bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of the response of 82 domestic landraces of Zea mays to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) reveals geographical region‐related resistance to CMV in Japan
Authors: Takahashi H. , Tian A. , Miyashita S. , Kanayama Y. , Ando S. , Kormelink R.
Published: February 2018

Zea mays has been historically imported to Japan via two independent geographical routes: into southern Japan by trading with Europe in the 16th century and into northern Japan by import from North America in the 19th century. Breeding to genetically improve on quality traits and high yields has led to the current domestic landraces in each region. In a survey of 82 domestic landraces, nine out of 38 landraces originating from southern Japan showed complete immunity to cucumber mosaic virus yellow strain (CMV(Y)) without the formation of necrotic local lesions (NLLs). In contrast, three out of 44 landraces originating from northern Japan developed NLLs, but revealed no systemic spread of the virus. Due to the absence of good documentation on NLL formation in Z. mays, the response of domestic landraces Aso‐1 and Aso‐3, originating from Ibaraki in northern Japan, to a challenge with CMV(Y) and CMV(Ma‐1) was further analysed. Aso‐3 only formed NLL in response to CMV(Y) but not to CMV(Ma‐1). Moreover, in CMV(Y)‐inoculated Aso‐3, virus spread was restricted to the primary infection site and the expression of defence‐related genes was up‐regulated, whereas Aso‐1 became systemically infected with either CMV(Y) or CMV(Ma‐1). The response of Aso‐3 to CMV(Y) was inherited as a single dominant trait. Together, these results pointed towards the induction of hypersensitive response (HR)‐mediated resistance to CMV(Y) in Aso‐3. Although HR‐mediated resistance to viruses has been studied mainly in dicots, the pathosystem CMV–Z. mays may provide a model to investigate HR‐mediated resistance to viruses in monocot plants.
Phelipanche aegyptiaca parasitism impairs salinity tolerance in young leaves of tomato
Authors: Cochavi Amnon , Ephrath Jhonthan , Eizenberg Hanan , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: February 2018

The parasite Phelipanche aegyptiaca infests tomato, a crop plant that is commonly cultivated in semi‐arid environments, where tomato may be subject to salt stress. Since the relationship between the two stresses —salinity and parasitism – has been poorly investigated in tomato, the effects of P. aegyptiaca parasitism on tomato growing under moderate salinity were examined. Tomatoes were grown with regular or saline water irrigation (3 and 45 mM Cl−, respectively) in soils infested with P. aegyptiaca. The infested plants accumulated higher levels of sodium and chloride ions in the roots, shoots and leaves (old and young) under both salinity levels vs. non‐infected plants. There was a positive linear correlation between P. aegyptiaca biomass and salt accumulation in young tomato leaves, and a negative linear correlation between parasite biomass and the osmotic potential of young tomato leaves. Concentrations of the osmoprotectants proline, myoinositol and sucrose were reduced in infected tomato plants, which impaired the host's osmotic adjustment ability. The sensitivity of P. aegyptiaca to salt stress was manifested as a decrease in biomass. In conclusion, P. aegyptiaca parasitism reduced the salt tolerance of tomato plants by promoting the accumulation of salts from the rhizosphere and impairing the host's osmotic adjustment ability.
Social Media and Value Conflicts: An Explorative Study of the Dutch Police
Authors: de Graaf Gjalt , Meijer Albert
Published: February 2018

The use of social media produces new value conflicts in public governance. The police force is a public organization directly confronted with these changes. However, there is no systematic understanding of these conflicts in daily police practice or of the coping strategies used. This article presents an explorative understanding of the value conflicts and coping strategies within the police force by combining the literature on social media use in the public sector and the literature on value conflicts and by conducting a case study within the Dutch police. The empirical findings show, first, a growing emphasis on conflicts related to the values that are strongly embedded in social media use—specifically, conflicts between efficiency and participation and between transparency and lawfulness. Second, although dynamic coping strategies were expected, the research reveals that the police often use a conservative coping strategy to deal with these rapid changes.
Hyperinflation of bronchi in vitro impairs bronchodilation to simulated breathing and increases sensitivity to contractile activation
Authors: Cairncross Alvenia , Noble Peter B. , McFawn Peter K.
Published: February 2018

Background and objective

Lung hyperinflation and reduced bronchodilation to deep inspiration (DI) are features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hyperinflation might impair the ability of a DI to stretch airway smooth muscle (ASM), as the bronchi operate at a stiff region of the pressure–volume curve.

Methods

Bronchial segments from pig lungs were mounted in an organ bath and equilibrated at either 5 cm H2O (control) or 20 cm H2O (hyperinflated) transmural pressure (Ptm). Cumulative dose–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) were performed to determine maximal response (Emax) and sensitivity under static conditions (fixed Ptm) or during simulated breathing (Δ10 cm H2O Ptm at 0.25 Hz). The effect of hyperinflation on ASM contraction was further examined in bronchial rings contracted at a short ASM length (reference length, Lref) or stretched by an additional 30% (length 1.3 times the Lref, 1.3Lref).

