bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural differences in self‐promotion: A study of self‐citations in management journals
Authors: Deschacht Nick , Maes Birgitt
Published: October 2016

We study cross‐cultural differences in self‐promotion by comparing the self‐citation behaviour of scholarly authors originating from individualist and collectivist cultures, using original data on 1,346 journal articles published between 2009 and 2014 in the fields of Management and Business. Our main finding is that articles by authors from individualist cultures are about twice as likely to contain many self‐citations. Our results confirm the presence of a gender gap in self‐citations, but we show that this effect is smaller than the cultural effect and that the effect appears to be stable across cultures. These findings show that the structure of rewards and costs associated with particular self‐promotion tactics differ from culture to culture. Implications of cultural variations in self‐promotion are discussed.

Practitioner points

We develop theory and provide empirical evidence about cultural and gender differences in self‐promoting behaviour.

As the workforce diversifies, a broader awareness of these differences might affect the actions of both employees and HR departments.
Gap dynamics of late successional sugar maple–yellow birch forests at their northern range limit
Authors: Després Tiphaine , Asselin Hugo , Doyon Frédérik , Drobyshev Igor , Bergeron Yves
Published: October 2016

Questions

We investigated whether the gap disturbance rate (percentage area disturbed by canopy gaps per year) differed at the northern range limit of sugar maple (Acer saccharum)–yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) forests compared to broad‐leaf temperate deciduous forests located more to the south. As an ancillary question, we assessed the relationship between species composition and gap disturbance rate at the stand scale.

Location

Late successional sugar maple–yellow birch forests at their northern range limit in western Quebec, Canada.

Methods

To reconstruct past gap disturbances, we identified growth releases using the boundary line method applied to tree‐ring chronologies obtained from 0.25‐ha plots sampled within 11 late successional forest stands. We reconstructed past canopy gaps using release events, calculated historical gap disturbance rates and used redundancy analysis to evaluate the relationship between gap disturbance rate and species composition at the stand scale.

Results

The mean gap disturbance rate across the 11 late successional stands was 0.96 ± 0.51%·yr−1. Mean gap size was 39 ± 44 m2and almost 85% of the gaps were <50 m2. Stands with smaller gaps and lower gap disturbance rates had high importance values for balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and/or yellow birch.

Conclusions

The gap disturbance rate at the northern limit of sugar maple–yellow birch forest was similar to that reported in broad‐leaf temperate deciduous forests located ca. 575–1300 km to the south. However, gaps were more numerous and smaller, which could be related to latitudinal differences in allometric traits of the dominant tree species and climate.
Maternal investment and delayed feeding in neonatal Lake Erie watersnakes: a life‐history strategy
Authors: Mack Elizabeth W. , Beck Jennifer L. , Stanford Kristin M. , King Richard B.
Published: October 2016

Neonatal growth can have lasting consequences on survival and reproduction. In many taxa, larger, faster growing neonates experience higher survival, reach sexual maturity more rapidly, and achieve higher lifetime fecundity. In contrast to their closest relatives, Lake Erie watersnakes grow slower, mature later, and may delay feeding until after their first hibernation. To determine if Lake Erie watersnakes do indeed delay feeding until after their first hibernation, we compared age class 0 (between birth and first hibernation) and age class 1 (emergence from hibernation and through the first full season) snakes in the field and in the laboratory. In the field, only 0.6% of pre‐hibernation neonates were found to contain prey, while 11.9% of post‐hibernation neonates contained prey. During captive feeding experiments, the probability of eating was positively correlated with age (binary logistic regression, Wald  = 25.354, P < 0.001). To clarify the underlying mechanism for delayed feeding, we compared neonatal yolk and fat reserves among species with delayed feeding (Lake Erie watersnakes, Graham's crayfish‐eating snakes), species that commence feeding immediately after birth (common gartersnakes, Dekay's brown snakes) and a species falling between these extremes (queen snakes). Like Lake Erie watersnakes, Graham's crayfish‐eating snakes contained large energy reserves (yolk + fat body mass to carcass mass ratio = 0.39 and 0.24, respectively), common gartersnakes and Dekay's brown snakes lacked measurable reserves (0.00), and queen snakes contained intermediate reserves (0.17). Taken together, this evidence suggests that neonatal Lake Erie watersnakes do delay feeding until after their first hibernation and contain large energy reserves at birth to facilitate this behavior. While most snake life‐history studies have focused on the trade‐off between offspring size and number, Lake Erie watersnake females invest large amounts of energy in offspring condition.
A major locus involved in the formation of the radial oxygen loss barrier in adventitious roots of teosinte Zea nicaraguensis is located on the short‐arm of chromosome 3
Authors: Watanabe Kohtaro , Takahashi Hirokazu , Sato Saori , Nishiuchi Shunsaku , Omori Fumie , Malik Al Imran , Colmer Timothy David , Mano Yoshiro , Nakazono Mikio
Published: October 2016

