bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedeonic equations of ideal fluid
Authors: Mironov Victor L. , Mironov Sergey V.
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, we propose the generalized equations for an ideal fluid based on space-time algebra of sixteen-component sedeons. It is shown that the dynamics of isentropic fluid can be described by sedeonic first-order wave equation for fluid potentials. The key features of the proposed formalism are illustrated on the problem of the sound waves propagation. We consider the plane wave solution of linearized sedeonic wave equation and derive the second-order relations for the sound potential analogues to the Poynting theorem in electrodynamics. The generalization of proposed sedeonic equations for the description of viscous fluid is also discussed.
Molecular dynamics study of the potential of mean force of SDS aggregates
Authors: Kawada Shinji , Fujimoto Kazushi , Yoshii Noriyuki , Okazaki Susumu
Published: August 2017

In our previous study, all-atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) calculations have been carried out for the aggregation of ionic sodium dodecyl sulfate in water [S. Kawada et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 646, 36 (2016)]. Aggregates of 20-30 dodecyl sulfate ions were formed within a short MD run for 10 ns. However, further aggregation did not occur despite a long MD calculation for more than 100 ns. This suggests that strong electrostatic repulsive interactions between the aggregates prevent the fusion of the aggregates. In the present study, mean force and potential of mean force acting between two aggregates with aggregation number N = 30 were evaluated as a function of their separation by MD calculations. The repulsive force becomes strong with decreasing distance between the two aggregates before they merge into one. An origin of the repulsive force is an electric double layer formed by the sulfate group and counter sodium ions. Strength of the repulsive force is in good agreement with the theoretical value given by the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Once the aggregates establish contact, the force between them turns to be a large attractive force that can be explained by the interfacial tension. In order to form a single micelle from the two aggregates, it is necessary for them to climb over a free energy barrier of 23 kJ/mol. Once, the barrier is overcome, the micelle is stabilized by ∼200 kJ/mol. The time constant of aggregation evaluated from the calculated free energy barrier was about 28 μs at the concentration in our previous study.
Memory effects, transient growth, and wave breakup in a model of paced atrium
Authors: Garzón Alejandro , Grigoriev Roman O.
Published: August 2017

The mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrillation have been investigated for over a century, but we are still finding surprising results that change our view of this phenomenon. The present study focuses on the transition from normal rhythm to spiral wave chaos associated with a gradual increase in the pacing rate. While some of our findings are consistent with existing experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies of this problem, one result appears to contradict the accepted picture. Specifically we show that, in a two-dimensional model of paced homogeneous atrial tissue, transition from discordant alternans to conduction block, wave breakup, reentry, and spiral wave chaos is associated with the transient growth of finite amplitude disturbances rather than a conventional instability. It is mathematically very similar to subcritical, or bypass, transition from laminar fluid flow to turbulence, which allows many of the tools developed in the context of fluid turbulence to be used for improving our understanding of cardiac arrhythmias.
One-dimensional electromagnetic band gap plasma structure formed by atmospheric pressure plasma inhomogeneities
Authors: Babitski V. S. , Callegari Th. , Simonchik L. V. , Sokoloff J. , Usachonak M. S.
Published: August 2017

The ability to use plasma columns of pulse discharges in argon at atmospheric pressure to form a one-dimensional electromagnetic band gap structure (or electromagnetic crystal) in the X-band waveguide is demonstrated. We show that a plasma electromagnetic crystal attenuates a microwave propagation in the stopband more than by 4 orders of magnitude. In order to obtain an effective control of the transmission spectrum comparable with a metallic regular structure, the electron concentration in plasma inhomogeneities should vary within the range from 1014 cm−3 to 1016 cm−3, while gas temperature and mean electron energy must be in the range of 2000 K and 0.5 eV, respectively, to lower electron collision frequency around 1010 s−1. We analyze in detail the time evolution response of the electromagnetic crystal according to the plasma parameters for the duration of the discharge. The interest of using atmospheric pressure discharges is to increase the microwave breakdown threshold in discharge volumes, whereby it becomes possible to perform dynamic control of high power microwaves.
The investigation of inertial fusion burning requirements of deuterium-helium3 in degenerate plasma
Authors: Nazirzadeh M. , Khanbabaei B. , Ghasemizad A.
Published: August 2017

Conditions for self-sustained burning of deuterium-helium3 as an advanced fuel in a degenerate regime have been investigated by the four temperature theory. The four temperature theory can describe the radiation field more accurately than the three temperature model. According to the four temperature theory, the photon distribution undergoes a transition from an optically thick to optically thin regime at a certain cut-off energy. The main goal of this research is to determine the critical burn-up parameter for deuterium-helium3 fuel in the degenerate regime in which the ion-electron energy exchange and the bremsstrahlung loss are smaller than those of the classic plasma. To prevent high tritium breeding via deuterium-deuterium and deuterium-tritium reactions, the utilization of equimolar deuterium-helium3 fuel is avoided.
How anomalous resistivity accelerates magnetic reconnection
Authors: Che H.
Published: August 2017