Results

Oscillatory loads halved Emax from 61.0 ± 3.8 to 29.7 ± 4.4 cm H2O (P < 0.0001) in control bronchial segments, but only from 40.0 ± 2.5 to 31.2 ± 2.4 cm H2O (P < 0.05) in hyperinflated segments. The percentage reduction in active pressure with oscillation was less in hyperinflated compared with control segments (P < 0.01). Sensitivity was not altered by oscillation in either hyperinflated or control segments; however, hyperinflated segments were more sensitive (P < 0.05). The effect of inflation on sensitivity was confirmed using bronchial rings where stretched rings were more sensitive than unstretched rings (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Hyperinflated bronchi exhibit reduced bronchodilation to breathing and increased sensitivity to bronchoconstrictor stimuli. Findings suggest that hyperinflation may directly alter airway function by reducing the protective effects of DI and initiating contraction at low doses of contractile stimuli.
Brooding as moderator of depressive symptoms after a work accident: A longitudinal study
Authors: García Felipe E. , Cova Félix , Páez Darío , Miranda Francisca
Published: February 2018

This study analyzes the relationship between having experienced a work accident and developing depressive symptoms six months later, considering the subjective severity of accidents, the use of both positive and negative religious coping strategies, and brooding as predictors variables. Fifty seven women and 187 men were evaluated during the month following their accident (T1) and six months later (T2). The results show that after controlling for initial depressive symptoms, all predictors showed a statistically significant relationship with depression at six months, including the interaction between brooding and subjective severity of accident. Forty nine percent of resilient participants exhibited low symptoms at T1 and T2, 22% of recovered individuals showed high symptoms at T1 and low symptoms afterwards, 20% of depressive individuals had high symptoms at T1 and T2, and 8% exhibited high symptoms only at T2. High severity, brooding and religious coping at T1 differentiated those who exhibited stable symptoms from those who were resilient. Resilience was specifically predicted with a negative coefficient by the interaction of brooding with subjective severity of accident. We conclude that brooding is a variable that moderates the relationship between subjective severity of accident and the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms. Subjective severity of accident, brooding and negative religious coping are risk factors, while positive religious coping is not a sufficient protection factor.
An exploratory analysis of the influence of personality and emotional factors on cerebral blood flow responses during painful stimulation in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Montoro Aguilar Casandra I. , Duschek Stefan , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A.
Published: February 2018

This study explored the influence of certain personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, alexithymia), emotional variables (depression, catastrophizing), and insomnia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses to painful stimulation in fibromyalgia, using functional transcranial Doppler sonography. CBF velocities were recorded bilaterally in the anterior cerebral arteries (ACA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) of 24 fibromyalgia patients during exposure to two painful pressure conditions: (1) fixed pressure (2.4 kg) and (2) an individually calibrated pressure to produce an equal‐moderate subjective pain intensity in all participants (average, 3.5 kg). Psychological factors were assessed by means of questionnaires. Neuroticism, and the externally‐oriented thinking dimension of alexithymia were positively, and extraversion was inversely, associated with specific components of ACA and MCA CBF responses. Regarding catastrophizing and depression, correlations were positive for the fixed pressure condition and negative for the equal subjective intensity condition. The findings suggest that alterations in central nervous pain processing in fibromyalgia vary according to psychological factors. While most of the observed associations reflect a linear increase in nociceptive processing with the magnitude of negative cognitive and emotional states, the inverse associations for catastrophizing and depression during more intense painful stimulation may be ascribed to anti‐nociceptive effects due to activation of the defense reflex.
The association between team‐level social capital and individual‐level work engagement: Differences between subtypes of social capital and the impact of intra‐team agreement
Authors: Meng Annette , Clausen Thomas , Borg Vilhelm
Published: February 2018

The study explored the association between team‐level social capital and individual‐level work engagement. Questionnaire data were collected from six companies in the dairy industry. Seven hundred seventy‐two participants divided into 65 teams were included. In confirmatory factor analyses, we found a superior model fit to a four dimensional model of social capital: bonding social capital, bridging social capital and two types of linking social capital. The results showed a positive association between all subtypes of social capital at the team level and work engagement at the individual level. However, this association only remained significant for linking social capital in relation the workplace as a whole when we adjusted for psychosocial working conditions. The level of intra‐team agreement in social capital score did not moderate the association between social capital and work engagement. In conclusion, the results provide further support for previous findings suggesting a positive association between social capital and work engagement. They add to the existing knowledge by suggesting that linking social capital in relation to the workplace is the most important explanatory variable for work engagement, thus emphasizing the need to distinguish between subtypes of social capital in research and practice.
Accelerated Estimation of Switching Algorithms: The Cointegrated VAR Model and Other Applications
Authors: Doornik Jurgen A.
Published: February 2018

Restricted versions of the cointegrated vector autoregression are usually estimated using switching algorithms. These algorithms alternate between two sets of variables but can be slow to converge. Acceleration methods are proposed that combine simplicity and effectiveness. These methods also outperform existing proposals in some applications of the expectation–maximization method and parallel factor analysis.
Whose knowledge matters in climate change adaptation? Perceived and measured rainfall trends during the last half century in south‐western Tanzania
Authors: Pauline Noah Makula , Grab Stefan
Published: February 2018

