bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPE Surface Proteins Are Required for Heme Utilization by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mitra Avishek , Speer Alexander , Lin Kan , Ehrt Sabine , Niederweis Michael
Published: January 2017

Iron is essential for replication of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, but iron is efficiently sequestered in the human host during infection. Heme constitutes the largest iron reservoir in the human body and is utilized by many bacterial pathogens as an iron source. While heme acquisition is well studied in other bacterial pathogens, little is known in
M. tuberculosis
. To identify proteins involved in heme utilization by
M. tuberculosis
, a transposon mutant library was screened for resistance to the toxic heme analog gallium(III)-porphyrin (Ga-PIX). Inactivation of the
ppe36
,
ppe62
, and
rv0265c
genes resulted in resistance to Ga-PIX. Growth experiments using isogenic
M. tuberculosis
deletion mutants showed that PPE36 is essential for heme utilization by
M. tuberculosis
, while the functions of PPE62 and Rv0265c are partially redundant. None of the genes restored growth of the heterologous
M. tuberculosis
mutants, indicating that the proteins encoded by the genes have separate functions. PPE36, PPE62, and Rv0265c bind heme as shown by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and are associated with membranes. Both PPE36 and PPE62 proteins are cell surface accessible, while the Rv0265c protein is probably located in the periplasm. PPE36 and PPE62 are, to our knowledge, the first proline-proline-glutamate (PPE) proteins of
M. tuberculosis
that bind small molecules and are involved in nutrient acquisition. The absence of a virulence defect of the
ppe36
deletion mutant indicates that the different iron acquisition pathways of
M. tuberculosis
may substitute for each other during growth and persistence in mice. The emerging model of heme utilization by
M. tuberculosis
as derived from this study is substantially different from those of other bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Tuberculosis is caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and is a devastating disease affecting eight million people each year. Iron is an essential nutrient for replication of
M. tuberculosis
in the human host. More than 70% of iron in the human body is bound in heme. Not surprisingly, many bacterial pathogens, including
M. tuberculosis
, are able to acquire iron from heme. However, the mechanism of heme uptake by
M. tuberculosis
is poorly understood. We have identified two novel surface proteins that bind heme and are required for heme utilization by
M. tuberculosis
. These findings constitute a major advancement of our understanding of iron acquisition by
M. tuberculosis
and show that
M. tuberculosis
has evolved heme uptake systems different from the paradigms established by other bacteria.
Autoinducer 2 Signaling via the Phosphotransferase FruA Drives Galactose Utilization by
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, Resulting in Hypervirulence
Authors: Trappetti Claudia , McAllister Lauren J. , Chen Austen , Wang Hui , Paton Adrienne W. , Oggioni Marco R. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Paton James C.
Published: January 2017

Communication between bacterial cells is crucial for the coordination of diverse cellular processes that facilitate environmental adaptation and, in the case of pathogenic species, virulence. This is achieved by the secretion and detection of small signaling molecules called autoinducers, a process termed quorum sensing. To date, the only signaling molecule recognized by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is autoinducer 2 (AI-2), synthesized by the metabolic enzyme LuxS (
S
-ribosylhomocysteine lyase) as a by-product of the activated methyl cycle. Homologues of LuxS are ubiquitous in bacteria, suggesting a key role in interspecies, as well as intraspecies, communication. Gram-negative bacteria sense and respond to AI-2 via the Lsr ABC transporter system or by the LuxP/LuxQ phosphorelay system. However, homologues of these systems are absent from Gram-positive bacteria and the AI-2 receptor is unknown. Here we show that in the major human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, sensing of exogenous AI-2 is dependent on FruA, a fructose-specific phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphotransferase system that is highly conserved in Gram-positive pathogens. Importantly, AI-2 signaling via FruA enables the bacterium to utilize galactose as a carbon source and upregulates the Leloir pathway, thereby leading to increased production of capsular polysaccharide and a hypervirulent phenotype.

