bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distal Tibia Metaphyseal Fractures: Which is Better, Intra-medullary Nailing or Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis?
Authors: Chandrakant Kawalkar Abhijit , Martand Badole Chandrashekher
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Tibia fractures are the most common long bone fractures encountered by the orthopedic surgeons and distal tibia fractures have the second highest incidence of all tibia fractures after the middle third of tibia the distal tibial fractures are unique and are considered as most challenging fractures to treat due to its proximity to the ankle joint and its superficial nature. The objective of this study is to compare two osteosynthesis systems developed for surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures: the intramedullary nailing and the MIPPO technique.

Methods

The study was conducted between Jan 2011 to Dec 2012. 63 patients with extra-articular distal tibia fracture treated with intramedullary nailing and MIPPO technique were reviewed retrospectively and clinical outcome was evaluated according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score.

Results

31 patients were treated with intramedullary nail & 32 with MIPPO technique. Fibular fixation was done in cases where fibular fracture was at or below the level of tibial fractures. We found no difference in terms of time for fracture union, mal-union, non-union, duration of surgery and amount of blood loss. But there was significant difference in terms of infection and duration of hospital stay. Also weight bearing was possible much earlier in intramedullary group as compared to the MIPPO group.

Conclusion

Thus we conclude that intramedullary nailing is better choice of implant in patients with extra- articular distal tibia fractures & helps in early weight bearing and ambulation of patient with fewer complications.
Hyak mortality monitoring system: innovative sampling and estimation methods – proof of concept by simulation
Authors: Clark S. J. , Wakefield J. , McCormick T. , Ross M.
Published: February 2018

Traditionally health statistics are derived from civil and/or vital registration. Civil registration in low- to middle-income countries varies from partial coverage to essentially nothing at all. Consequently the state of the art for public health information in low- to middle-income countries is efforts to combine or triangulate data from different sources to produce a more complete picture across both time and space – data amalgamation. Data sources amenable to this approach include sample surveys, sample registration systems, health and demographic surveillance systems, administrative records, census records, health facility records and others. We propose a new statistical framework for gathering health and population data – Hyak – that leverages the benefits of sampling and longitudinal, prospective surveillance to create a cheap, accurate, sustainable monitoring platform. Hyak has three fundamental components:

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Data amalgamation: A sampling and surveillance component that organizes two or more data collection systems to work together: (1) data from HDSS with frequent, intense, linked, prospective follow-up and (2) data from sample surveys conducted in large areas surrounding the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites using informed sampling so as to capture as many events as possible;

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Cause of death: Verbal autopsy to characterize the distribution of deaths by cause at the population level; and

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Socioeconomic status (SES): Measurement of SES in order to characterize poverty and wealth.

We conduct a simulation study of the informed sampling component of Hyak based on the Agincourt HDSS site in South Africa. Compared with traditional cluster sampling, Hyak's informed sampling captures more deaths, and when combined with an estimation model that includes spatial smoothing, produces estimates of both mortality counts and mortality rates that have lower variance and small bias.
Competition between the centrifugal and strato-rotational instabilities in the stratified Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Park Junho , Billant Paul , Baik Jong-Jin , Seo Jaemyeong Mango
Published: February 2018

The stably stratified Taylor–Couette flow is investigated experimentally and numerically through linear stability analysis. In the experiments, the stability threshold and flow regimes have been mapped over the ranges of outer and inner Reynolds numbers: $-2000<Re_{o}<2000$ and $0<Re_{i}<3000$, for the radius ratio $r_{i}/r_{o}=0.9$ and the Brunt–Väisälä frequency $N\approx 3.2~\text{rad}~\text{s}^{-1}$. The corresponding Froude numbers $F_{o}$ and $F_{i}$ are always much smaller than unity. Depending on $Re_{o}$ (or equivalently on the angular velocity ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{o}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{i}$), three different regimes have been identified above instability onset: a weakly non-axisymmetric mode with low azimuthal wavenumber $m=O(1)$ is observed for $Re_{o}<0$ ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}<0$), a highly non-axisymmetric mode with $m\sim 12$ occurs for $Re_{o}>840$ ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}>0.57$) while both modes are present simultaneously in the lower and upper parts of the flow for $0\leqslant Re_{o}\leqslant 840$ ($0\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\leqslant 0.57$). The destabilization of these primary modes and the transition to turbulence as $Re_{i}$ increases have been also studied. The linear stability analysis proves that the weakly non-axisymmetric mode is due to the centrifugal instability while the highly non-axisymmetric mode comes from the strato-rotational instability. These two instabilities can be clearly distinguished because of their distinct dominant azimuthal wavenumber and frequency, in agreement with the recent results of Park et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 822, 2017, pp. 80–108). The stability threshold and the characteristics of the primary modes observed in the experiments are in very good agreement with the numerical predictions. Moreover, we show that the centrifugal and strato-rotational instabilities are observed simultaneously for $0\leqslant Re_{o}\leqslant 840$ in the lower and upper parts of the flow, respectively, because of the variations of the local Reynolds numbers along the vertical due to the salinity gradient.
Deep time diversity of metatherian mammals: implications for evolutionary history and fossil-record quality
Authors: Bennett C. Verity , Upchurch Paul , Goin Francisco J. , Goswami Anjali
Published: February 2018

Despite a global fossil record, Metatheria are now largely restricted to Australasia and South America. Most metatherian paleodiversity studies to date are limited to particular subclades, time intervals, and/or regions, and few consider uneven sampling. Here, we present a comprehensive new data set on metatherian fossil occurrences (Barremian to end Pliocene). These data are analyzed using standard rarefaction and shareholder quorum subsampling (including a new protocol for handling Lagerstätte-like localities).