A radial oxygen loss (ROL) barrier in roots of waterlogging‐tolerant plants promotes oxygen movement via aerenchyma to the root tip, and impedes soil phytotoxin entry. The molecular mechanism and genetic regulation of ROL barrier formation are largely unknown. Zea nicaraguensis, a waterlogging‐tolerant wild relative of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), forms a tight ROL barrier in its roots when waterlogged. We used Z. nicaraguensis chromosome segment introgression lines (ILs) in maize (inbred line Mi29) to elucidate the chromosomal region involved in regulating root ROL barrier formation. A segment of the short‐arm of chromosome 3 of Z. nicaraguensis conferred ROL barrier formation in the genetic background of maize. This chromosome segment also decreased apoplastic solute permeability across the hypodermis/exodermis. However, the IL and maize were similar for suberin staining in the hypodermis/exodermis at 40 mm and further behind the root tip. Z. nicaraguensis contained suberin in the hypodermis/exodermis at 20 mm and lignin at the epidermis. The IL with ROL barrier, however, did not contain lignin in the epidermis. Discovery of the Z. nicaraguensis chromosomal region responsible for root ROL barrier formation has improved knowledge of this trait and is an important step towards improvement of waterlogging tolerance in maize.
Substantial role for carbonic anhydrase in latitudinal variation in mesophyll conductance of Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray
Authors: Momayyezi Mina , Guy Robert D.
Published: October 2016

In Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood), net photosynthesis (An) varies with latitude and, in northern genotypes, is supported by higher stomatal conductance (gs). We report here a parallel cline in mesophyll conductance (gm) and link this variation to carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity. Using concurrent carbon isotope discrimination and chlorophyll fluorescence methods, we examined the effects of acetazolamide, an inhibitor of CA, on gm in six representative genotypes (three from either end of the north‐south cline). Acetazolamide reduced CA activity, gm, gs, chloroplast CO2 concentration (Cc) and An at normal CO2 (400 μmol mol−1), the latter being reversible at saturating CO2. Absolute reductions in An, gm and CA activity were greater in northern genotypes than in southern genotypes (P < 0.025) but percent reductions were similar. In contrast, northern genotypes showed lower percent reduction in Cc compared to southern genotypes (P < 0.025). The northern genotypes had greater CA activity relative to both leaf area (two‐fold) and mass (1.8‐fold) (P < 0.016). The relationship between CA activity and gm was similar whether the variation was inherent or inhibitor induced. We suggest that greater CA activity contributes to higher gm in northern P. trichocarpa genotypes, but other diffusion pathway components may also be involved.
Predicting stomatal responses to the environment from the optimization of photosynthetic gain and hydraulic cost
Authors: Sperry John S. , Venturas Martin D. , Anderegg William R. L. , Mencuccini Maurizio , Mackay D. Scott , Wang Yujie , Love David M.
Published: October 2016

Stomatal regulation presumably evolved to optimize CO2 for H2O exchange in response to changing conditions. If the optimization criterion can be readily measured or calculated, then stomatal responses can be efficiently modelled without recourse to empirical models or underlying mechanism. Previous efforts have been challenged by the lack of a transparent index for the cost of losing water. Yet it is accepted that stomata control water loss to avoid excessive loss of hydraulic conductance from cavitation and soil drying. Proximity to hydraulic failure and desiccation can represent the cost of water loss. If at any given instant, the stomatal aperture adjusts to maximize the instantaneous difference between photosynthetic gain and hydraulic cost, then a model can predict the trajectory of stomatal responses to changes in environment across time. Results of this optimization model are consistent with the widely used Ball–Berry–Leuning empirical model (r2 > 0.99) across a wide range of vapour pressure deficits and ambient CO2 concentrations for wet soil. The advantage of the optimization approach is the absence of empirical coefficients, applicability to dry as well as wet soil and prediction of plant hydraulic status along with gas exchange.
Variation in resource utilization in liver transplantation at freestanding children's hospitals
Authors: Minneman Jennifer A. , Grijalva James L. , LaQuaglia Michael J. , Kim Heung Bae , Rangel Shawn J. , Vakili Khashayar
Published: October 2016

We sought to examine the relationship between liver transplant‐related total cost, patient outcome, and hospital resource utilization at freestanding children's hospitals. Using the PHIS database, a retrospective study of 374 patients that underwent liver transplantation at 15 freestanding children's hospitals from July 2010 to December 2012 was performed. One‐year graft failure and patient mortality rates from July 2010 to December 2012 for each center were also obtained from the SRTR. There was a 5.1‐fold difference in median cost (median $146 444, range $59 487–302 058, P<.001) between all centers. A 2.4‐fold difference existed in median LOS (median 15 days, range 9–22 days, P<.001) across centers. Median postoperative ICU stay varied from 0 to 7 days (median 4 days, P<.001). Overall, 30‐day readmission rate was 55% (31.3%–100%, P<.001). One‐year graft failure varied from 0% to 19.1%, with an overall rate of 5.5% (P=.279). One‐year patient mortality for all centers was 2.3% (range 0%–11.1%, P=.016). Higher total cost did not correlate with lower readmission rates, patient mortality, graft failure, or any other variable. These data suggest that identifying practice patterns at low‐cost centers and implementing them at higher‐cost centers may decrease the cost of pediatric liver transplantation without compromising outcomes.
The Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity and Antibacterial Performance of Ag/AgBr/TiO2 Immobilized on Activated Carbon
Authors: Yang Lu , Ye Fangyun , Liu Peng , Wang Fazhou
Published: October 2016