Parts of eastern Africa have experienced substantial climatic variability and extremes during the last few decades. Here we explore the extent to which local place‐based knowledge is used and is relevant to understanding and appropriately responding to place‐based climate variability and change (specifically rainfall) in an area of considerable rainfall variability in south‐western Tanzania. Primary data were collected using focus group discussions and household questionnaire surveys, and secondary data obtained from government institutions. Various changes associated with the frequency, intensity and consistency of rainfall during the period 1960 to 2014 are explored. Findings indicate that knowledge and perceptions associated with climate operate at a local level, and that these are not necessarily applicable to neighbouring regions. Smallholder farmers in the Great Ruaha River Sub‐Basin rely on incremental adaptations of agricultural practices, in response to climatic stresses which have long‐term implications. We argue that incremental adaptations ought to be supplemented by more transformative changes of existing agricultural practices, such as using more climate‐adapted crops and livestock. Moreover, caution is required when examining human perceptions and responses to climate variability and change at the site‐specific scale, as such findings may not necessarily be applicable to broader regions in all cases.
Approximate confidence and tolerance limits for the discrete Pareto distribution for characterizing extremes in count data
Authors: Young D. S. , Qomi M. Naghizadeh , Kiapour A.
Published: February 2018

Statistical tolerance intervals for discrete distributions are widely employed for assessing the magnitude of discrete characteristics of interest in applications like quality control, environmental monitoring, and the validation of medical devices. For such data problems, characterizing extreme counts or outliers is also of considerable interest. These applications typically use traditional discrete distributions, like the Poisson, binomial, and negative binomial. The discrete Pareto distribution is an alternative yet flexible model for count data that are heavily right‐skewed. Our contribution is the development of statistical tolerance limits for the discrete Pareto distribution as a strategy for characterizing the extremeness of observed counts in the tail. We discuss the coverage probabilities of our procedure in the broader context of known coverage issues for statistical intervals for discrete distributions. We address this issue by applying a bootstrap calibration to the confidence level of the asymptotic confidence interval for the discrete Pareto distribution's parameter. We illustrate our procedure on a dataset involving cyst formation in mice kidneys.
The wrong t‐shirt: configurations of language and identity at Warruwi Community
Authors: Singer Ruth
Published: February 2018

On June 22nd 1916, Reverend James Watson was brought to Warruwi in a canoe by a group of Maningpurru people. A re‐enactment of this event was staged at the beach calledAngpungijpaor Watson's Landing on the 22nd of June 2016. The performers wore either a yellow or blue t‐shirt and the two colours were interpreted by many participants as representing the languages Mawng and Kunwinjku. In interpreting the t‐shirts, people made a direct connection between language and identity, invoking the ‘language tribe’ (Rumsey 1993). In other contexts, however, language ownership is claimed by connecting language to identity indirectly, via patrilineal clan (Merlan 1981). The multiple configurations of language and identity available at Warruwi reflect the way that clan groupings, significant within the current regime of recognition in the region (Povinelli) co‐exist with the ‘language tribes’ of earlier eras and other groupings both long‐standing and emergent.
EthniCity of Leisure: A Domains Approach to Ethnic Integration During Free Time Activities
Authors: Kukk Kristiina , van Ham Maarten , Tammaru Tiit
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the most common leisure time activities, activity sites and the interaction between members of minority and majority populations as they spend their time out‐of‐home and out‐of‐workplace. We ask the question how leisure time activities are related to the ethnic dimensions of residential and workplaces. Our case study area is Tallinn, Estonia, and the main findings show that leisure time activity patterns have become very similar across the main ethnic groups, which is different from what is found for workplace and residential segregation. This shows the integrative potential of leisure time activities. However, since members of the minority and majority population still tend to visit different leisure sites, there is little interaction. We also find that people often spend their free time close to home, which implies that high levels of ethnic residential segregation translate into ethnic segregation during leisure time.
Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Cojean Ophélie , Vergneau‐Grosset Claire , Masseau Isabelle
Published: February 2018

Captive leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) often present to the exotic clinic for gastrointestinal impactions, follicular stasis, or dystocia. To our knowledge, normal ultrasonographic anatomy of these lizards has not been described. The objectives of this prospective, anatomic, analytical study were to develop ultrasound techniques for this species and to describe the normal sonographic anatomy of the head, coelomic cavity, and tail. Eleven, healthy, female leopard geckos were included. A linear array 13–18 MHz transducer was used. Geckos were sedated and restrained in dorsal recumbency for coelomic structure examination and in ventral recumbency for head and tail examinations. Sagittal and transverse images were acquired and authors recorded qualitative and quantitative ultrasonographic characteristics of anatomic structures. The ventral surface of the lungs, liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava, portal vein, ventral abdominal vein, aorta, ovarian follicles, fat bodies, tail, and brain were visualized in 10 of 11 individuals. In one individual, molt precluded ultrasonographic examination. The heart, kidneys, urinary bladder, spleen, and pancreas were not visualized. The digestive tract was observed in 10 individuals but was too small to be measured. Findings from the current study could be used as a reference for future studies of leopard geckos.
Seedbank persistence, germination and early growth of glyphosate‐resistant Kochia scoparia
Authors: Beckie H J , Blackshaw R E , Leeson J Y , Stahlman P W , Gaines T A , Johnson E N
Published: February 2018