Global metatherian diversity was lowest during the Cretaceous, and increased sharply in the Paleocene, when the South American record begins. Global and South American diversity rose in the early Eocene then fell in the late Eocene, in contrast to the North American pattern. In the Oligocene, diversity declined in the Americas, but this was more than offset by Oligocene radiations in Australia. Diversity continued to decrease in Laurasia, with final representatives in North America (excluding the later entry ofDidelphis virginiana) and Europe in the early Miocene, and Asia in the middle Miocene. Global metatherian diversity appears to have peaked in the early Miocene, especially in Australia. Following a trough in the late Miocene, the Pliocene saw another increase in global diversity. By this time, metatherian biogeographic distribution had essentially contracted to that of today.

Comparison of the raw and sampling-corrected diversity estimates, coupled with evaluation of “coverage” and number of prolific sites, demonstrates that the metatherian fossil record is spatially and temporally extremely patchy. Therefore, assessments of macroevolutionary patterns based on the raw fossil record (as in most previous studies) are inadvisable.
Elevated circulating levels of succinate in human obesity are linked to specific gut microbiota
Authors: Serena Carolina , Ceperuelo-Mallafré Victoria , Keiran Noelia , Queipo-Ortuño Maria Isabel , Bernal Rosa , Gomez-Huelgas Ricardo , Urpi-Sarda Mireia , Sabater Mónica , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Andrés-Lacueva Cristina , Moya Andres , Tinahones Francisco J , Fernández-Real Jose Manuel , Vendrell Joan , Fernández-Veledo Sonia
Published: February 2018

Gut microbiota-related metabolites are potential clinical biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Circulating succinate, a metabolite produced by both microbiota and the host, is increased in hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to analyze systemic levels of succinate in obesity, a major risk factor for CVD, and its relationship with gut microbiome. We explored the association of circulating succinate with specific metagenomic signatures in cross-sectional and prospective cohorts of Caucasian Spanish subjects. Obesity was associated with elevated levels of circulating succinate concomitant with impaired glucose metabolism. This increase was associated with specific changes in gut microbiota related to succinate metabolism: a higher relative abundance of succinate-producing Prevotellaceae (P) and Veillonellaceae (V), and a lower relative abundance of succinate-consuming Odoribacteraceae (O) and Clostridaceae (C) in obese individuals, with the (P + V/O + C) ratio being a main determinant of plasma succinate. Weight loss intervention decreased (P + V/O + C) ratio coincident with the reduction in circulating succinate. In the spontaneous evolution after good dietary advice, alterations in circulating succinate levels were linked to specific metagenomic signatures associated with carbohydrate metabolism and energy production with independence of body weight change. Our data support the importance of microbe–microbe interactions for the metabolite signature of gut microbiome and uncover succinate as a potential microbiota-derived metabolite related to CVD risk.
Plasma density limits for hole boring by intense laser pulses
Authors: Iwata Natsumi , Kojima Sadaoki , Sentoku Yasuhiko , Hata Masayasu , Mima Kunioki
Published: February 2018

High-power lasers in the relativistic intensity regime with multi-picosecond pulse durations are available in many laboratories around the world. Laser pulses at these intensities reach giga-bar level radiation pressures, which can push the plasma critical surface where laser light is reflected. This process is referred to as the laser hole boring (HB), which is critical for plasma heating, hence essential for laser-based applications. Here we derive the limit density for HB, which is the maximum plasma density the laser can reach, as a function of laser intensity. The time scale for when the laser pulse reaches the limit density is also derived. These theories are confirmed by a series of particle-in-cell simulations. After reaching the limit density, the plasma starts to blowout back toward the laser, and is accompanied by copious superthermal electrons; therefore, the electron energy can be determined by varying the laser pulse length.
Residential energy use emissions dominate health impacts from exposure to ambient particulate matter in India
Authors: Conibear Luke , Butt Edward W. , Knote Christoph , Arnold Stephen R. , Spracklen Dominick V.
Published: February 2018

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a leading contributor to diseases in India. Previous studies analysing emission source attributions were restricted by coarse model resolution and limited PM2.5 observations. We use a regional model informed by new observations to make the first high-resolution study of the sector-specific disease burden from ambient PM2.5 exposure in India. Observed annual mean PM2.5 concentrations exceed 100 μg m−3 and are well simulated by the model. We calculate that the emissions from residential energy use dominate (52%) population-weighted annual mean PM2.5 concentrations, and are attributed to 511,000 (95UI: 340,000–697,000) premature mortalities annually. However, removing residential energy use emissions would avert only 256,000 (95UI: 162,000–340,000), due to the non-linear exposure–response relationship causing health effects to saturate at high PM2.5 concentrations. Consequently, large reductions in emissions will be required to reduce the health burden from ambient PM2.5 exposure in India.
Sustained micellar delivery via inducible transitions in nanostructure morphology
Authors: Karabin Nicholas B. , Allen Sean , Kwon Ha-Kyung , Bobbala Sharan , Firlar Emre , Shokuhfar Tolou , Shull Kenneth R. , Scott Evan A.
Published: February 2018