Whether turbulence induced anomalous resistivity (AR) can facilitate a fast magnetic reconnection in collisionless plasma is a subject of active debate for decades. Recent space observations suggest that the reconnection rate can be higher than the Hall-reconnection rate and turbulent dissipation is required. In this paper, using particle-in-cell simulations, we present a case study of how AR produced by Buneman instability accelerates magnetic reconnection. We first show that the AR/drag produced by Buneman instability in a thin electron current layer (1) can dissipate magnetic energy stored in the current layer through dissipation of the kinetic energy of electron beams; (2) the inhomogeneous drag caused by wave couplings spontaneously breaks the magnetic field lines and causes impulsive fast non-Hall magnetic reconnection on electron-scales with a mean rate reaching of 0.6 VA. We then show that a Buneman instability driven by intense electron beams around the x-point in a 3D magnetic reconnection significantly enhances the dissipation of the magnetic energy. Electron-scale magnetic reconnections driven by the inhomogeneous drag around the x-line enhance the reconnection electric field and the in-plane perpendicular magnetic field. About 40% of the released magnetic energy is converted into electron thermal energy by AR while 50% is converted into kinetic energy of the electron beams through the acceleration by the reconnection electric field. The enhanced magnetic energy dissipation is balanced by a net Poynting flux in-flow. About 10% of the released magnetic energy is brought out by an enhanced Poynting flux out-flow. These results suggest that AR with sufficient intensity and electron-scale inhomogeneity can significantly accelerate magnetic reconnection.
Micromagnetic simulation of electric field-modulation on precession dynamics of spin torque nano-oscillator
Authors: Zhao Congpeng , Ma Xingqiao , Huang Houbing , Liu Zhuhong , Jafri Hasnain Mehdi , Wang Jianjun , Wang Xueyun , Chen Long-Qing
Published: August 2017

Understanding electric field effects on precession dynamics is crucial to the design of spin transfer torque devices for improving the performance in nano-oscillator. In this letter, the precession dynamics of a CoFeB/MgO multi-layer structured nano-oscillator under externally applied electric field is predicted using a micromagnetic simulation. It is revealed that the electric field can modify the range of oscillation spectra in single frequency mode. With the increase in electric field, there is a red-shift of the resonant frequency. When a positive electric field pulse is applied, a phase lag of the spin precession is induced, which is proportional to the pulse amplitude and duration. The present work is expected to stimulate future experimental efforts on designing devices with electric-field modulated spin transfer torque nano-oscillators.
Numerical studies of a red blood cell in rectangular microchannels
Authors: Ye Ting , Shi Huixin , Peng Lina , Li Yu
Published: August 2017

The study of red blood cells (RBCs) flowing through rectangular microchannels has attracted an increasing interest, because most of the current microfluidic chips are designed as rectangular microchannels for the purpose of easy fabrication. In this paper, we numerically investigate the 3D motion and deformation of a RBC in rectangular microchannels, by using the smoothed dissipative particle dynamics to model the fluid flow and coupling the immersed boundary method to treat the fluid-RBC interaction. We have considered several fundamental questions concerned in experiments, including the effect of the mechanical properties of RBC, the initial position and orientation of RBC, as well as the asymmetry of the microchannel. In addition, we have demonstrated the differences among the fully 3D, axisymmetric, and 2D simulations of a RBC in microchannels.
Are Pacific spiny dogfish lying about their age? A comparison of ageing structures for Squalus suckleyi
Authors: Tribuzio Cindy A. , Matta Mary Elizabeth , Gburski Christopher , Blood Calvin , Bubley Walter , Kruse Gordon H.
Published: August 2017

Historically, Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) have been aged using dorsal fin spines, a method that was validated through bomb radiocarbon analysis and oxytetracycline tagging. However, ages generated using this method generally have poor precision and require estimation of missing growth bands in eroded spines, prompting a search for improved age determination methods. In the present study, spiny dogfish were aged using the historical spine method and a new method involving stained thin sections of vertebral centra. Results of an inter-laboratory exchange demonstrated the need for readers to calibrate ageing criteria with a reference collection before reading structures, a practice that yielded significant improvements in between-reader precision of spine band pair counts. After calibration, the primary readers examined the full sample set. The two structures yielded similar age estimates for younger animals, but centrum estimates were consistently younger than spine estimates after age-10. Although further work is necessary to fully explore potential reasons for the observed bias, such as centrum size and location within the vertebral column, at the present time centra are not a suitable alternative to dorsal fin spines for age determination of Pacific spiny dogfish >10 years of age.
Transgender HIV and sexually transmissible infections
Authors: McNulty Anna , Bourne Chris
Published: August 2017