Visible‐light‐driven Ag/AgBr/TiO2/activated carbon (AC) composite was prepared by solgel method coupled with photoreduction method. For comparison, TiO2, TiO2/AC, and Ag/AgBr/TiO2 were also synthesized. Their characteristics were analyzed by XRD, SEM‐EDS, TG‐DSC and UV–vis techniques. Photocatalytic activity and antibacterial performance under visible‐light irradiation were investigated by ICP‐AES, ATR‐FT‐IR and spectrophotometry methods using methylene blue and Escherichia coli as target systems, respectively. The results showed that Ag/AgBr was successfully deposited on anatase TiO2/AC surface, and exhibited a distinct light absorption in the visible region. Ag/AgBr/TiO2/AC displayed excellent antibacterial performance both in dark and under visible‐light illumination. The growth of E. coli cell was inhibited in the presence of Ag/AgBr/TiO2/AC in dark. Moreover, upon visible‐light illumination, a significant damage of cell membrane was noticed. Ag/AgBr/TiO2/AC was also shown higher photocatalytic efficiency for methylene blue degradation than those of TiO2, TiO2/AC, and Ag/AgBr/TiO2. This is attributed to the synergetic effect between AC and Ag/AgBr/TiO2, of which AC acts as the role of increasing reaction areas, continuous enriching, and transferring the adsorbed MB molecules to the surface of supported photocatalysts, and the Ag/AgBr/TiO2 acts as a highly active photocatalyst for degrading MB molecules under visible‐light irradiation.
Exploring the Existence of a Stayer Population with Mover–Stayer Counting Process Models: Application to Joint Damage in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Yiu Sean , Farewell Vernon T. , Tom Brian D. M.
Published: October 2016

Many psoriatic arthritis patients do not progress to permanent joint damage in any of the 28 hand joints, even under prolonged follow-up. This has led several researchers to fit models that estimate the proportion of stayers (those who do not have the propensity to experience the event of interest) and to characterize the rate of developing damaged joints in the movers (those who have the propensity to experience the event of interest). However, when fitted to the same data, the paper demonstrates that the choice of model for the movers can lead to widely varying conclusions on a stayer population, thus implying that, if interest lies in a stayer population, a single analysis should not generally be adopted. The aim of the paper is to provide greater understanding regarding estimation of a stayer population by comparing the inferences, performance and features of multiple fitted models to real and simulated data sets. The models for the movers are based on Poisson processes with patient level random effects and/or dynamic covariates, which are used to induce within-patient correlation, and observation level random effects are used to account for time varying unobserved heterogeneity. The gamma, inverse Gaussian and compound Poisson distributions are considered for the random effects.
Semi‐parametric Estimation in a Single‐index Model with Endogenous Variables
Authors: Birke Melanie , Van Bellegem Sebastien , Van Keilegom Ingrid
Published: October 2016

We consider a semiparametric single‐index model and suppose that endogeneity is present in the explanatory variables. The presence of an instrument is assumed, that is, non‐correlated with the error term. We propose an estimator of the parametric component of the model, which is the solution of an ill‐posed inverse problem. The estimator is shown to be asymptotically normal under certain regularity conditions. A simulation study is conducted to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator.
The Poincaré-sphere approach to polarization: Formalism and new labs with Poincaré beams
Authors: Jones Joshua A. , D’Addario Anthony J. , Rojec Brett L. , Milione G. , Galvez Enrique J.
Published: October 2016

We present a geometric-analytic introductory treatment of polarization based on the circular polarization basis, which connects directly to the Poincaré sphere. This treatment enables a more intuitive way to arrive at the polarization ellipse from the components of the field. We also present an advanced optics lab that uses Poincaré beams, which have a polarization that is spatially variable. The physics of this lab can reinforce understanding of all states of polarization, and in particular, elliptical polarization. In addition, it exposes students to Laguerre-Gauss modes, the spatial modes used in creating Poincaré beams, which have unique physical properties. In performing this lab, students gain experience in experimental optics, such as aligning and calibrating optical components, using and programming a spatial light modulator, building an interferometer, and performing polarimetry measurements. We present the apparatus for doing the experiments, detailed alignment instructions, and lower-cost alternatives.
An acoustic analog for a quantum mechanical level-splitting route to band formation
Authors: D'Onofrio Marissa , Crum Mitchell , Hilbert Shawn A. , Batelaan Herman , Canalichio Timothy , Bull Tyler
Published: October 2016

This paper explores band structure in a simple acoustic apparatus that acts as an analog to the quantum infinite square well with multiple delta-function perturbations. The apparatus can be used to visualize abstract quantum phenomena in a concrete and easily understandable way. It consists of regular sections of PVC pipes connected by variable aluminum diaphragms to allow coupling between the pipe sections. The equivalence between standing waves in the acoustic system and stationary states in the quantum system is examined for multiple-cavity situations. We show that the experimental results from the acoustic system and the analytic solutions of the quantum system demonstrate the same resonance structure. We also experimentally show that the acoustic system supports band structure and that the band width is dependent on the hole size of the diaphragms.
Bracket relations for relativity groups
Authors: Jordan Thomas F.
Published: October 2016