Nanocarrier administration has primarily been restricted to intermittent bolus injections with limited available options for sustained delivery in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that cylinder-to-sphere transitions of self-assembled filomicelle (FM) scaffolds can be employed for sustained delivery of monodisperse micellar nanocarriers with improved bioresorptive capacity and modularity for customization. Modular assembly of FMs from diverse block copolymer (BCP) chemistries allows in situ gelation into hydrogel scaffolds following subcutaneous injection into mice. Upon photo-oxidation or physiological oxidation, molecular payloads within FMs transfer to micellar vehicles during the morphological transition, as verified in vitro by electron microscopy and in vivo by flow cytometry. FMs composed of multiple distinct BCP fluorescent conjugates permit multimodal analysis of the scaffold’s non-inflammatory bioresorption and micellar delivery to immune cell populations for one month. These scaffolds exhibit highly efficient bioresorption wherein all components participate in retention and transport of therapeutics, presenting previously unexplored mechanisms for controlled nanocarrier delivery.
CellCycleTRACER accounts for cell cycle and volume in mass cytometry data
Authors: Rapsomaniki Maria Anna , Lun Xiao-Kang , Woerner Stefan , Laumanns Marco , Bodenmiller Bernd , Martínez María Rodríguez
Published: February 2018

Recent studies have shown that cell cycle and cell volume are confounding factors when studying biological phenomena in single cells. Here we present a combined experimental and computational method, CellCycleTRACER, to account for these factors in mass cytometry data. CellCycleTRACER is applied to mass cytometry data collected on three different cell types during a TNFα stimulation time-course. CellCycleTRACER reveals signaling relationships and cell heterogeneity that were otherwise masked.
Direct measurement of superdiffusive energy transport in disordered granular chains
Authors: Kim Eunho , Martínez Alejandro J. , Phenisee Sean E. , Kevrekidis P. G. , Porter Mason A. , Yang Jinkyu
Published: February 2018

Energy transport properties in heterogeneous materials have attracted scientific interest for more than half of a century, and they continue to offer fundamental and rich questions. One of the outstanding challenges is to extend Anderson theory for uncorrelated and fully disordered lattices in condensed-matter systems to physical settings in which additional effects compete with disorder. Here we present the first systematic experimental study of energy transport and localization properties in simultaneously disordered and nonlinear granular crystals. In line with prior theoretical studies, we observe in our experiments that disorder and nonlinearity—which individually favor energy localization—can effectively cancel each other out, resulting in the destruction of wave localization. We also show that the combined effect of disorder and nonlinearity can enable manipulation of energy transport speed in granular crystals. Specifically, we experimentally demonstrate superdiffusive transport. Furthermore, our numerical computations suggest that subdiffusive transport should be attainable by controlling the strength of the system’s external precompression force.
Non-equivalent antigen presenting capabilities of dendritic cells and macrophages in generating brain-infiltrating CD8 + T cell responses
Authors: Malo Courtney S. , Huggins Matthew A. , Goddery Emma N. , Tolcher Heather M. A. , Renner Danielle N. , Jin Fang , Hansen Michael J. , Pease Larry R. , Pavelko Kevin D. , Johnson Aaron J.
Published: February 2018

The contribution of antigen-presenting cell (APC) types in generating CD8+T cell responses in the central nervous system (CNS) is not fully defined, limiting the development of vaccines and understanding of immune-mediated neuropathology. Here, we generate a transgenic mouse that enables cell-specific deletion of the H-2Kb MHC class I molecule. By deleting H-2Kbon dendritic cells and macrophages, we compare the effect of each APC in three distinct models of neuroinflammation: picornavirus infection, experimental cerebral malaria, and a syngeneic glioma. Dendritic cells and macrophages both activate CD8+T cell responses in response to these CNS immunological challenges. However, the extent to which each of these APCs contributes to CD8+T cell priming varies. These findings reveal distinct functions for dendritic cells and macrophages in generating CD8+T cell responses to neurological disease.
Glacigenic sedimentation pulses triggered post-glacial gas hydrate dissociation
Authors: Karstens Jens , Haflidason Haflidi , Becker Lukas W. M. , Berndt Christian , Rüpke Lars , Planke Sverre , Liebetrau Volker , Schmidt Mark , Mienert Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Large amounts of methane are stored in continental margins as gas hydrates. They are stable under high pressure and low temperature, but react sensitively to environmental changes. Bottom water temperature and sea level changes were considered as main contributors to gas hydrate dynamics after the last glaciation. However, here we show with numerical simulations that pulses of increased sedimentation dominantly controlled hydrate stability during the end of the last glaciation offshore mid-Norway. Sedimentation pulses triggered widespread gas hydrate dissociation and explains the formation of ubiquitous blowout pipes in water depths of 600 to 800 m. Maximum gas hydrate dissociation correlates spatially and temporally with the formation or reactivation of pockmarks, which is constrained by radiocarbon dating of Isorropodon nyeggaensis bivalve shells. Our results highlight that rapid changes of sedimentation can have a strong impact on gas hydrate systems affecting fluid flow and gas seepage activity, slope stability and the carbon cycle.
High throughput protease profiling comprehensively defines active site specificity for thrombin and ADAMTS13
Authors: Kretz Colin A. , Tomberg Kärt , Van Esbroeck Alexander , Yee Andrew , Ginsburg David
Published: February 2018