Transgender women across a range of different populations and settings have a high prevalence of HIV infection. There are fewer and often poorer quality studies of sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevalence. There are fewer studies in transgender men and, in general, the prevalence of HIV and STIs is lower than that of transgender women. Susceptibility to HIV and STI infection is inextricably linked to the increased vulnerability of transgender populations, a consequence of a lack of legal and social recognition that results in reduced access to educational and employment opportunities, which can result in high rates of transactional sex. Other measures of disadvantage, such as substance abuse and mental health problems, also increase the risk of HIV and STIs and have an effect on access to health care, highlighting the need for transgender-friendly multidisciplinary services offering individualised risk assessment, prevention advice and testing for STI and HIV.
Effect of 10 years of biofertiliser use on soil quality and rice yield on an Inceptisol in Assam, India
Authors: Buragohain Smrita , Sarma Banashree , Nath Dhruba J. , Gogoi Nirmali , Meena Ram S. , Lal Rattan
Published: August 2017

In the present study, field experiments were performed over 10 consecutive years (2006–15) to assess the effects of biofertiliser and enriched biocompost on soil quality, total organic carbon (TOC) and rice yields in an Inceptisol. Experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments: unfertilised control (T1); recommended doses of inorganic fertiliser (T2); biofertiliser with reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers (T3); reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 1 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T4); and reduced (75%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 2 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T5). T3 improved soil chemical and biological properties with enhanced soil quality index (40%), total P (23%), total K (42%) and fungal (38%) and bacterial (44%) colony counts. T5 significantly improved the carbon pool index (29%) and available nutrients (N, P and K at rates of 37%, 22% and 10% respectively) and increased soil pH (11%), resulting in a higher sustainable yield index (39%) of rice. Fraction 2 (labile carbon) of TOC, total P, available K, microbial biomass carbon and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were key indicators to assess the suitability of these fertilisers in rice cultivation in north-east India.
Imaging the emergence and natural progression of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Mohan James F. , Kohler Rainer H. , Hill Jonathan A. , Weissleder Ralph , Mathis Diane , Benoist Christophe
Published: August 2017

Significance

Dynamics and interactions of immunocytes infiltrating the pancreas during the natural progression of autoimmune diabetes are largely unknown. The construction of diabetes-prone nonobese diabetic mice with a panel of fluorescent reporters that illume infiltrating cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, combined with intravital imaging of the pancreas, provide novel perspectives on the autoimmune process and on the ballet between aggressive and regulatory cells.
No Evidence of Site Fidelity in Atlantic Croakers or Spot in the Shore Zone of Lower Delaware Bay
Authors: Torre Michael P. , Lifavi Danielle M. , Kaestner William P. , Targett Timothy E.
Published: August 2017

We conducted a mark–recapture study over a 98‐d period from June 20 through September 26, 2013, in lower Delaware Bay, USA, to examine movement and site fidelity of the Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus and Spot Leiostomus xanthurus. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging for these species. Fish were tagged at five shore‐zone sites along approximately 5 km of gradually sloping sandy beach and at a site along 300 m of riprap‐hardened shoreline. Additional tagging occurred in an adjacent area (~36 ha) of nearshore habitat. Atlantic Croakers and Spot (15 individuals per species) were also tagged and held in the laboratory for 2 months to examine tag retention and fish survival. In total, 133 Atlantic Croakers and 253 Spot were tagged and released. The VIE tagging was shown to be a highly effective technique for studying the movement of these species; tag retention rates were 100% and 98% in Atlantic Croakers and Spot, respectively, and no mortality was observed among tagged fish held in the laboratory. No tagged fish were recaptured in shore‐zone or nearshore sampling, indicating a lack of site fidelity by either species in these habitats. These results demonstrate the need for more extensive research on the movements of shore‐zone nekton in the U.S. mid‐Atlantic region.
A novel multi-walled carbon nanotube-based antibody conjugate for quantitative and semi-quantitative lateral flow assays
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Hu Xiaolong , Liu Jia , Zhang Yurong , Lu Jianzhong , Zeng Libo
Published: August 2017

In this study, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were applied in lateral flow strips (LFS) for semi-quantitative and quantitative assays. Firstly, the solubility of MWCNTs was improved using various surfactants to enhance their biocompatibility for practical application. The dispersed MWCNTs were conjugated with the methamphetamine (MET) antibody in a non-covalent manner and then manufactured into the LFS for the quantitative detection of MET. The MWCNTs-based lateral flow assay (MWCNTs-LFA) exhibited an excellent linear relationship between the values of test line and MET when its concentration ranges from 62.5 to 1500 ng/mL. The sensitivity of the LFS was evaluated by conjugating MWCNTs with HCG antibody and the MWCNTs conjugated method is 10 times more sensitive than the one conjugated with classical colloidal gold nanoparticles. Taken together, our data demonstrate that MWCNTs-LFA is a more sensitive and reliable assay for semi-quantitative and quantitative detection which can be used in forensic analysis.
Structure, function, and regulation of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism of bacteria and archaea
Authors: Tomita Takeo
Published: August 2017