Poisson bracket relations for generators of canonical transformations are derived directly from the Galilei and Poincaré groups of space-time coordinate changes. The method is simple but rigorous. The meaning of each step is clear, because it corresponds to an operation in the group of changes of space-time coordinates. Only products and inverses are used; differences are not used. It is made explicitly clear why constants occur in some bracket relations but not in others and how some constants can be removed, so that in the end there is a constant in the bracket relations for the Galilei group but not for the Poincaré group. Each change of coordinates needs to be only to first order, so matrices are not needed for rotations or Lorentz transformations; simple three-vector descriptions are enough. Conversion to quantum mechanics is immediate. One result is a simpler derivation of the commutation relations for angular momentum directly from rotations. Problems are included.
Social transfer of pain in mice
Authors: Smith Monique L. , Hostetler Caroline M. , Heinricher Mary M. , Ryabinin Andrey E.
Published: October 2016

Bystander mice living in the same room as mice with inflammatory- or withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia develop an abnormal pain state.
Missing link between the Hayward and Rodgers Creek faults
Authors: Watt Janet , Ponce David , Parsons Tom , Hart Patrick
Published: October 2016

A direct link between the Hayward and Rodgers Creek faults would enable simultaneous rupture.
A large fraction of HLA class I ligands are proteasome-generated spliced peptides
Authors: Liepe Juliane , Marino Fabio , Sidney John , Jeko Anita , Bunting Daniel E. , Sette Alessandro , Kloetzel Peter M. , Stumpf Michael P. H. , Heck Albert J. R. , Mishto Michele
Published: October 2016

New players in the repertoire

Antigen-presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, activate immunological T cells by presenting them with antigens bound by major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs). The proteasome typically processes these antigens, which include peptides derived from both self and microbial origins. Liepe
et al.
now report that, surprisingly, a large fraction of peptides bound to class I MHC on multiple human cell types are spliced together by the proteasome from two different fragments of the same protein. Such merged peptides might turn out to be useful in vaccine or cancer immunotherapy development.

Science
, this issue p.
354
Formaldehyde stabilization facilitates lignin monomer production during biomass depolymerization
Authors: Shuai Li , Amiri Masoud Talebi , Questell-Santiago Ydna M. , Héroguel Florent , Li Yanding , Kim Hoon , Meilan Richard , Chapple Clint , Ralph John , Luterbacher Jeremy S.
Published: October 2016

Formaldehyde protects and serves

The lignin found in plants is a desirable renewable feedstock for fuels and other useful compounds. Breaking down such a strong, energy-dense polymer, however, requires pretreatment of plant biomass under harsh conditions. These pretreatment steps often cause side reactions within the polymer itself, which lower the overall yields of lignin monomers. Shuai
et al.
used formaldehyde during pretreatment to block the reactive groups that lead to carbon-carbon linkages in lignin. This simple step stabilized lignin during pretreatment, resulting in dramatically improved yields.

Science
, this issue p.
329
Response to Comments on “Reconciliation of the Devils Hole climate record with orbital forcing”
Authors: Moseley Gina E. , Dublyansky Yuri V. , Edwards R. Lawrence , Wendt Kathleen A. , Pythoud Mathieu , Zhang Pu , Cheng Hai , Lu Yanbin , Boch Ronny , Spötl Christoph
Published: October 2016

Winograd and Coplen question the thorium-230 distribution model proposed to explain the age bias observed with increasing depth during Termination II. We have evaluated both criticisms and find that all samples display virtually identical fabrics, argue that the modern setting is not analogous to the conditions during Termination II, and reiterate the robustness of our age models. Our conclusions remain unchanged.
Photoactivation and inactivation of
Arabidopsis
cryptochrome 2
Authors: Wang Qin , Zuo Zecheng , Wang Xu , Gu Lianfeng , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Yang Zhaohe , Yang Liang , Liu Qing , Liu Wei , Han Yun-Jeong , Kim Jeong-Il , Liu Bin , Wohlschlegel James A. , Matsui Minami , Oka Yoshito , Lin Chentao
Published: October 2016

Turning off the blue-light response

In plants, blue light is perceived by cryptochromes, which, once activated, set off signaling events that regulate gene expression, circadian rhythms, and photomorphogenesis. Wang
et al.
now show that in the model plant
Arabidopsis
, one of the functions of activated cryptochromes, which are dimers or oligomers when active, is to activate production of the protein BIC1 (blue-light inhibitor of cryptochromes 1) (see the Perspective by Fankhauser and Ulm). BIC1 then favors monomerization and thus inactivation of the cryptochromes. This feedback loop resets the system so that blue-light responses can be turned off as well as turned on.

Science
, this issue p.
343
; see also p.
282
Predictable convergence in hemoglobin function has unpredictable molecular underpinnings
Authors: Natarajan Chandrasekhar , Hoffmann Federico G. , Weber Roy E. , Fago Angela , Witt Christopher C. , Storz Jay F.
Published: October 2016

Expect the unexpected

In convergent evolution, similar environmental conditions produce similar sets of adaptations. Does similar convergence exist in the molecular underpinnings of such morphological changes? Natarajan
et al.
looked across more than 50 species of birds that have adapted to different elevations to identify patterns of similarity in hemoglobin-oxygen binding affinity (see the Perspective by Bridgham). Increases in hemoglobin-oxygen binding affinity occurred in alpine species, but the molecular changes underlying the hemoglobin changes were variable. Thus, even in cases where adaptive phenotypic change is predictable, the molecular pathways to these changes may not be.