This study describes the seedbank persistence of glyphosate‐resistant (GR) Kochia scoparia at two sites in western Canada and examines if GRK. scoparia from western Canada and mid‐western United States (USA) differ from their susceptible counterparts in seed germination and early growth characteristics at low‐temperature regimes. Site or depth of seed burial (surface, 2.5 cm, 10 cm) did not affect seed viability over time and time to 50% and 90% loss of viability averaged 210 and 232 days respectively. Glyphosate‐resistant K. scoparia generally germinated later and had lower cumulative germination than glyphosate‐susceptible (GS) K. scoparia from Saskatchewan, Canada; and Kansas, USA; but not Colorado, USA. Similarly, time to 10% first leaf of GSK. scoparia from Saskatchewan and Kansas tended to be sooner than that of GRK. scoparia, with a greater percentage of GS vs. GR seedlings of populations from all regions having attained first leaf by the end of the experiment. The short seedbank longevity and delayed and reduced germination and time to first leaf of GRK. scoparia may potentially be exploited to maximise management efficacy through delayed preseeding weed control or alternatively by early seeding date to enhance crop competitiveness.
Responses of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaride) to odour associated with its predator Neoseiulus cucumeris (Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Wei Xiaoying , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: February 2018

This study is the first of a series of experiments on the non-consumptive effects of N. cucumeris on the behaviour and life history parameters of T. putrescentiae.
Formation of self-assembled GaAs quantum dots via droplet epitaxy on misoriented GaAs(111)B substrates
Authors: Trapp Alexander , Reuter Dirk
Published: February 2018

Self-assembled GaAs quantum dots (QDs) have been grown on misoriented GaAs(111)B substrates using droplet epitaxy. Different droplet deposition temperatures, arsenization temperatures and times as well as postcrystallization annealing temperatures have been investigated, while the amount of deposited Ga was kept constant at two monolayers. Atomic force microscopy measurements reveal that unusually low Ga deposition and arsenization temperatures in comparison to the (100) and (111)A surfaces are necessary to obtain droplet/QD densities in the order of 108 cm−2. The formation of droplets and their crystallization result in QDs with approximately circular symmetry regardless of the anisotropy introduced by the miscut. Crystallized GaAs QDs show the thermal resistance comparable to those observed on (100) and (111)A. When the QDs are embedded in Al0.3Ga0.7 As, a spectrally broad luminescence around 790 nm can be observed.
Recovery of Cycling Gross Efficiency After Time-Trial Exercise
Authors: Groot Sjors , van de Westelaken Lars H.J. , Noordhof Dionne A. , Levels Koen , de Koning Jos J.
Published: February 2018

Background: Research has shown that gross efficiency (GE) declines during high-intensity exercise, but the time course of recovery of GE after high-intensity exercise has not yet been investigated. Purpose: To determine the time course of the recovery of GE after time trials (TTs) of different lengths. Methods: Nineteen trained male cyclists participated in this study. Before and after TTs of 2000 and 20,000 m, subjects performed submaximal exercise at 55% of the power output attained at maximal oxygen uptake (PVO2max). The postmeasurement continued until 30 min after the end of the TT, during which GE was determined over 3-min intervals. The magnitude-based-inferences approach was used for statistical analysis. Results: GE decreased substantially during the 2000-m and 20,000-m TTs (−11.8% [3.6%] and −6.2% [4.0%], respectively). A most likely and very likely recovery of GE was found during the first half of the submaximal exercise bout performed after the 2000-m, with only a possible increase in GE during the first part of the submaximal exercise bout performed after the 20,000-m. After both distances, GE did not fully recover to the initial pre-TT values, as the difference between the pre-TT value and average GE value of minutes 26–29 was still most likely negative for both the 2000- and 20,000-m (−6.1% [2.8%] and −7.0% [4.5%], respectively). Conclusions: It is impossible to fully recover GE after TTs of 2000- or 20,000-m during 30 min of submaximal cycling exercise performed at an intensity of 55% PVO2max.
Finding a broken heart
Authors: Conway Claire
Published: February 2018

A noninvasive imaging method identifies acute heart transplant rejection.
A new hope for
KRAS
mutant cancers
Authors: Lujambio Amaia
Published: February 2018

c-RAF ablation in
KRAS
mutant lung tumors is highly efficacious, supporting the development of selective c-RAF inhibitors for clinical use.
Assessing Performance of Spore Samplers in Monitoring Aeromycobiota and Fungal Plant Pathogen Diversity in Canada
Authors: Chen Wen , Hambleton Sarah , Seifert Keith A. , Carisse Odile , Diarra Moussa S. , Peters Rick D. , Lowe Christine , Chapados Julie T. , Lévesque C. André
Published: February 2018