We have combined random 6 amino acid substrate phage display with high throughput sequencing to comprehensively define the active site specificity of the serine protease thrombin and the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. The substrate motif for thrombin was determined by >6,700 cleaved peptides, and was highly concordant with previous studies. In contrast, ADAMTS13 cleaved only 96 peptides (out of >107 sequences), with no apparent consensus motif. However, when the hexapeptide library was substituted into the P3-P3′ interval of VWF73, an exosite-engaging substrate of ADAMTS13, 1670 unique peptides were cleaved. ADAMTS13 exhibited a general preference for aliphatic amino acids throughout the P3-P3′ interval, except at P2 where Arg was tolerated. The cleaved peptides assembled into a motif dominated by P3 Leu, and bulky aliphatic residues at P1 and P1′. Overall, the P3-P2′ amino acid sequence of von Willebrand Factor appears optimally evolved for ADAMTS13 recognition. These data confirm the critical role of exosite engagement for substrates to gain access to the active site of ADAMTS13, and define the substrate recognition motif for ADAMTS13. Combining substrate phage display with high throughput sequencing is a powerful approach for comprehensively defining the active site specificity of proteases.
Graphene based room temperature flexible nanocomposites from permanently cross-linked networks
Authors: Hameed Nishar , Dumée Ludovic F. , Allioux Francois-Marie , Reghat Mojdeh , Church Jeffrey S. , Naebe Minoo , Magniez Kevin , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Fox Bronwyn L.
Published: February 2018

Graphene based room temperature flexible nanocomposites were prepared using epoxy thermosets for the first time. Flexible behavior was induced into the epoxy thermosets by introducing charge transfer complexes between functional groups within cross linked epoxy and room temperature ionic liquid ions. The graphene nanoplatelets were found to be highly dispersed in the epoxy matrix due to ionic liquid cation–π interactions. It was observed that incorporation of small amounts of graphene into the epoxy matrix significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the epoxy. In particular, a 0.6 wt% addition increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus by 125% and 21% respectively. The electrical resistance of nanocomposites was found to be increased with graphene loading indicating the level of self-organization between the ILs and the graphene sheets in the matrix of the composite. The graphene nanocomposites were flexible and behave like ductile thermoplastics at room temperature. This study demonstrates the use of ionic liquid as a compatible agent to induce flexibility in inherently brittle thermoset materials and improve the dispersion of graphene to create high performance nanocomposite materials.
Generation of a Dual-Target, Safe, Inexpensive Microbicide that Protects Against HIV-1 and HSV-2 Disease
Authors: Farr Zuend Christina , Nomellini John F. , Smit John , Horwitz Marc S.
Published: February 2018

HSV-2 infection is a significant health problem and a major co-morbidity factor for HIV-1 acquisition, increasing risk of infection 2–4 fold. Condom based prevention strategies for HSV-2 and HIV-1 have not been effective at stopping the HIV-1 pandemic, indicating that alternative prevention strategies need to be investigated. We have previously developed an inexpensive HIV-1 specific microbicide that utilizes the S-layer mediated display capabilities of Caulobacter crescentus, and have shown that recombinant C. crescentus displaying HIV entry blocking proteins are able to provide significant protection from HIV-1 infection in vitro. Here we demonstrate that recombinant C. crescentus are safe for topical application and describe 5 new recombinant C. crescentus that provide protection from HIV-1 infection in vitro. Further, we demonstrate protection from disease following intravaginal infection with HSV-2 in a murine model using C. crescentus expressing the anti-viral lectins Cyanovirin-N and Griffithsin, as well as α-1-antitrypsin and indolicidin. Interestingly, C. crescentus alone significantly reduced HSV-2 replication in vaginal lavage fluid. Protection from HSV-2 disease was strongly associated with early cytokine production in the vaginal tract. Our data support the potential for a dual-target microbicide that can protect against both HIV-1 and HSV-2, which could have an enormous impact on public health.
Urban stormwater runoff negatively impacts lateral line development in larval zebrafish and salmon embryos
Authors: Young Alexander , Kochenkov Valentin , McIntyre Jenifer K. , Stark John D. , Coffin Allison B.
Published: February 2018