Science
, this issue p.
336
; see also p.
289
Intercellular communication and conjugation are mediated by ESX secretion systems in mycobacteria
Authors: Gray Todd A. , Clark Ryan R. , Boucher Nathalie , Lapierre Pascal , Smith Carol , Derbyshire Keith M.
Published: October 2016

Conseting mycobacteria

Mycobacteria encompass several slow-growing pathogens, including organisms that cause leprosy and tuberculosis. Mycobacteria use a component of their ESX (or Type VII) secretion system for a distinctive form of genetic exchange called distributive conjugal DNA transfer. Gray
et al.
investigated a quicker-growing model species,
Mycobacterium smegmatis.
They found that the secretory apparatus, ESX-4, is essential for DNA transfer into the recipient but is not required for donor cells to pass along their DNA. The ESX-1 secretory apparatus was required in the recipient for ESX-4 induction, but it did not appear to provide the physical channel for DNA. Rather, ESX-1 may secrete cell-surface “mating factor” receptors. More research will be needed to understand the details of this intriguing means of DNA exchange in mycobacteria.

Science
, this issue p.
347
Identifying the policy space for climate loss and damage
Authors: Mechler Reinhard , Schinko Thomas
Published: October 2016

Climate risk analysis must play a fundamental role
Network science on belief system dynamics under logic constraints
Authors: Friedkin Noah E. , Proskurnikov Anton V. , Tempo Roberto , Parsegov Sergey E.
Published: October 2016

Belief system dynamics

People tend to structure their beliefs in a way that appears consistent to them. But how do some beliefs within groups persist in the face of social pressure, whereas others change and, by changing, influence a cascade of other beliefs? Friedkin
et al.
developed a model that can describe complexes of attitudes in a group that interact and change (see the Perspective by Butts). Their model revealed how the changing views of the U.S. population on the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq changed their views on whether the invasion by the United States was justified.

Science
, this issue p.
321
; see also p.
286
The biosynthetic pathway of coenzyme F430 in methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Ngo Phong D. , Owens Victoria L. , Yang Xue-peng , Mansoorabadi Steven O.
Published: October 2016

Enzymes for making (or breaking) methane

The last enzymatic step of microbial methanogenesis, and the first step of microbial methane oxidation, relies on the nickel-containing tetrapyrrole coenzyme F430. The successful metabolic engineering of any organism to enzymatically consume methane thus also needs the appropriate machinery to synthesize this compound. Using comparative genomics, Zheng
et al.
identified several candidate genes responsible for coenzyme F430 biosynthesis. Cloning and expression of all the subsequent proteins in
Escherichia coli
confirmed the complete in vitro conversion of sirohydrochlorin into mature F430.

Science
, this issue p.
339
Subthreshold Schottky-barrier thin-film transistors with ultralow power and high intrinsic gain
Authors: Lee Sungsik , Nathan Arokia
Published: October 2016

Almost-off transistors

Wearable devices and environmental sensors ideally should consume very little power to avoid the need for batteries that would have to be replaced. Lee and Nathan developed a thin-film transistor (TFT) from In-Ga-Zn-O thin films. To make the material less conductive, the films were fabricated to avoid oxygen vacancies. The TFT operated at ultralow power (less than 1 nW) and at switching voltages of less than 1 V with very high intrinsic gain. The devices work by changing the height of the so-called Schottky barrier formed between the semiconductor gate material and the metal drain contact.

Science
, this issue p.
302
Why I know but don't believe
Authors: Butts Carter T.
Published: October 2016

Individuals hold interdependent beliefs that affect whether or not they accept scientific findings
Intrinsic and Innate Defenses of Neurons: Détente with the Herpesviruses
Authors: Enquist Lynn W. , Leib David A.
Published: October 2016

Neuroinvasive herpesviruses have evolved to efficiently infect and establish latency in neurons. The nervous system has limited capability to regenerate, so immune responses therein are carefully regulated to be nondestructive, with dependence on atypical intrinsic and innate defenses. In this article we review studies of some of these noncanonical defense pathways and how herpesvirus gene products counter them, highlighting the contributions that primary neuronal
in vitro
models have made to our understanding of this field.
Creating an Artificial Tail Anchor as a Novel Strategy To Enhance the Potency of Peptide-Based HIV Fusion Inhibitors
Authors: Su Shan , Zhu Yun , Ye Sheng , Qi Qianqian , Xia Shuai , Ma Zhenxuan , Yu Fei , Wang Qian , Zhang Rongguang , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu
Published: October 2016