Spore samplers are widely used in pathogen surveillance but not so much for monitoring the composition of aeromycobiota. In Canada, a nationwide spore-sampling network (AeroNet) was established as a pilot project to assess fungal community composition in air and rain samples collected using three different spore samplers in the summers of 2010 and 2011. Metabarcodes of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were exhaustively characterized for three of the network sites, in British Columbia (BC), Québec (QC), and Prince Edward Island (PEI), to compare performance of the samplers. Sampler type accounted for ca. 20% of the total explainable variance in aeromycobiota compositional heterogeneity, with air samplers recovering more Ascomycota and rain samplers recovering more Basidiomycota. Spore samplers showed different abilities to collect 27 fungal genera that are plant pathogens. For instance,
Cladosporium
spp.,
Drechslera
spp., and
Entyloma
spp. were collected mainly by air samplers, while
Fusarium
spp.,
Microdochium
spp., and
Ustilago
spp. were recovered more frequently with rain samplers. The diversity and abundance of some fungi were significantly affected by sampling location and time (e.g.,
Alternaria
and
Bipolaris
) and weather conditions (e.g.,
Mycocentrospora
and
Leptosphaeria
), and depended on using ITS1 or ITS2 as the barcoding region (e.g.,
Epicoccum
and
Botrytis
). The observation that Canada's aeromycobiota diversity correlates with cooler, wetter conditions and northward wind requires support from more long-term data sets. Our vision of the AeroNet network, combined with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and well-designed sampling strategies, may contribute significantly to a national biovigilance network for protecting plants of agricultural and economic importance in Canada.

IMPORTANCE
The current study compared the performance of spore samplers for collecting broad-spectrum air- and rain-borne fungal pathogens using a metabarcoding approach. The results provided a thorough characterization of the aeromycobiota in the coastal regions of Canada in relation to the influence of climatic factors. This study lays the methodological basis to eventually develop knowledge-based guidance on pest surveillance by assisting in the selection of appropriate spore samplers.
Inactivation Efficacy of Nonthermal Plasma-Activated Solutions against Newcastle Disease Virus
Authors: Su Xia , Tian Ying , Zhou Hongzhuan , Li Yinglong , Zhang Zhenhua , Jiang Beiyu , Yang Bing , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing
Published: February 2018

In recent years, plasma-activated solutions (PASs) have made good progress in the disinfection of medical devices, tooth whitening, and fruit preservation. In this study, we investigated the inactivation efficacy of Newcastle disease virus by PASs. Water, 0.9% NaCl, and 0.3% H
2
O
2
were excited by plasma to obtain the corresponding solutions PAS(H
2
O), PAS(NaCl), and PAS(H
2
O
2
). The complete inactivation of virus after PAS treatment for 30 min was confirmed by the embryo lethality assay (ELA) and hemagglutination (HA) test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the morphology of the viral particle changed under PAS treatments. The total protein concentration of virus decreased as measured by a Bradford protein assay due to PAS treatment. The nucleic acid integrity assay demonstrated that viral RNA degraded into smaller fragments. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of PASs, including the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity, and H
2
O
2
concentration, and electron spin resonance spectra analysis indicated that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a major role in the virus inactivation. Therefore, the application of PASs, as an environmentally friendly method, would be a promising alternative strategy in poultry industries.

IMPORTANCE
Newcastle disease (ND), as an infectious viral disease of avian species, caused significant economic losses to domestic animal and poultry industries. The traditional chemical sanitizers, such as chlorine-based products, are associated with risks of by-product formation with carcinogenic effects and environmental pollution. On the basis of this, plasma-activated water as a green disinfection product is a promising alternative for applications in stock farming and sterilization in hospitals and public places. In this study, we explored the inactivation efficacy of different plasma-activated solutions (PASs) against ND virus (NDV) and the possible underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species detected in PASs, including short-lived OH˙ and NO˙ and long-lived H
2
O
2
, changed the morphology, destroyed the RNA structure, and degraded the protein of the virus, consequently resulting in virus inactivation. These lay a foundation for the application of PASs to resolve the issues of public health and environmental sanitation.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Facultative Methylotroph
Methylobacterium extorquens
TK 0001 Isolated from Soil in Poland
Authors: Belkhelfa Sophia , Labadie Karine , Cruaud Corinne , Aury Jean-Marc , Roche David , Bouzon Madeleine , Salanoubat Marcel , Döring Volker
Published: February 2018

Methylobacterium extorquens
TK 0001 (DSM 1337, ATCC 43645) is an aerobic pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic alphaproteobacterium isolated from soil in Poland. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence and annotation of this organism, which consists of a single 5.71-Mb chromosome.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Extracellular Protease-Producing Bacterium,
Stenotrophomonas bentonitica
VV6, Isolated from Arctic Seawater
Authors: Chen Ming-Xia , Li He-Yang , Ye Xiao-Sheng , He Xiao-Yu
Published: February 2018