After a storm, water often runs off of impervious urban surfaces directly into aquatic ecosystems. This stormwater runoff is a cocktail of toxicants that have serious effects on the ecological integrity of aquatic habitats. Zebrafish that develop in stormwater runoff suffer from cardiovascular toxicity and impaired growth, but the effects of stormwater on fish sensory systems are not understood. Our study investigated the effect of stormwater on hair cells of the lateral line in larval zebrafish and coho salmon. Our results showed that although toxicants in stormwater did not kill zebrafish hair cells, these cells did experience damage. Zebrafish developing in stormwater also experienced impaired growth, fewer neuromasts in the lateral line, and fewer hair cells per neuromast. A similar reduction in neuromast number was observed in coho salmon reared in stormwater. Bioretention treatment, intended to filter out harmful constituents of stormwater, rescued the lateral line defects in zebrafish but not in coho salmon, suggesting that not all of the harmful constituents were removed by the filtration media and that salmonids are particularly sensitive to aquatic toxicants. Collectively, these data demonstrate that sub-lethal exposure to stormwater runoff negatively impacts a fish sensory system, which may have consequences for organismal fitness.
Luminescence resonance energy transfer between genetically encoded donor and acceptor for protein-protein interaction studies in the molecular chaperone HSP70/HSP90 complexes
Authors: Bhattacharya Kaushik , Bernasconi Lilia , Picard Didier
Published: February 2018

Complex patterns of protein-protein interactions (PPInts) are involved in almost all cellular processes. This has stimulated the development of a wide range of methods to characterize PPInts in detail. Methods with fluorescence resonance energy transfer can be technically challenging and suffer from several limitations, which could be overcome by switching to luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) with lanthanide ions such as Tb3+. With LRET, energy transfer between PPInt partners works over a larger distance and with less topological constraints; moreover, the long-lived luminescence of lanthanides allows one to bypass the short-lived background fluorescence. We have developed a novel LRET method to investigate PPInts between partners expressed as fusion proteins with genetically encoded donor and acceptor moieties. Upon UV excitation of a tryptophan within a lanthanide binding peptide, the Tb3+ luminescence is harnessed to excite either a green or a red fluorescent protein. We demonstrate the usefulness of the LRET assay by applying it to analyze the interactions of the molecular chaperones HSP70 and HSP90 with their common co-chaperone HOP/Sti1. We recapitulate the previously described interaction specificities between the HSP70/HSP90 C-termini and tetratricopeptide repeat domains of HOP/Sti1 and demonstrate the impact of single point mutants on domain-domain interactions.
Improved therapeutic potential of tapentadol employing cationic exchange resins as carriers in neuropathic pain: evidence from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics study
Authors: Sharma Manu , Soni Ranju
Published: February 2018

Current investigation was endeavoured to overcome problem of poor palatability and bioavailability of centrally acting analgesic, tapentadol (TAP) by formulating controlled release drug-resin complexes (DRCs). The technology encompassed in preparation of DRCs involved chemisorption of TAP to weak cationic resins (KyronT-134 and Tulsion335) by batch method. Various formulation variables like drug-resin ratio, pH, resin activation and swelling time were optimized to achieve maximum drug loading in DRCs. FT-IR, DSC, pXRD, in vitro release study under bio-relevant condition of mouth and in vivo sensory taste evaluation established formation of taste masked DRC whereas dissolution study assured prolonged drug release behaviour of optimized DRC. Among DRCs, TAP-KyronT-134 complex exhibited higher drug loading (80.89 ± 4.56%), stability and prolonged release profile (10 h) without any detectable amount of drug release under salivary conditions. Pharmacokinetic studies in wistar rats revealed increased Tmax (2.67-fold), MRT (1.94-fold), elimination half-life (2.79-fold) and relative oral bioavailability (2.62-fold) of TAP on oral administration of optimized formulation compared to TAP solution. Furthermore, pharmacodynamics study confessed higher potential of DRC in attenuating chronic injury induced tactile allodynia for prolonged duration. In conclusion, the method developed is easily scalable and holds potential for commercialization with an evidence of obtaining more efficacious neuropathic pain management therapy.
The Extracellular Domain of Pollen Receptor Kinase 3 is structurally similar to the SERK family of co-receptors
Authors: Chakraborty Sayan , Pan Haiyun , Tang Qingyu , Woolard Colin , Xu Guozhou
Published: February 2018

During reproduction in flowering plants, the male gametophyte delivers an immotile male gamete to the female gametophyte in the pistil by formation of pollen tubes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two synergid cells situated on either side of the egg cell produce cysteine-rich chemoattractant peptide LURE that guides the pollen tube to the female gametophyte for sexual reproduction. Recently, in Arabidopsis thaliana, Pollen Receptor Kinase 3 (PRK3), along with PRK1, PRK6, and PRK8, have been predicted to be the receptors responsible for sensing LURE. These receptors belong to the Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor Like Kinases (LRR-RLKs), the largest family of receptor kinases found in Arabidopsis thaliana. How PRKs regulate the growth and development of the pollen tube remains elusive. In order to better understand the PRK-mediated signaling mechanism in pollen tube growth and guidance, we have determined the crystal structure of the extracellular domain (ecd) of PRK3 at 2.5 Å, which resembles the SERK family of plant co-receptors. The structure of ecdPRK3 is composed of a conserved surface that coincides with the conserved receptor-binding surface of the SERK family of co-receptors. Our structural analyses of PRK3 have provided a template for future functional studies of the PRK family of LRR-RLK receptors in the regulation of pollen tube development.
Future changes in coastal upwelling ecosystems with global warming: The case of the California Current System
Authors: Xiu Peng , Chai Fei , Curchitser Enrique N. , Castruccio Frederic S.
Published: February 2018