20 (enfuvirtide) and other peptides derived from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) region inhibit HIV fusion by binding to the hydrophobic grooves on the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR) trimer and blocking six-helix-bundle (6-HB) formation. Several strategies focusing on the binding grooves of the NHR trimer have been adopted to increase the antiviral activity of the CHR peptides. Here, we developed a novel and simple strategy to greatly enhance the potency of the existing peptide-based HIV fusion inhibitors. First, we identified a shallow pocket adjacent to the groove in the N-terminal region of NHR trimer as a new drug target, and then we designed several short artificial peptides to fit this target. After the addition of IDL (Ile-Asp-Leu) to the C terminus of CHR peptide WQ or MT-WQ, the conjugated peptides, WQ-IDL and MT-WQ-IDL, showed much more potent activities than WQ and T20, respectively, in inhibiting HIV-1 IIIB infection. WQ-IDL and MT-WQ-IDL were also more effective than WQ in blocking HIV-1 Env-mediated membrane fusion and had higher levels of binding affinity with NHR peptide N46. We solved the crystal structure of the 6-HB formed by MT-WQ-IDL and N46 and found that, besides the N-terminal MT hook tail, the IDL tail anchor of MT-WQ-IDL also binds with the shallow hydrophobic pocket outside the groove of the NHR trimer, resulting in enhanced inhibition of HIV-1 fusion with the target cell. It is expected that this novel approach can be widely used to improve the potency of peptidic fusion inhibitors against other enveloped viruses with class I fusion proteins.

IMPORTANCE
The hydrophobic groove of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 NHR trimer has been known as the classic drug target to develop fusion inhibitors derived from the gp41 CHR. Here, we developed a novel and simple strategy to improve the existing peptide-based HIV fusion inhibitors. We identified a shallow pocket adjacent to the groove in the NHR trimer and added a short artificial peptide consisting of three amino acids (IDL) to the C terminus of a fusion inhibitor to fit this new target. The inhibition activity of this new conjugated peptide was significantly enhanced, by 77-fold, making it much more potent than T20 (enfuvirtide) and suggesting that the IDL tail can be adopted for optimizing existing HIV-1 CHR peptide fusion inhibitors. This new approach of identifying a potential binding pocket outside the traditional target and creating an artificial tail anchor can be widely applied to design novel fusion inhibitors against other class I enveloped viruses, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Interleukin-17A Promotes CD8+T Cell Cytotoxicity To Facilitate West Nile Virus Clearance
Authors: Acharya Dhiraj , Wang Penghua , Paul Amber M. , Dai Jianfeng , Gate David , Lowery Jordan E. , Stokic Dobrivoje S. , Leis A. Arturo , Flavell Richard A. , Town Terrence , Fikrig Erol , Bai Fengwei
Published: October 2016

CD8+T cells are crucial components of immunity and play a vital role in recovery from West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized function of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in inducing cytotoxic-mediator gene expression and promoting CD8+T cell cytotoxicity against WNV infection in mice. We find that IL-17A-deficient (Il17a−/−) mice are more susceptible to WNV infection and develop a higher viral burden than wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, the CD8+T cells isolated fromIl17a−/−mice are less cytotoxic and express lower levels of cytotoxic-mediator genes, which can be restored by supplying recombinant IL-17Ain vitroandin vivo. Importantly, treatment of WNV-infected mice with recombinant IL-17A, as late as day 6 postinfection, significantly reduces the viral burden and increases survival, suggesting a therapeutic potential for IL-17A. In conclusion, we report a novel function of IL-17A in promoting CD8+T cell cytotoxicity, which may have broad implications in other microbial infections and cancers.

IMPORTANCEInterleukin-17A (IL-17A) and CD8+T cells regulate diverse immune functions in microbial infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by diverse cell types, while CD8+T cells (known as cytotoxic T cells) are major cells that provide immunity against intracellular pathogens. Previous studies have demonstrated a crucial role of CD8+T cells in recovery from West Nile virus (WNV) infection. However, the role of IL-17A during WNV infection remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that IL-17A protects mice from lethal WNV infection by promoting CD8+T cell-mediated clearance of WNV. In addition, treatment of WNV-infected mice with recombinant IL-17A reduces the viral burden and increases survival of mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic. This novel IL-17A–CD8+T cell axis may also have broad implications for immunity to other microbial infections and cancers, where CD8+T cell functions are crucial.
A Helical Short-Peptide Fusion Inhibitor with Highly Potent Activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-2, and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Xiong Shengwen , Borrego Pedro , Ding Xiaohui , Zhu Yuanmei , Martins Andreia , Chong Huihui , Taveira Nuno , He Yuxian
Published: October 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) has already spread to different regions worldwide, and currently about 1 to 2 million people have been infected, calling for new antiviral agents that are effective on both HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates. T20 (enfuvirtide), a 36-mer peptide derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat region (CHR) of gp41, is the only clinically approved HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but it easily induces drug resistance and is not active on HIV-2. In this study, we first demonstrated that the M-T hook structure was also vital to enhancing the binding stability and inhibitory activity of diverse CHR-based peptide inhibitors. We then designed a novel short peptide (23-mer), termed 2P23, by introducing the M-T hook structure, HIV-2 sequences, and salt bridge-forming residues. Promisingly, 2P23 was a highly stable helical peptide with high binding to the surrogate targets derived from HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Consistent with this, 2P23 exhibited potent activity in inhibiting diverse subtypes of HIV-1 isolates, T20-resistant HIV-1 mutants, and a panel of primary HIV-2 isolates, HIV-2 mutants, and SIV isolates. Therefore, we conclude that 2P23 has high potential to be further developed for clinical use, and it is also an ideal tool for exploring the mechanisms of HIV-1/2- and SIV-mediated membrane fusion.