The draft genome sequence of the extracellular protease-producing bacterium
Stenotrophomonas bentonitica
VV6, isolated from Arctic seawater, was established. The genome size was approximately 4.365 Mb, with a G+C content of 66.54%, and it contains 3,871 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDSs) and 60 tRNAs.
Functional Analyses of the RsmY and RsmZ Small Noncoding Regulatory RNAs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Janssen Kayley H. , Diaz Manisha R. , Golden Matthew , Graham Justin W. , Sanders Wes , Wolfgang Matthew C. , Yahr Timothy L.
Published: February 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen with distinct acute and chronic virulence phenotypes. Whereas acute virulence is typically associated with expression of a type III secretion system (T3SS), chronic virulence is characterized by biofilm formation. Many of the phenotypes associated with acute and chronic virulence are inversely regulated by RsmA and RsmF. RsmA and RsmF are both members of the CsrA family of RNA-binding proteins and regulate protein synthesis at the posttranscriptional level. RsmA activity is controlled by two small noncoding regulatory RNAs (RsmY and RsmZ). Bioinformatic analyses suggest that RsmY and RsmZ each have 3 or 4 putative RsmA binding sites. Each predicted binding site contains a GGA sequence presented in the loop portion of a stem-loop structure. RsmY and RsmZ regulate RsmA, and possibly RsmF, by sequestering these proteins from target mRNAs. In this study, we used selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension and mutational profiling (SHAPE-MaP) chemistry to determine the secondary structures of RsmY and RsmZ and functional assays to characterize the contribution of each GGA site to RsmY/RsmZ activity. Our data indicate that RsmA has two preferential binding sites on RsmY and RsmZ, while RsmF has one preferential binding site on RsmY and two sites on RsmZ. Despite RsmF and RsmA sharing a common consensus site, RsmF binding properties are more restrictive than those of RsmA.

IMPORTANCE
CsrA homologs are present in many bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
uses RsmA and RsmF to inversely regulate factors associated with acute and chronic virulence phenotypes. RsmA has an affinity for RsmY and RsmZ higher than that of RsmF. The goal of this study was to understand the differential binding properties of RsmA and RsmF by using the RsmY and RsmZ regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) as a model. Mutagenesis of the predicted RsmA/RsmF binding sites on RsmY and RsmZ revealed similarities in the sites required to control RsmA and RsmF activity
in vivo
. Whereas binding by RsmA was relatively tolerant of binding site mutations, RsmF was sensitive to disruption to all but two of the sites, further demonstrating that the requirements for RsmF binding activity
in vivo
and
in vitro
are more stringent than those for RsmA.
qSOFA, SIRS and NEWS for predicting inhospital mortality and ICU admission in emergency admissions treated as sepsis
Authors: Goulden Robert , Hoyle Marie-Claire , Monis Jessie , Railton Darran , Riley Victoria , Martin Paul , Martina Reynaldo , Nsutebu Emmanuel
Published: February 2018

Background

The third international consensus definition for sepsis recommended use of a new prognostic tool, the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), based on its ability to predict inhospital mortality and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with suspected infection. While several studies have compared the prognostic accuracy of qSOFA to the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria in suspected sepsis, few have compared qSOFA and SIRS to the widely used National Early Warning Score (NEWS).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in a UK tertiary centre. The study population comprised emergency admissions in whom sepsis was suspected and treated. The accuracy for predicting inhospital mortality and ICU admission was calculated and compared for qSOFA, SIRS and NEWS.

Results

Among 1818 patients, 53 were admitted to ICU (3%) and 265 died in hospital (15%). For predicting inhospital mortality, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for NEWS (0.65, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.68) was similar to qSOFA (0.62, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.66) (test for difference, P=0.18) and superior to SIRS (P<0.001), which was not predictive. The sensitivity of NEWS≥5 (74%, 95% CI 68% to 79%) was similar to SIRS≥2 (80%, 95% CI 74% to 84%) and higher than qSOFA≥2 (37%, 95% CI 31% to 43%). The specificity of NEWS≥5 (43%, 95% CI 41% to 46%) was higher than SIRS≥2 (21%, 95% CI 19% to 23%) and lower than qSOFA≥2 (79%, 95% CI 77% to 81%). The negative predictive value was 88% (86%–90%) for qSOFA, 86% (82%–89%) for SIRS and 91% (88%–93%) for NEWS. Results were similar for the secondary outcome of ICU admission.

Conclusion

NEWS has equivalent or superior value for most test characteristics relative to SIRS and qSOFA, calling into question the rationale of adopting qSOFA in institutions where NEWS is already in use.
Polarised epithelial monolayers of the gastric mucosa reveal insights into mucosal homeostasis and defence against infection
Authors: Boccellato Francesco , Woelffling Sarah , Imai-Matsushima Aki , Sanchez Gabriela , Goosmann Christian , Schmid Monika , Berger Hilmar , Morey Pau , Denecke Christian , Ordemann Juergen , Meyer Thomas F
Published: February 2018

Objective

Helicobacter pylori causes life-long colonisation of the gastric mucosa, leading to chronic inflammation with increased risk of gastric cancer. Research on the pathogenesis of this infection would strongly benefit from an authentic human in vitro model.

Design

Antrum-derived gastric glands from surgery specimens served to establish polarised epithelial monolayers via a transient air–liquid interface culture stage to study cross-talk with H. pylori and the adjacent stroma.