Coastal upwelling ecosystems are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, meaning that their response to climate change is of critical importance. Our understanding of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems is largely limited to the open ocean, mainly because coastal upwelling is poorly reproduced by current earth system models. Here, a high-resolution model is used to examine the response of nutrients and plankton dynamics to future climate change in the California Current System (CCS). The results show increased upwelling intensity associated with stronger alongshore winds in the coastal region, and enhanced upper-ocean stratification in both the CCS and open ocean. Warming of the open ocean forces isotherms downwards, where they make contact with water masses with higher nutrient concentrations, thereby enhancing the nutrient flux to the deep source waters of the CCS. Increased winds and eddy activity further facilitate upward nutrient transport to the euphotic zone. However, the plankton community exhibits a complex and nonlinear response to increased nutrient input, as the food web dynamics tend to interact differently. This analysis highlights the difficulty in understanding how the marine ecosystem responds to a future warming climate, given to range of relevant processes operating at different scales.
Vaccination Against Lawsonia intracellularis Decreases Shedding of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in Co-Infected Pigs and Alters the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Leite Fernando L. L. , Singer Randall S. , Ward Tonya , Gebhart Connie J. , Isaacson Richard E.
Published: February 2018

Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium continues to be a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide and pork can serve as a source of infection. Co-infection ofS. entericawithLawsonia intracellularis, a common intestinal pathogen of swine, has been found as risk factor for increasedS. entericashedding. The objective of this study was to investigate if vaccination againstL. intracellulariscould lead to decreasedS. Typhimurium shedding. To test this hypothesis, pigs were challenged with eitherS. Typhimurium orS. Typhimurium andL. intracellularis, with and withoutL. intracellularisvaccination (n = 9 per group). A non-challenged group served as a negative control. Vaccination decreased the shedding ofS. Typhimurium in co-infected animals by 2.12 log10organisms per gram of feces at 7 days post infection. Analysis of the microbiome showed that vaccination led to changes in the abundance ofClostridiumspecies, includingClostridium butyricum, in addition to other compositional changes that may explain the protection mediated againstS. Typhimurium. These results indicate that vaccination againstL. intracellularisin co-infected herds may provide a new tool to increase food safety by helping to preventS. entericawithout the need for antibiotics.
Elevated CO2 delays the early development of scleractinian coral Acropora gemmifera
Authors: Yuan Xiangcheng , Yuan Tao , Huang Hui , Jiang Lei , Zhou Weihua , Liu Sheng
Published: February 2018

The effects of elevated CO2 on the early life stages of coral were investigated by culturing the pelagic larvae and new recruits of Acropora gemmifera at three concentrations of CO2 (corresponding to pH = 8.1, 7.8 and 7.5, respectively). Acidified seawater resulted in fewer A. gemmifera larvae settling, and led to the production of smaller new recruits by slowing the development of the skeleton. The delayed development of new recruits due to elevated CO2 was consistent with the downregulation of calcification related genes. Several genes related to HCO3− and Ca2+ transporters were downregulated by elevated CO2, with solute carriers (SLC) (membrane transport proteins) possibly playing an important role. The downregulation of these membrane transport proteins might suppress the transport of calcium, bicarbonate and organic matter, resulting in the delayed development of A. gemmifera.
RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis of adult zebrafish inner ear hair cells
Authors: Barta Cody L. , Liu Huizhan , Chen Lei , Giffen Kimberlee P. , Li Yi , Kramer Kenneth L. , Beisel Kirk W. , He David Z.
Published: February 2018

Although hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory and vestibular systems in the ears of all vertebrates, hair cell properties are different between non-mammalian vertebrates and mammals. To understand the basic biological properties of hair cells from non-mammalian vertebrates, we examined the transcriptome of adult zebrafish auditory and vestibular hair cells. GFP-labeled hair cells were isolated from inner-ear sensory epithelia of a pou4f3 promoter-driven GAP-GFP line of transgenic zebrafish. One thousand hair cells and 1,000 non-sensory surrounding cells (nsSCs) were separately collected for each biological replicate, using the suction pipette technique. RNA sequencing of three biological replicates for the two cell types was performed and analyzed. Comparisons between hair cells and nsSCs allow identification of enriched genes in hair cells, which may underlie hair cell specialization. Our dataset provides an extensive resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying morphology, function, and pathology of adult zebrafish hair cells. It also establishes a framework for future characterization of genes expressed in hair cells and the study of hair cell evolution.
Fast and sensitive low density solvent-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography for determining cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in milk and yogurt drink samples
Authors: Kamankesh Marzieh , Shahdoostkhany Mehrnoosh , Mohammadi Abdorreza , Mollahosseini Afsaneh
Published: February 2018

LDS-DLLME-RP-HPLC to determine vitamin D3 in fortified dairy products.
Glucuronic acid as a helix-inducing linker in short peptides
Authors: Wu Chongyang , Hoang Huy N. , Liu Ligong , Fairlie David P.
Published: February 2018

The first example of a carbohydrate linker that stabilises an α-helical peptide.
Revisiting absorption and electronic circular dichroism spectra of cholesterol in solution: a joint experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Bonvicini Andrea , Guilhaudis Laure , Tognetti Vincent , Desmaële Didier , Sauvonnet Nathalie , Oulyadi Hassan , Joubert Laurent
Published: February 2018