IMPORTANCEThe peptide drug T20 is the only approved HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but it is not active on HIV-2 isolates, which have currently infected 1 to 2 million people and continue to spread worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that the M-T hook structure can greatly enhance the binding and antiviral activities of gp41 CHR-derived inhibitors, especially for short peptides that are otherwise inactive. By combining the hook structure, HIV-2 sequence, and salt bridge-based strategies, the short peptide 2P23 has been successfully designed. 2P23 exhibits prominent advantages over many other peptide fusion inhibitors, including its potent and broad activity on HIV-1, HIV-2, and even SIV isolates, its stability as a helical, oligomeric peptide, and its high binding to diverse targets. The small size of 2P23 would benefit its synthesis and significantly reduce production cost. Therefore, 2P23 is an ideal candidate for further development, and it also provides a novel tool for studying HIV-1/2- and SIV-mediated cell fusion.
Cytokines and Chemokines inMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Domingo-Gonzalez Racquel , Prince Oliver , Cooper Andrea , Khader Shabaana A.
Published: October 2016

Chemokines and cytokines are critical for initiating and coordinating the organized and sequential recruitment and activation of cells intoMycobacterium tuberculosis-infected lungs. Correct mononuclear cellular recruitment and localization are essential to ensure control of bacterial growth without the development of diffuse and damaging granulocytic inflammation. An important block to our understanding of TB pathogenesis lies in dissecting the critical aspects of the cytokine/chemokine interplay in light of the conditional role these molecules play throughout infection and disease development. Much of the data highlighted in this review appears at first glance to be contradictory, but it is the balance between the cytokines and chemokines that is critical, and the “goldilocks” (not too much and not too little) phenomenon is paramount in any discussion of the role of these molecules in TB. Determination of how the key chemokines/cytokines and their receptors are balanced and how the loss of that balance can promote disease is vital to understanding TB pathogenesis and to identifying novel therapies for effective eradication of this disease.
Predictors of severe psychological distress trajectory after nuclear disaster: evidence from the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Oe Misari , Maeda Masaharu , Nagai Masato , Yasumura Seiji , Yabe Hirooki , Suzuki Yuriko , Harigane Mayumi , Ohira Tetsuya , Abe Masafumi
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, which occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011, may have a considerable long-term impact on the lives of area residents. The aims of this study were to determine the trajectories of psychological distress using 3-year consecutive data, and to find predictive factors of severe distress that may also prove useful for public health intervention.

Methods

Data were obtained on 12 371 residents who were registered in the municipalities categorised as complete evacuation areas for 3 years after the disaster and who completed an assessment in each of the 3 years.

Results

Using group-based trajectory modelling, we identified four trajectory patterns distinguished by the levels of psychological distress, which gradually improved over time in all trajectories. Subjective sleep insufficiency, problem drinking, poor social support and perception of radiation risk 3 years after the accident were associated with the severity of psychological distress, according to the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The identified factors may be useful for community-based mental healthcare over the long term following a nuclear disaster.
Do rocker-sole shoes influence postural stability in chronic low back pain? A randomised trial
Authors: MacRae C Sian , Critchley Duncan , Morrissey Matthew , Shortland Adam , Lewis Jeremy S
Published: October 2016

Background

People with chronic low back pain (CLBP) demonstrate greater postural instability compared with asymptomatic individuals. Rocker-sole shoes are inherently unstable and may serve as an effective balance training device. This study hypothesised that wearing rocker-sole shoes would result in long-term improvement in barefoot postural stability in people with CLBP.

Methods

20 participants with CLBP were randomised to wear rocker-sole or flat-sole shoes for a minimum of 2 hours each day. Participants were assessed barefoot and shod, over three 40 s trials, under 4 posture challenging standing conditions. The primary outcome was postural stability assessed by root mean squared error of centre of pressure (CoP) displacement (CoPRMSE AP) and mean CoP velocity (CoPVELAP), both in the anteroposterior direction, using force plates. Participants' were assessed without knowledge of group allocation at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months (main outcome point). Analyses were by intention-to-treat.

Results

At 6 months, data from 11 of 13 (84.6%) of the rocker-sole and 5 of 7 (71.4%) of the flat-sole group were available for analysis. At baseline, there was a mean increase in CoPRMSE AP(6.41 (2.97) mm, p<0.01) and CoPVELAP(4.10 (2.97) mm, p<0.01) in the rocker-sole group when shod compared with barefoot; there was no difference in the flat-sole group. There were no within-group or between-group differences in change in CoP parameters at any time point compared with baseline (1) for any barefoot standing condition (2) when assessed shod eyes-open on firm ground.