Amino acids are essential components in all organisms because they are building blocks of proteins. They are also produced industrially and used for various purposes. For example, l-glutamate is used as the component of “umami” taste and lysine has been used as livestock feed. Recently, many kinds of amino acids have attracted attention as biological regulators and are used for a healthy life. Thus, to clarify the mechanism of how amino acids are biosynthesized and how they work as biological regulators will lead to further effective utilization of them. Here, I review the leucine-induced-allosteric activation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) from Thermus thermophilus and the relationship with the allosteric regulation of GDH from mammals. Next, I describe structural insights into the efficient production of l-glutamate by GDH from an excellent l-glutamate producer, Corynebacterium glutamicum. Finally, I review the structural biology of lysine biosynthesis of thermophilic bacterium and archaea.
Width and string tension of the flux tube in SU(2) lattice gauge theory at high temperature
Authors: Chagdaa S , Galsandorj E , Laermann E , Purev B
Published: August 2017

We study the profiles of the flux tube between a static quark and an antiquark in quenched SU(2) lattice gauge theory at temperatures around the deconfinement phase transition. The physical width of the flux tube and the string tension have been determined from the transverse profiles and the

q

q

¯

potential, respectively. Exploiting the computational power of a GPU accelerator in our flux tube investigation, we achieve much higher statistics through which we can increase the signal to noise ratio of our observables in the simulation. This has allowed the investigation of larger lattices as well as larger separations between the quarks than in our previous work. The improved accuracy gives us better results for the width and the string tension. The physical width of the flux tube increases with the temperature up to around T

c
while keeping its increasing dependence on the

q

q

¯

separation. The string tension results are compared for two different sizes of the lattice. As the lattice becomes larger and finer together with the improved precision, the temperature dependent string tension tends to have a smaller value than the previous one.
Roadmap on solar water splitting: current status and future prospects
Authors: Chu Sheng , Li Wei , Yan Yanfa , Hamann Thomas , Shih Ishiang , Wang Dunwei , Mi Zetian
Published: August 2017

Artificial photosynthesis via solar water splitting provides a promising approach to storing solar energy in the form of hydrogen on a global scale. However, an efficient and cost-effective solar hydrogen production system that can compete with traditional methods using fossil fuels is yet to be developed. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) tandem cell consisting of a p-type photocathode and an n-type photoanode, with the photovoltage provided by the two photoelectrodes, is an attractive route to achieve highly efficient unassisted water splitting at a low cost. In this article, we provide an overview of recent developments of semiconductor materials, including metal oxides, nitrides, chalcogenides, Si, III–V compounds and organics, either as photocathodes or photoanodes for water reduction and oxidation, respectively. In addition, recent efforts in constructing a PEC tandem system for unassisted water splitting are outlined. The importance of developing a single-photon photocathode and photoanode that can deliver high photocurrent in the low bias region for efficient PEC tandem system is highlighted. Finally, we discuss the future development of photoelectrode materials, and viable solutions to realize highly efficient PEC water splitting device for practical applications.
A joint model for mixed and truncated longitudinal data and survival data, with application to HIV vaccine studies
Authors: Yu Tingting , Wu Lang , Gilbert Peter B
Published: August 2017

In HIV vaccine studies, a major research objective is to identify immune response biomarkers measured longitudinally that may be associated with risk of HIV infection. This objective can be assessed via joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data. Joint models for HIV vaccine data are complicated by the following issues: (i) left truncations of some longitudinal data due to lower limits of quantification; (ii) mixed types of longitudinal variables; (iii) measurement errors and missing values in longitudinal measurements; (iv) computational challenges associated with likelihood inference. In this article, we propose a joint model of complex longitudinal and survival data and a computationally efficient method for approximate likelihood inference to address the foregoing issues simultaneously. In particular, our model does not make unverifiable distributional assumptions for truncated values, which is different from methods commonly used in the literature. The parameters are estimated based on the h-likelihood method, which is computationally efficient and offers approximate likelihood inference. Moreover, we propose a new approach to estimate the standard errors of the h-likelihood based parameter estimates by using an adaptive Gauss–Hermite method. Simulation studies show that our methods perform well and are computationally efficient. A comprehensive data analysis is also presented.
Proteomic landscape of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation
Authors: Kole Koen , Lindeboom Rik G.H. , Baltissen Marijke P.A. , Jansen Pascal W.T.C. , Vermeulen Michiel , Tiesinga Paul , Celikel Tansu
Published: August 2017

Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) powerfully shapes neural circuits by inducing long-lasting molecular changes in the brain. Molecular mechanisms of EDP have been traditionally studied by identifying single or small subsets of targets along the biochemical pathways that link synaptic receptors to nuclear processes. Recent technological advances in large-scale analysis of gene transcription and translation now allow systematic observation of thousands of molecules simultaneously. Here we employed label-free quantitative mass spectrometry to address experience-dependent changes in the proteome after sensory deprivation of the primary somatosensory cortex. Cortical column- and layer-specific tissue samples were collected from control animals, with all whiskers intact, and animals whose C-row whiskers were bilaterally plucked for 11–14 days. Thirty-three samples from cortical layers (L) 2/3 and L4 spanning across control, deprived, and first- and second-order spared columns yielded at least 10 000 peptides mapping to ~5000 protein groups. Of these, 4676 were identified with high confidence, and >3000 were found in all samples. This comprehensive database provides a snapshot of the proteome after whisker deprivation, a protocol that has been widely used to unravel the synaptic, cellular, and network mechanisms of EDP. Complementing the recently made available transcriptome for identical experimental conditions (see the accompanying article by Kole et al.), the database can be used to (i) mine novel targets whose translation is modulated by sensory organ use, (ii) cross-validate experimental protocols from the same developmental time point, and (iii) statistically map the molecular pathways of cortical plasticity at a columnar and laminar resolution.
The Balanced Voronoi Formulas for $\textrm{GL}(n)$
Authors: Miller Stephen D , Zhou Fan
Published: August 2017

In this article, we show how the $\textrm{GL}(N)$ Voronoi summation formula of [13] can be rewritten to incorporate hyper-Kloosterman sums of various dimensions on both sides. This generalizes a formula for $\textrm{GL}(4)$ with ordinary Kloosterman sums on both sides that was used in [1] to prove nonvanishing of GL(4) $L$-functions by GL(2)-twists, and later by the second-named author in [16].
Comparison of Flour Starch Properties in Half‐Sib Families of Opaque‐2 Maize (Zea mays L.) from Argentina
Authors: Mansilla Pablo Sebastián , Nazar María Cristina , Pérez Gabriela Teresa
Published: August 2017

Since the discovery of the o2 mutation in maize, many studies have reported the characterization of the protein quality of opaque‐2 genotypes. However, few have reported the properties of their starch. The objective of this study was to characterize flour starch properties of 12 half‐sib families of opaque‐2 maize from Argentina. Chemical composition and thermal and pasting properties of whole grain flour were determined. Nonopaque genotypes were used as a control. Starch content of opaque‐2 genotypes did not show significant differences compared with nonopaque genotypes, yet amylose content was significantly lower. A high variability in pasting and thermal properties was observed in genotypes. Opaque samples showed a significantly higher peak viscosity and a lower pasting temperature compared with nonopaque samples, probably owing to larger and less compact starch granules in the floury endosperm. The higher the gelatinization enthalpy of opaque‐2 genotypes was, the lower the amylose content in relation to nonopaque varieties. Two retrogradation endotherms were observed in DSC analysis: one corresponding to amylopectin crystallization and the other to melting of amylose‐lipid complex. Both enthalpies were considered total starch retrogradation (ΔHRT). A wide range of variation was obtained in ΔHRT in opaque‐2 genotypes, but no significant differences between opaque and nonopaque genotypes were observed. The differences in starch properties found in this study would make it possible to identify opaque‐2 families with particular characteristics for the development of starchy food items adapted to specific processing traits.
Influence of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Glutenin Subunit Haplotypes on Dough Rheology in Elite Common Wheat Varieties
Authors: Ibba Maria I. , Kiszonas Alecia M. , Morris Craig F.
Published: August 2017

The low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GSs) are a class of wheat seed storage proteins encoded by a multigene family located at the Glu‐3 loci that influences wheat end‐use quality. Owing to ambiguities in the LMW‐GS allele nomenclature and to the complexity of the Glu‐3 loci organization, a clear relationship between LMW‐GS alleles and wheat end‐use quality has not been adequately determined. In the present study, four sets of elite common wheat varieties were analyzed for their LMW‐GS genic profile, along with their dough rheology and end‐product baking properties. Among these varieties, variation at the Glu‐A3 locus had a major impact on the analyzed dough rheology parameters, followed by the Glu‐B3 and Glu‐D3 loci. Also, the genes located at the linkage groups Glu‐A3‐3, Glu‐B3‐3, and Glu‐D3‐5 were more highly associated with dough strength, mixing, and extensibility properties. Results obtained in this study clearly indicate that there are specific LMW‐GS haplotypes that are more highly associated than others to variation in dough rheology.
Type III Secretion–Dependent and –Independent Phenotypes Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Lu Haibin , Lema A Saul , Planas-Marquès Marc , Alonso-Díaz Alejandro , Valls Marc , Coll Núria S.
Published: August 2017