Previously reported discrepancies on cholesterol electronic absorption properties are discussed in the light of a joint experimental and theoretical study.
Friction and diffusion of a nano-colloidal disk in a two-dimensional solvent with a liquid–liquid transition
Authors: Torres-Carbajal Alexis , Castañeda-Priego Ramón
Published: February 2018

The friction and diffusion coefficients of a single mobile nano-colloid disk around the liquid–liquid transition are reported.
Versatile reactivities of rare-earth metal dialkyl complexes supported by a neutral pyrrolyl-functionalized β-diketiminato ligand
Authors: Zhu Xiancui , Li Yang , Guo Dianjun , Wang Shaowu , Wei Yun , Zhou Shuangliu
Published: February 2018

The first unprecedented examples ofS-β-diketiminato species were disclosed in the reactions of rare-earth dialkyl complexes with S8.
From a square core to square opening: structural diversity and magnetic properties of the oxo-bridged [CrIIINbV] complexes
Authors: Jurić Marijana , Androš Dubraja Lidija , Popović Jasminka , Molčanov Krešimir , Torić Filip , Pajić Damir , Lončarić Ivor
Published: February 2018

Three oxo-bridged [CrIIINbV] compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic coupling between CrIII ions mediated through the diamagnetic –O–NbV–O– bridge, as observed by magnetization measurements and DFT calculations.
Ultrahigh yield of hydrogen peroxide and effective diclofenac degradation on a graphite felt cathode loaded with CNTs and carbon black: an electro-generation mechanism and a degradation pathway
Authors: Yu Fangke , Chen Yang , Ma Hongrui
Published: February 2018

A new graphite felt cathode loaded with carbon nanotubes and carbon black was developed.
Analysis of nanoparticle biomolecule complexes
Authors: Gunnarsson Stefán B. , Bernfur Katja , Mikkelsen Anders , Cedervall Tommy
Published: February 2018

We form nanoparticle–biomolecule complexes with a broad size distribution, separate them by sedimentation rate and analyse their biomolecular content.
An all-in-one memory cell based on a homopolymer with a pyrene side chain and its volatile and nonvolatile resistive switch behaviors
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Zhou Feng , Wu Linxin , Xiao Xiong , Gu Pei-Yang , Jiang Jun , Xu Qing-Feng , Lu Jian-Mei
Published: February 2018

Memory devices based on PMPPE exhibit a rewritable ternary memory behaviour (0, 1, 2, three conductivity states).
Syntheses and structures of [7]helicene and double helicene based on dithieno[2,3-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene
Authors: Liu Xinming , Sun Huiliang , Xu Wan , Wan Shisheng , Shi Jianwu , Li Chunli , Wang Hua
Published: February 2018

Based on dithieno[2,3-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene, three novel helicenes including helicene (rac-1), double helicene (rac-2), and benzohexathia[7]helicene (rac-3), and one bull's horn-shaped benzohexathienoacene (4) have been synthesized and reported in this paper.
Stable multi-jet electrospinning with high throughput using the bead structure nozzle
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Cheng Zhiqiang , Han Zhaolian , Zhao Shengzhe , Zhao Xiaodong , Kang Lijuan
Published: February 2018

A modified bead structure nozzle for the electrospinning process was developed to improve the production efficiency of nanofibers and facilitate the cleaning of equipment.
Mechanistic insight into oxidizedN,N-dimethylacetamide as a source of formaldehyde related derivatives
Authors: Zewge Daniel , Bu Xiaodong , Sheng Huaming , Liu Yizhou , Liu Zhu , Harman Brett , Reibarkh Mikhail , Gong Xiaoyi
Published: February 2018

Ahemiaminalderivative identified during preparation of the penultimate of ceftolozane1, mandated a thorough investigation of the source of the impurity.
Intramolecular hydrogen-bonding in a cobalt aqua complex and electrochemical water oxidation activity
Authors: Khosrowabadi Kotyk Juliet F. , Hanna Caitlin M. , Combs Rebecca L. , Ziller Joseph W. , Yang Jenny Y.
Published: February 2018

Water oxidation is catalysed in Nature by a redox cofactor embedded in a hydrogen-bonded network designed to orchestrate proton transfer throughout the challenging 4 electron reaction.
An efficient solar-enabled 2D layered alloy material evaporator for seawater desalination
Authors: Yao Jiandong , Yang Guowei
Published: February 2018

A self-floating BiInSe3@CF device is fabricated via facile PLD, which achieves promising solar-enabled seawater desalination.
Hierarchically designed hybrid nanoparticles for combinational photochemotherapy against a pancreatic cancer cell line
Authors: Joubert F. , Pasparakis G.
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical formulation of hybrid nanoparticles that consist of aggregated gold nanoparticles impregnated into a gemcitabine–polymer conjugate matrix for photochemotherapy of pancreatic cancer.
Optical isotherms as a fundamental characterization method for gas sensing with luminescent MOFs by comparison of open and dense frameworks
Authors: Schönfeld F. , Meyer L. V. , Mühlbach F. , Zottnick S. H. , Müller-Buschbaum K.
Published: February 2018

