kola (Cola nitida Vent.), and cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)—planted as a barrier between cacao trees serving as test plants on one side and as source of CSSV strain 1A infection on the other. Over a 7-year period post CSSV 1A inoculation, the citrus and oil palm barriers were the most effective in protecting test cacao trees from cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) spread. The two crops gave comparable results (P = 0.9766) in terms of the cumulative number of visibly infected trees (1 and 5 of 522, respectively). The kola barrier, on the other hand, had a significantly (P < 0.000l) higher number of symptomatic trees (89 of 522) than citrus and oil palm. All three crops (citrus, oil palm, and kola) provided better protection than the control (cacao), which had 134 visibly infected trees out of 522. As shown by economic analyses, growing citrus, oil palm, or kola as barrier crops was as profitable as growing cacao. The implications of the results on the management of CSSVD in Ghana are discussed.
The Effect of Short Irrigation Frequencies on the Development of Verticillium Wilt in the Susceptible Olive Cultivar ‘Picual’ under Field Conditions
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez M. , Serrano N. , Arquero O. , Orgaz F. , Moral J. , López-Escudero F. J.
Published: May 2016

The effect of irrigation frequency (daily [T1], biweekly [T2], and dryland [T3]) on Verticillium wilt of olive was studied in two fields that were naturally infested with Verticillium dahliae in southern Spain and planted to ‘Picual’ olive. Disease onset (average 61 weeks after planting) and disease incidence (average 75.6%) did not differ among irrigation treatments in both fields. Irrigation consistently increased disease development regarding dryland treatment, but this effect varied over time. In experiment I, T1, the relative area under the disease progress curve was greater on all recording dates (ranging from 15.8 to 33.7) in comparison with T3 (average 6.6). Data for experiment II were similar to this on the most favorable dates for disease (March to April). The T2 treatment value varied over time depending on the season and experimental field, being difficult to differentiate from the values of T1 and T3. Significant correlation between disease incidence and severity increments during spring and fall with the soil water content of the same or previous favorable seasons was observed. Through these correlations, we detected soil water contents of 24.3% (experiment I) and 23.6% (experiment II), where the increments of disease parameters remained at zero. Therefore, scheduling irrigation treatments based on rainfall may be a feasible method for maintaining the soil moisture below levels that favor for disease development.
Fitness and Competitive Ability of Botrytis cinerea Isolates with Resistance to Multiple Chemical Classes of Fungicides
Authors: Chen S. N. , Luo C. X. , Hu M. J. , Schnabel G.
Published: May 2016

Resistance to multiple chemical classes of fungicides in Botrytis cinerea isolates from eastern United States strawberry fields is common and strategies to control them are needed. In this study, we compared fitness and competitive ability of eight sensitive isolates (S), eight isolates resistant to five or six chemical classes of fungicides but not to phenylpyrroles (5CCR), and eight isolates resistant to six or seven chemical classes including phenylpyrroles (6CCR/MDR1h). The latter included the MDR1h phenotype due to overexpression of atrB based on Δ497V/L in mrr1. The 6CCR/MDR1h isolates grew more slowly at 4°C on potato dextrose agar, and both 5CCR and 6CCR/MDR1h isolates were hypersensitive to osmotic stress compared with S isolates. In contrast, no differences were found in oxidative sensitivity, aggressiveness, and spore production in vivo, and sclerotia production and viability in vitro. In competition experiments, the 5CCR and 6CCR/MDR1h isolates were both outcompeted by S isolates and 6CCR/MDR1h isolates were outcompeted by 5CCR isolates in the absence of fungicide pressure. Under selective pressure of a fludioxonil/pyraclostrobin rotation, the 6CCR/MDR1h isolates dominated after coinoculation with 5CCR and S isolates. The competitive disadvantage of 5CCR and especially 6CCR/MDR1h isolates suggest that, in the absence of fungicide selection pressure, S isolates may reduce inoculum potential of multifungicide-resistant isolates under field conditions.
Diversity, evolution and medical applications of insect antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Mylonakis Eleftherios , Podsiadlowski Lars , Muhammed Maged , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: May 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short proteins with antimicrobial activity. A large portion of known AMPs originate from insects, and the number and diversity of these molecules in different species varies considerably. Insect AMPs represent a potential source of alternative antibiotics to address the limitation of current antibiotics, which has been caused by the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. To get more insight into AMPs, we investigated the diversity and evolution of insect AMPs by mapping their phylogenetic distribution, allowing us to predict the evolutionary origins of selected AMP families and to identify evolutionarily conserved and taxon-specific families. Furthermore, we highlight the use of the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
as a whole-animal model in high-throughput screening methods to identify AMPs with efficacy against human pathogens, including
Acinetobacter baumanii
and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. We also discuss the potential medical applications of AMPs, including their use as alternatives for conventional antibiotics in ectopic therapies, their combined use with antibiotics to restore the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and their use as templates for the rational design of peptidomimetic drugs that overcome the disadvantages of therapeutic peptides.

The article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides’.