The causal agent of bacterial wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum, is a soilborne pathogen that invades plants through their roots, traversing many tissue layers until it reaches the xylem, where it multiplies and causes plant collapse. The effects of R. solanacearum infection are devastating, and no effective approach to fight the disease is so far available. The early steps of infection, essential for colonization, as well as the early plant defense responses remain mostly unknown. Here, we have set up a simple, in vitro Arabidopsis thaliana–R. solanacearum pathosystem that has allowed us to identify three clear root phenotypes specifically associated to the early stages of infection: root-growth inhibition, root-hair formation, and root-tip cell death. Using this method, we have been able to differentiate, on Arabidopsis plants, the phenotypes caused by mutants in the key bacterial virulence regulators hrpB and hrpG, which remained indistinguishable using the classical soil-drench inoculation pathogenicity assays. In addition, we have revealed the previously unknown involvement of auxins in the root rearrangements caused by R. solanacearum infection. Our system provides an easy-to-use, high-throughput tool to study R. solanacearum aggressiveness. Furthermore, the observed phenotypes may allow the identification of bacterial virulence determinants and could even be used to screen for novel forms of early plant resistance to bacterial wilt.
CaHDZ27, a Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper I Protein, Positively Regulates the Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum Infection in Pepper
Authors: Mou Shaoliang , Liu Zhiqin , Gao Feng , Yang Sheng , Su Meixia , Shen Lei , Wu Yang , He Shuilin
Published: August 2017

Homeodomain-leucine zipper class I (HD-Zip I) transcription factors have been functionally characterized in plant responses to abiotic stresses, but their roles in plant immunity are poorly understood. Here, a HD-Zip I gene, CaHZ27, was isolated from pepper (Capsicum annum) and characterized for its role in pepper immunity. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that CaHDZ27 was transcriptionally induced by Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation and exogenous application of methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or ethephon. The CaHDZ27-green fluorescent protein fused protein was targeted exclusively to the nucleus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that CaHDZ27 bound to the 9-bp pseudopalindromic element (CAATAATTG) and triggered β-glucuronidase expression in a CAATAATTG-dependent manner. Virus-induced gene silencing of CaHDZ27 significantly attenuated the resistance of pepper plants against R. solanacearum and downregulated defense-related marker genes, including CaHIR1, CaACO1, CaPR1, CaPR4, CaPO2, and CaBPR1. By contrast, transient overexpression of CaHDZ27 triggered strong cell death mediated by the hypersensitive response and upregulated the tested immunity-associated marker genes. Ectopic CaHDZ27 expression in tobacco enhances its resistance against R. solanacearum. These results collectively suggest that CaHDZ27 functions as a positive regulator in pepper resistance against R. solanacearum. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicate that CaHDZ27 monomers bind with each other, and this binding is enhanced significantly by R. solanacearum inoculation. We speculate that homodimerization of CaHZ27 might play a role in pepper response to R. solanacearum, further direct evidence is required to confirm it.
Cardiorespiratory Responses to Short Bouts of Resistance Training Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Robles Priscila , Araujo Tamara , Brooks Dina , Zabjek Karl , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania , Marzolini Susan , Goldstein Roger , Mathur Sunita
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

Resistance training is recommended in pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the acute cardiorespiratory responses to different intensities of resistance training are not known. We compared acute cardiorespiratory responses with high-intensity versus low-intensity resistance exercises in persons with COPD and healthy, matched controls. This research may assist in developing training parameters in COPD.

Methods:

Participants (n = 10 per group) performed 1 set of 10 repetitions of leg extension and arm elevation at 2 intensities: 40% (low) and 80% (high) of 1-repetition maximum. Minute ventilation (

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e), oxygen uptake (

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o
2), and heart rate (HR) data were collected continuously and expressed as absolute values and relative to values at

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o
2peak derived from a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored before and after each set of exercises.

Results:

Individuals with COPD showed similar

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e,

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o
2, and HR with high- versus low-intensity exercises. RPE was higher after high- vs low-intensity leg extension (4 ± 1.4 vs 2 ± 1, P < .005) and arm elevation (3 ± 2 vs 1 ± 1.4, P < .005). Compared with healthy participants, relative

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o
2,

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e, and HR were higher in COPD (≅40% vs 20% of the

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o
2peak; ≅60% vs 20% of

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e
peak; and ≅80% vs 20% of HRpeak; all Ps ≤ .004). Absolute responses and RPE were similar between groups, irrespective of intensity and exercise.