Results

The resulting ‘mucosoid cultures’, so named because they recapitulate key characteristics of the gastric mucosa, represent normal stem cell-driven cultures that can be passaged for months. These highly polarised columnar epithelial layers encompass the various gastric antral cell types and secrete mucus at the apical surface. By default, they differentiate towards a foveolar, MUC5AC-producing phenotype, whereas Wnt signalling stimulates proliferation of MUC6-producing cells and preserves stemness—reminiscent of the gland base. Stromal cells from the lamina propria secrete Wnt inhibitors, antagonising stem-cell niche signalling and inducing differentiation. On infection with H. pylori, a strong inflammatory response is induced preferentially in the undifferentiated basal cell phenotype. Infection of cultures for several weeks produces foci of viable bacteria and a persistent inflammatory condition, while the secreted mucus establishes a barrier that only few bacteria manage to overcome.

Conclusion

Gastric mucosoid cultures faithfully reproduce the features of normal human gastric epithelium, enabling new approaches for investigating the interaction of H. pylori with the epithelial surface and the cross-talk with the basolateral stromal compartment. Our observations provide striking insights in the regulatory circuits of inflammation and defence.
Content analysis of requests for religious exemptions from a mandatory influenza vaccination program for healthcare personnel
Authors: Antommaria Armand H , Prows Cynthia A
Published: February 2018

Objective

Having failed to achieve adequate influenza vaccination rates among employees through voluntary programmes, healthcare organisations have adopted mandatory ones. Some programmes permit religious exemptions, but little is known about who requests religious objections or why.

Methods

Content analysis of applications for religious exemptions from influenza vaccination at a free-standing children’s hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA during the 2014–2015 influenza season.

Results

Twelve of 15 260 (0.08%) employees submitted applications requesting religious exemptions. Requestors included both clinical and non-clinical employees. All requestors voluntarily identified their religious affiliation, and most were Christian (n=9). Content analysis identified six categories of reasons used to justify an exemption: risks/benefits, ethical/political, lack of direct patient contact, providence, purity and sanctity of life. Individuals articulated reasons in 1–5 (mean 2.6) categories. The most frequently cited category (n=9) was purity; the vaccine and/or its mode of administration were impure, or receiving the vaccine would make the individual impure. Two individuals asserted that the vaccine contained cells derived from aborted human fetuses. Individuals (n=6) also volunteered information supporting the sincerity of their beliefs including distress over previous vaccination and examples of behaviour consistent with their specific objection or their general religious commitment. All requests were approved.

Conclusions

Less than 0.1% of employees requested religious exemptions. Partnering with religious leaders and carefully correcting erroneous information may help address requestors’ concerns.
Erosion of silty sand tailings through a geomembrane defect under filter incompatible conditions
Authors: Chou Yung-Chin (Alan) , Rowe R. Kerry , Brachman Richard W.I.
Published: February 2018

At tailings storage facilities, a geomembrane may be used to contain tailings from relatively more permeable foundation or embankment materials. A “filter incompatible” condition may arise between the tailings and underliner materials. In this study, the potential for piping erosion of tailings through a 1 cm diameter geomembrane defect was evaluated in a series of physical experiments. The geomembrane defect was sandwiched between silty sand tailings and various underliners (DF15/DB85 = 5.6–13.5) not meeting typical retention criteria for filtration. The leakage rates and visual findings revealed that a critical stress condition existed where erosion occurred continuously for up to 24 h. This stress condition could be encountered during early deposition or development of a reclaim pond at a tailings storage facility. When allowed to occur, erosion during this stress condition resulted in subsequent leakage rates that were 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than previously observed with “filter compatible” conditions and higher stresses. Practitioners unaware of this potential for erosion near the defect may significantly underestimate leakage and underpredict pore pressures within the embankment.
Factors associated with compliance rate at pedestrian crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
Authors: Moshahedi Nadia , Kattan Lina , Tay Richard
Published: February 2018

In the recent decade, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) has been introduced and widely installed across North America to improve pedestrians’ safety at crosswalks. While the treatment has been reported to be effective in improving safety, relatively few studies have been conducted to explore the factors associated with its effectiveness. This study investigates the effect of road characteristics, environmental factors, and device specification on vehicles’ yielding compliance, used as a surrogate measure of safety. Nineteen crosswalks within the City of Calgary were chosen for field study. An ordinary least squares regression model is applied to identify the factors that affect the compliance rate. It is found that type of road, daily traffic volume, posted speed limit, median, and rainy weather have significant impacts on the compliance rate. Besides, the result suggests using smaller size beacons and installing them above the pedestrian sign to improve safety to its fullest at RRFB-enhanced crosswalks.
A Voltage Multiplier Based High Voltage Gain Transformerless Buck–Boost DC–DC Converter
Authors: Bonab Hossein Ajdar Faeghi , Banaei Mohamad Reza , Kalantari Navid Taghizadegan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a new transformerless buck–boost converter is introduced. The proposed converter voltage gain is higher that of the conventional buck–boost converter. In the presented converter, only one power switch is used. The switch voltage stress is low, therefore, the low on-state resistance of the power switch can be selected to decrease losses of the switch. The presented converter topology is simple, hence the control of the converter will be simple. The mathematical analyses and principle of the proposed converter are explained. The validity of the proposed converter is confirmed by the experimental results.
Development of dark disk model of positron anomaly origin
Authors: Belotsky K. M. , Kirillov A. A. , Solovyov M. L.
Published: February 2018