Optical isotherms as a novel fundamental characterization method for MOF sensors are presented by a combination of simultaneous monitoring of sorption processes of different analyte gases (N2, Ar, CO2, and O2) together within situphotoluminescence spectroscopy.
Dithienophosphole-based molecular electron acceptors constructed using direct (hetero)arylation cross-coupling methods
Authors: Welsh Thomas A. , Laventure Audrey , Baumgartner Thomas , Welch Gregory C.
Published: February 2018

Herein we report on the first successful coupling of the dithienophosphole (S2PO) functional building block with three types of heteroaryl end caps using direct (hetero)arylation C–H bond functionalization methods.
Electrochemical method for the quantitative determination of Escherichia coli based on gold functionalized FTO substrate
Authors: Li Pei , Wang Xiaofang , Gao Wenyu , Yan Wei , Guan Weijun , Ma Yuehui , Yu Yu , Ji Fengmin , Wu Songmei , Ding Kejian
Published: February 2018

This work presents a novel rapid and sensitive label-free electrochemical method for the detection of the antibacterial effect of surface nanostructures.
Synthesis of polyfluoroarene-substituted benzofuran derivatives via cooperative Pd/Cu catalysis
Authors: Shen Yi , Wu Xin-Xing , Chen Si , Xia Yu , Liang Yong-Min
Published: February 2018

A cooperative Pd/Cu-catalyzed dual C–H bond activation of electron-deficient polyfluoroarenes with aryl halides is developed.
Facile synthesis of oxidized activated carbons for high-selectivity and low-enthalpy CO2 capture from flue gas
Authors: Li Ziyin , Ma Xiuling , Xiong Shunshun , Ye Yingxiang , Yao Zizhu , Lin Quanjie , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang
Published: February 2018

The oxidized activated carbon obtained using a facile synthetic approach shows high-capacity and low-enthalpy CO2 capture with a selectivity of 48.5 toward flue gas, which is double that of the pristine activated carbon.
Isoform-selective activity-based profiling of ERK signaling
Authors: Shin Myungsun , Franks Caroline E. , Hsu Ku-Lung
Published: February 2018

We report a novel chemical biology approach to study isoform-specific activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which are key regulators of signal transduction and emerging drug targets for oncology.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based semiconducting polymer nanoparticles forin vivosecond near-infrared window imaging and image-guided tumor surgery
Authors: Shou Kangquan , Tang Yufu , Chen Hao , Chen Si , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ao , Fan Quli , Yu Aixi , Cheng Zhen
Published: February 2018

PDFT1032, a new semiconducting polymer possessing a favorable absorption peak (1032 nm) and outstanding biocompatibility, may be widely applicable in clinical imaging and the surgical treatment of malignancy.
Comment on ‘General SVPWM strategy for three different four‐switch three‐phase inverters’
Authors: Guo Lei‐Lei , Zhang Kai‐Xuan , Wang Hua‐Qing
Published: February 2018

A correction to an error in the equation of a paper published by the authors in the Electronics Letters entitled ‘General SVPWM strategy for three different four‐switch three‐phase inverters’ is given. The errors are analysed and two modification methods are proposed.
Robust output voltage tracking algorithm for three‐phase rectifier with variable sliding surface
Authors: Kim Seok‐Kyoon
Published: February 2018

In this article, a variable sliding surface‐based output voltage tracking controller is proposed for three‐phase rectifiers driven by the pulse‐width modulation technique. A systematical multi‐variable approach is used for deriving the control law, considering the not only non‐linearity but also parametric uncertainties. The proposed method has two features. First, the non‐linear first‐order disturbance observers are introduced to enable for the control law to exponentially recover the desirable tracking performance without any offset‐errors in the sliding mode. Second, the self‐tuning algorithm is designed to update the sliding surface to enhance the output voltage tracking performance in transient periods. The performance of the proposed method is experimentally demonstrated by using a 3‐kW three‐phase rectifier.
Global maximum power point tracking of PV arrays under partial shading conditions using a modified particle velocity‐based PSO technique
Authors: Sen Tanuj , Pragallapati Nataraj , Agarwal Vivek , Kumar Rajneesh
Published: February 2018

Modern PV arrays are generally designed with bypass diodes to avoid damage. However, such arrays exhibit multiple peaks in their P–V characteristics under partial shading conditions. Owing to the limitation in the abilities of conventional maximum power point tracking algorithms in such cases, the application of other optimisation algorithms has been explored. This study proposes a modified particle velocity‐based particle swarm optimisation (MPV‐PSO) algorithm for tracking the global power peak of the multiple peak P–V characteristics. The MPV‐PSO algorithm is both adaptive and deterministic in nature. It eliminates the inherent randomness in the conventional PSO algorithm by excluding the use of random numbers in the velocity equation. The proposed algorithm also eliminates the need for tuning the weight factor, the cognitive and social acceleration coefficients by introducing adaptive values for them which adjust themselves based on the particle position. These adaptive values also solve problems like oscillations about the global best position during steady‐state operation and particles getting trapped in local minima. The effectiveness of the proposed MPV‐PSO algorithm is validated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and hardware experiments.