Conclusion:

Immediate cardiorespiratory responses to an acute bout of resistance exercise appear to be independent of the exercise intensity in COPD. Although people with COPD are working closer to their

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o
2peak, their responses and RPE are comparable with healthy controls.
Propionibacterium acnes Septic Pericarditis in a Patient With Sarcoidosis and Acne
Authors: Kapinos Piotr , El Khoury Marc Y
Published: August 2017

Propionibacterium acnes has been recently recognized as a common cause of pericarditis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. It is frequently missed on routine cultures because of its slow growth. We present the first case of infective pericarditis caused by P. acnes in a man with acne and severe sarcoidosis. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this microorganism as a causative agent of pericarditis in this setting.
Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sternal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Buchanan Patrick J. , Lee Teng C. , Venugopalan Veena , Tremblay Elizabeth E. , Cannella Anthony P. , Leyngold Mark M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Sternal wound infection continues to be the leading complication after median sternotomy. With the growing concern of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterial infections, sternal wound reconstruction is a critical step in successfully healing these patients. The use of a rectus abdominis muscle flap for coverage of the lower one third of sternal wounds as well as objectively optimizing antimicrobial therapy has revolutionized the field of sternal wound reconstruction, yet both practices are not well documented within the literature.

Clinical Scenario

A 72-year-old man developed an XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of his sternum after median sternotomy. The sternal wound was successfully reconstructed using a dual flap approach of bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and a rectus abdominis muscle flap. Because of the antibiotic susceptibility profile and patient allergy profile, parental tobramycin and high-dose continuous-infusion meropenem were used to treat the osteomyelitis; meropenem serum concentrations were obtained via mass spectroscopy to optimize bactericidal activity.

Conclusions

Osteomyelitis secondary to XDR P. aeruginosa is exceedingly rare in the literature. Individuals with this type of infection can be successfully treated with aggressive surgical debridement, subsequent reconstruction using bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and a rectus abdominis muscle flap for coverage of the sternal wound, and both guided and targeted parental antibiotics. Lastly, the innovative use of antibiotic concentrations was instrumental in targeting the appropriate dose of antimicrobials in this patient.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Associated With Influenza A Infection
Authors: Ballal Megana L. , Shirvanian Shant , Halai Umme-Aiman , Graber Christopher J. , Betancourt Jaime
Published: August 2017

Bacterial superinfection is a known complication of influenza infection, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus often being the offending pathogens. In recent decades, there has been an increased prevalence of superinfection with Aspergillus in seemingly immunocompetent hosts. We describe a fatal case of influenza complicated by simultaneous methicillin-resistant S. aureus pneumonia and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Predictors of Survival for Nonhighly Selected Patients Undergoing Resuscitation With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Pabst Dirk , El-Banayosy Aly , Soleimani Behzad , Brehm Christoph E.
Published: August 2017

In several case reports and case series, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during chest compression (CPR) has been shown to be a reasonable tool to improve outcome of patients under resuscitation. Although recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) include younger patients with shockable rhythm and short previous CPR-time, it remains unclear if nonhighly selected patients have a similar outcome. Aim of this study was to determine outcome in our nonhighly selected patient population treated with ECPR and investigate possible predictors of survival. We made a retrospective single-center study of adults who underwent ECPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest between June 2008 and September 2016. Outcome and predictors of survival were identified. In this period of time, 59 patients underwent ECPR due to cardiac arrest. Fifteen patients (25.4%) survived discharge of which all had a good neurological outcome (cerebral performance category ≤ 2). Survival to discharge of patients with shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia) was 40.7%. Serum lactate ≥ 8, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or asystole and male gender could be identified as predictors for low survival rate. Age, body mass index, renal replacement–dependent kidney injury had no significant influence on survival outcome. Mean CPR-time was 41.1 minutes (interquartile range, ±29.25 minutes). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation seems to be a useful tool to improve the outcome of CPR also in nonhighly selected patients when compared with CPR alone and could be considered in patients with refractory cardiac arrest also after longer previous CPR-time. Serum lactate and heart rhythm should be taken into account for patient selection.
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Structural Myocardial Alterations by Grating-Based Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography
Authors: Notohamiprodjo Susan , Webber Nicole , Birnbacher Lorenz , Willner Marian , Viermetz Manuel , Herzen Julia , Marschner Mathias , Mayr Doris , Bartsch Harald , Saam Tobias , Auweter Sigrid , Pfeiffer Franz , Reiser Maximilian F. , Hetterich Holger
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Grating-based phase-contrast computed tomography (gb-PCCT) relies on x-ray refraction instead of absorption to generate high-contrast images in biological soft tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of gb-PCCT for the depiction of structural changes in heart disease.

Materials and Methods

Four human heart specimens from patients with hypertensive disease, ischemic disease, dilated heart disease, and cardiac lipomatosis were examined. The gb-PCCT setup consisted of an x-ray tube (40 kV, 70 mA), grating-interferometer, and detector, and allowed simultaneous acquisition of phase- and absorption-contrast data. With histopathology as the standard of reference, myocardium (MC), fibrotic scar (FS), interstitial fibrosis (IF), and fatty tissue (FT) were visually and quantitatively evaluated. Systematic differences in absorption- and phase-contrast Hounsfield units (HU

abs
and HU

p
) were assessed.