Conclusions

Although wearing rocker-sole shoes results in greater postural instability than flat-sole shoes, long-term use of rocker-sole shoes did not appear to influence postural stability in people with CLBP.
On the Wiener index and variants of the Szeged index of single-walled titania nanotubes TiO2(m,n)
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Hafi Sabeel-e
Published: October 2016

Topological indices are numerical parameters of a graph that characterize its topology and are usually graph invariant. There are certain types of topological indices such as degree-based topological indices, distance-based topological indices, and counting-related topological indices. These topological indices correlate certain physicochemical properties such as boiling point, stability, and strain energy of chemical compounds. In this paper, we compute an exact expression of Wiener index, vertex-Szeged index, edge-Szeged index, and total-Szeged index of single-walled titania nanotubes TiO2(m, n) by using the cut method for all values of m and n.
New thiophene-functionalized pyrene, peropyrene, and teropyrene via a two- or four-fold alkyne annulation and their photophysical properties
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Monteiro Jorge H.S.K. , de Bettencourt-Dias Ana , Chalifoux Wesley A.
Published: October 2016

We synthesized thiophene-functionalized pyrene, peropyrene, and teropyrene through a two- or four-fold alkyne annulation reaction promoted by triflic acid. All of the target compounds were fully characterized spectroscopically, and the structure of the peropyrene analogue was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A significant red shift in the absorption and emission properties as a function of extended conjugation was observed by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. This alkyne annulation strategy is a useful method for the conversion of smaller polycyclic aromatics to larger ones, such as nanographenes.
Testing Higgs coupling precision and new physics scales at lepton colliders
Authors: Ge Shao-Feng , He Hong-Jian , Xiao Rui-Qing
Published: October 2016

The next-generation lepton colliders, such as CEPC, FCC-ee, and ILC will make precision measurement of the Higgs boson properties. We first extract the Higgs coupling precision from Higgs observables at CEPC to illustrate the potential of future lepton colliders. Depending on the related event rates, the precision can reach percentage level for most couplings. Then, we try to estimate the new physics scales that can be indirectly probed with Higgs and electroweak precision observables. The Higgs observables, together with the existing electroweak precision observables, can probe new physics up to 10 TeV (40 TeV for the gluon-related operator [Formula: see text]) at 95% C.L. Including the [Formula: see text] mass measurements and [Formula: see text]-pole observables at CEPC further pushes the limit up to 35 TeV. Although [Formula: see text]-pole running is originally for the purpose of machine calibration, it can be as important as the Higgs observables for probing the new physics scales indirectly. The indirect probe of new physics scales at lepton colliders can mainly cover the energy range to be explored by the following hadron colliders of [Formula: see text] (50–100 TeV), such as SPPC and FCC-hh.
Probe Higgs potential via multi-Higgs boson final states at hadron colliders
Authors: Yan Qi-Shu
Published: October 2016

I summarize some results related with the determination of the Higgs potential, including a hadron-level Monte Carlo study of the sensitivity of Higgs boson pair production via the [Formula: see text] channel with the final state [Formula: see text] and the sensitivity study on the triple Higgs boson final state via [Formula: see text] in a 100 TeV collider.
Fast Algorithms and Architectures for 8-Point DST-II/DST-VII Approximations
Authors: Cintra Renato J. , Bayer Fábio M. , Madanayake Arjuna , Potluri Uma S. , Edirisuriya Amila
Published: October 2016

Multiplier-free fast algorithms are derived and analyzed for realizing the 8-point discrete sine transform of type II and type VII (DST-II and DST-VII) transforms with applications in image and video compression. A new fast algorithm is identified using numerical search methods for approximating DST-VII without employing multipliers. In addition, recently proposed fast algorithms for approximating the 8-point DCT-II are now extended to approximate DST-II. All proposed approximations for DST-II and DST-VII are compared with ideal transforms, and circuit complexity is measured using FPGA-based rapid prototypes on a 90[Formula: see text]nm Xilinx Virtex-4 device. The proposed architectures find applications in emerging video processing standards such as H.265/HEVC.
Energy spectra and E2 transition rates of 124—130Ba
Authors: Sabri H. , Seidi M.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we have studied the energy spectra and [Formula: see text] values of [Formula: see text]Ba isotopes in the shape phase transition region between the spherical and gamma unstable deformed shapes. We have used a transitional interacting Boson model (IBM), Hamiltonian which is based on affine SU(1,1) Lie algebra in the both IBM-1 and 2 versions and also the Catastrophe theory in combination with a coherent state formalism to generate energy surfaces and determine the exact values of control parameters. Our results for control parameters suggest a combination of [Formula: see text](5) and SO(6) dynamical symmetries in this isotopic chain. Also, the theoretical predictions can be rather well reproduce the experimental counterparts, when the control parameter is approached to the SO(6) limit.
How Does Quantum Uncertainty Emerge from Deterministic Bohmian Mechanics?
Authors: Solé A. , Oriols X. , Marian D. , Zanghì N.
Published: October 2016

Bohmian mechanics is a theory that provides a consistent explanation of quantum phenomena in terms of point particles whose motion is guided by the wave function. In this theory, the state of a system of particles is defined by the actual positions of the particles and the wave function of the system; and the state of the system evolves deterministically. Thus, the Bohmian state can be compared with the state in classical mechanics, which is given by the positions and momenta of all the particles, and which also evolves deterministically. However, while in classical mechanics it is usually taken for granted and considered unproblematic that the state is, at least in principle, measurable, this is not the case in Bohmian mechanics. Due to the linearity of the quantum dynamical laws, one essential component of the Bohmian state, the wave function, is not directly measurable. Moreover, it turns out that the measurement of the other component of the state — the positions of the particles — must be mediated by the wave function; a fact that in turn implies that the positions of the particles, though measurable, are constrained by absolute uncertainty. This is the key to understanding how Bohmian mechanics, despite being deterministic, can account for all quantum predictions, including quantum randomness and uncertainty.