Dark disk model could be a remedy for dark matter (DM) explanation of positron anomaly (PA) in cosmic rays (CR). The main difficulty in PA explanation relates to cosmic gamma-radiation which is inevitably produced in DM annihilation or decay leading to tension with respective observation data. Introduction of “active” (producing CR) DM component concentrating in galactic disk alleviates this tension. Earlier, we considered 2-lepton modes, with branching ratios being chosen to fit in the best way all the observation data. Here we considered, in the framework of the same dark disk model, two cases: 2-body final state annihilation and 4-body one, and in each case a quark mode is added to the leptonic ones. It is shown that 4-body mode case is a little better than 2-body one from viewpoint of quality of observation data description at the fixed all other parameters (of CR propagation, background, disk height). The values of DM particle mass around 350[Formula: see text]GeV and 500[Formula: see text]GeV are more favorable for 2- and 4-body modes, respectively. Higher values would improve description of data on positrons only but accounting for data on gamma-radiation prevents it because of unwanted more abundant high-energy gamma production. Inclusion of the quark modes improves a little fitting data in both 4- and 2-body mode cases, contrary to naive expectations. In fact, quark mode has a bigger gammas yield than that of most gamma-productive leptonic mode — tau, but they are softer due to bigger final state hadron multiplicity.
Decay properties and reaction dynamics of zirconium isotopes in the relativistic mean-field model
Authors: Panigrahi M. , Panda R. N. , Kumar Bharat , Patra S. K.
Published: February 2018

In the framework of relativistic mean-field theory, the ground state properties like binding energy, charge radius and quadrupole deformation parameter for various isotopes of zirconium from the valley of stability to drip-line region have been studied. The results are compared with the experimental data and we found reasonable agreement. The calculations are carried out for [Formula: see text]-decay energy and [Formula: see text]-decay half-life up to the drip-line. Total reaction and elastic differential cross-sections are also studied for few zirconium isotopes as projectiles with [Formula: see text] as target, using different parameter sets namely NL3*, DD-ME2 and DD-PC1 in conjunction with Glauber model.
A neodymium tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin with a flexible three-dimensional framework
Authors: Hu Rong-Hua , Yi Cai , Li Yao , Zhang Zhuan-Xia , Lin Long-Zhen , Chen Wen-Tong
Published: February 2018

A novel neodymium porphyrin [Nd(TPPS)][Formula: see text]•[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]O (1) [H[Formula: see text]TPPS [Formula: see text] tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin] has been prepared through a solvothermal reaction and characterized by the X-ray single-crystal diffraction technique. Complex 1is crystallized in the [Formula: see text]4/mcc space group of the tetragonal system. Complex 1 features a three-dimensional (3D) open framework with the pore size of the channels being of 6.9 [Formula: see text] × 8.2 [Formula: see text]. A wide optical band gap of 4.98 eV is revealed by the solid-state UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility obeys the Curie-Weiss law ([Formula: see text]/([Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] 0.67 K and a negative Weiss constant [Formula: see text] -0.37 K as found by the magnetic measurements, suggesting the existence of an antiferromagnetic behavior. The N[Formula: see text] adsorption and desorption curves show good reversibility and verify that the 3-D framework is flexible and can be compressed with the increasing pressure.
Learning to Expect Surprise: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Beyond
Authors: Dilling L , Morss R , Wilhelmi O
Published: February 2018

Extreme events often bring unexpected situations and impacts, as the sequence of hurricanes and other natural disasters in summer and fall 2017 demonstrated. To reduce the risks associated with such events, many have focused on reducing uncertainty in prediction or reducing vulnerability. Although both are worthy goals, we suggest that the research community should also be focusing on the nature of surprise itself, to investigate the role of surprise in extreme events and its implications. Surprise arises when reality differs from people’s expectations. Multiple factors contribute to creating surprise, including the dynamic nature of natural and human systems, the limitations of scientific knowledge and prediction, and the ways that people interpret and manage risks, not to mention climate variability and change. We argue that surprise is an unavoidable component of weather and climate disasters — one that we must acknowledge, learn to anticipate, and incorporate into risk assessment and management efforts. In sum, although it may seem paradoxical, we should be learning how to expect surprise.
The construction industry in the 21
st
century
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: February 2018

Three-dimensional printing and other new technologies are revitalizing the business of building buildings.
Impediments with policy interventions to foster cybersecurity
Authors: Schneider Fred B.
Published: February 2018

A call for discussion of governmental investment and intervention in support of cybersecurity.
Evolution toward soft(er) products
Authors: Gorschek Tony
Published: February 2018

As software becomes a larger part of all products, traditional (hardware) manufacturers are becoming, in essence, software companies.