Results

Thirteen corresponding cross-sections were included, and MC, FS, IF, and FT were found in 13 (100%), 4 (30.8%), 7 (53.8%), and 13 (100%) cross-sections, respectively. Mean HU

p
/HU

abs
were 52.5/54.1, 86.6/69.7, 62.4/62.3, and −38.6/−258.9 for MC, FS, IF, and FT, respectively. An overlap in HU

abs
was observed for MC and IF (P = 0.84) but not for HU

p
(P < 0.01). Contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher in phase- than in absorption-contrast for MC/FT (35.4 vs 7.8; P < 0.01) and for MC/FS (12.3 vs 0.2; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Given its superior soft tissue contrast, gb-PCCT is able to depict structural changes in different cardiomyopathies, which can currently not be obtained by x-ray absorption-based imaging methods. If current technical limitations can be overcome, gb-PCCT may evolve as a powerful tool for the anatomical assessment of cardiomyopathy.
Optic Disc Drusen in Children: The Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 Eye Study
Authors: Malmqvist Lasse , Li Xiao Qiang , Eckmann Christina L. , Skovgaard Anne M. , Olsen Else M. , Larsen Michael , Munch Inger C. , Hamann Steffen
Published: August 2017

Background:

Optic disc drusen (ODD) are seen in up to 2.4% of the general population, but the etiology and pathophysiology of the condition is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ODD in a population-based child cohort and to determine if scleral canal diameter and fetal birth and pubertal parameters are associated with the presence of ODD.

Methods:

This observational, longitudinal population-based birth cohort study, with a nested case–control, included 1,406 children. Eye examinations were performed when the children were between 11 and 12 years of age. Assessment was performed of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans from 1,304 children with gradable enhanced depth imaging scans of the optic disc.

Results:

ODD in one or both eyes were found in 13 (1.0%) of all children. All but one of the cases were found in children with scleral canal diameter in the lowest quartile (1,182–1,399 μm) in the nested case–control study. Children with ODD had a mean disc diameter of 1,339 μm (interquartile range, 30 μm), whereas it was 1,508 μm (interquartile range, 196 μm) in the 130 controls without ODD (P < 0.001). No differences in sex, birth weight, refractive error, and Tanner stages (of puberty) were found between children with and without ODD.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of ODD was 1% in a large child cohort examined by OCT. ODD was found only in eyes with a narrow scleral canal, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ODD might arise as a consequence of retinal nerve fiber congestion in the scleral canal.
Cellular, ultrastructural and molecular analyses of epidermal cell development in the planarianSchmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Cheng Li-Chun , Tu Kimberly C. , Seidel Chris W. , Robb Sofia M.C. , Guo Fengli , Alvarado Alejandro Sánchez
Published: August 2017

The epidermis is essential for animal survival, providing both a protective barrier and cellular sensor to external environments. The generally conserved embryonic origin of the epidermis, but the broad morphological and functional diversity of this organ across animals is puzzling. We define the transcriptional regulators underlying epidermal lineage differentiation in the planarianSchmidtea mediterranea,an invertebrate organism that, unlike fruitflies and nematodes, continuously replaces its epidermal cells. We find thatSmed-p53, SoxandPaxtranscription factors are essential regulators of epidermal homeostasis, and act cooperatively to regulate genes associated with early epidermal precursor cell differentiation, including a tandemly arrayed novel gene family(prog)of secreted proteins. Additionally, we report on the discovery of distinct and previously undescribed secreted organelles whose production is dependent on the transcriptional activity ofsoxP-3,and which we term Hyman vesicles.
Effects of partial selfing on the equilibrium genetic variance, mutation load and inbreeding depression under stabilizing selection
Authors: Abu Awad Diala , Roze Denis
Published: August 2017

This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Evolutionary Biology (http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100041).

The mating system of a species is expected to have important effects on its genetic diversity. In this paper, we explore the effects of partial selfing on the equilibrium genetic varianceVg, mutation loadLand inbreeding depressionδunder stabilizing selection acting on a arbitrary numbernof quantitative traits coded by biallelic loci with additive effects. Overall, our model predicts a decrease in the equilibrium genetic variance with increasing selfing rates; however, the relationship between self-fertilization and the variables of interest depends on the strength of associations between loci, and three different regimes are observed. When theU/nratio is low (whereUis the total haploid mutation rate on selected traits) and effective recombination rates are sufficiently high, genetic associations between loci are negligible and the genetic variance, mutation load and inbreeding depression are well predicted by approximations based on single-locus models. For higher values ofU/nand/or lower effective recombination, moderate genetic associations generated by epistasis tend to increaseVg,Landδ, this regime being well predicted by approximations including the effects of pairwise associations between loci. For yet higher values ofU/nand/or lower effective recombination, a different regime is reached under which the maintenance of coadapted gene complexes reducesVg,Landδ. Simulations indicate that the values ofVg,Landδare little affected by assumptions regarding the number of possible alleles per locus.