IMPORTANCE
S. pneumoniae
is a Gram-positive bacterium frequently carried asymptomatically in the human nasopharynx. However, in a proportion of cases, it can spread to other sites of the body, causing life-threatening diseases that translate into massive global morbidity and mortality. Our data show that AI-2 signaling via FruA promotes the transition of the pneumococcus from colonization to invasion by facilitating the utilization of galactose, the principal sugar available in the upper respiratory tract. AI-2-mediated upregulation of Leloir pathway enzymes results in increased production of capsular polysaccharide and hypervirulence in a murine intranasal challenge model. This identifies the highly conserved FruA phosphotransferase system as a target for new antimicrobials based on the disruption of this generic quorum-sensing system.
α-Defensin HD5 Inhibits Human Papillomavirus 16 Infection via Capsid Stabilization and Redirection to the Lysosome
Authors: Wiens Mayim E. , Smith Jason G.
Published: January 2017

α-Defensins are an important class of abundant innate immune effectors that are potently antiviral against a number of nonenveloped viral pathogens; however, a common mechanism to explain their ability to block infection by these unrelated viruses is lacking. We previously found that human defensin 5 (HD5) blocks a critical host-mediated proteolytic processing step required for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Here, we show that bypassing the requirement for this cleavage failed to abrogate HD5 inhibition. Instead, HD5 altered HPV trafficking in the cell. In the presence of an inhibitory concentration of HD5, HPV was internalized and reached the early endosome. The internalized capsid became permeable to antibodies and proteases; however, HD5 prevented dissociation of the viral capsid from the genome, reduced viral trafficking to the
trans
-Golgi network, redirected the incoming viral particle to the lysosome, and accelerated the degradation of internalized capsid proteins. This mechanism is equivalent to the mechanism by which HD5 inhibits human adenovirus. Thus, our data support capsid stabilization and redirection to the lysosome during infection as a general antiviral mechanism of α-defensins against nonenveloped viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Although the antiviral activity of α-defensins against enveloped viruses can be largely explained by interference with receptor binding and fusion, a common mechanism for inhibition of nonenveloped viruses remains elusive. In studies of a prominent human α-defensin that is expressed in the gut and in the male and female genitourinary tract, we discovered striking parallels between the mechanisms of inhibition of HPV and human adenovirus infection. Thus, detailed studies of the impact of α-defensins on the intracellular trafficking of two disparate viruses support a general mechanism of α-defensin antiviral activity against nonenveloped viruses.
Are age-appropriate antibiotic formulations missing from the WHO list of essential medicines for children? A comparison study
Authors: Ivanovska Verica , Leufkens Hubert G , Rademaker Carin MA , Zisovska Elizabeta , Pijnenburg Mariëlle W , van Dijk Liset , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K
Published: January 2017

Objective

There is a global call for formulations, which are better suited for children of different age categories and in a variety of settings. One key public health area of interest is age-appropriate paediatric antibiotics. We aimed to identify clinically relevant paediatric formulations of antibiotics listed on pertinent formularies that were not on the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc).

Methods

We compared four medicines lists versus the EMLc and contrasted paediatric antibiotic formulations in relation to administration routes, dosage forms and/or drug strengths. The additional formulations on comparator lists that differed from the EMLc formulations were evaluated for their added clinical values and costs.

Results

The analysis was based on 26 EMLc antibiotics. Seven oral and two parenteral formulations were considered clinically relevant for paediatric use. Frequently quoted benefits of oral formulations included: filling the gap of unmet therapeutic needs in certain age/weight groups (phenoxymethylpenicillin and metronidazole oral liquids, and nitrofurantoin capsules), and simplified administration and supply advantages (amoxicillin dispersible tablets, clyndamycin capsules, cloxacillin tablets, and sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim tablets). Lower doses of ampicillin and cefazolin powder for injection could simplify the dosing in newborns and infants, reduce the risk of medical errors, and decrease the waste of medicines, but may target only narrow age/weight groups.

Conclusions

The identified additional formulations of paediatric antibiotics on comparator lists may offer clinical benefits for low-resource settings, including simplified administration and increased dosing accuracy. The complexity of both procuring and managing multiple strengths and formulations also needs to be considered.
Anaesthesia modalities during laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: a retrospective, longitudinal study
Authors: Jiang Jing-bo , Strauss Randy , Luo Xian-qiong , Nie Chuan , Wang Yan-li , Zhang Jia-wen , Zhang Zhi-wei
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Laser photocoagulation surgery is a routine treatment for threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). However, little is known about which anaesthesia protocols provide efficient pain control while minimising exposure risk to vulnerable infants. In this study, therefore, we assessed the efficacy and tolerability of multiple anaesthesia techniques used on premature infants during laser therapy.

Design and main outcome measures

Anaesthesia modalities consisted of topical eye drops anaesthesia, general anaesthesia and intravenous fentanyl sedation with mechanical ventilation. Laser treatment efficacy and detailed operative information were retrospectively and consecutively analysed. Cardiorespiratory stability was assessed and compared. The Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) was used to evaluate tolerability in infants that underwent intravenous fentanyl sedation.

Results

97 cases of prematurity were included in this study. In 94/97 (96.9%) cases, vascular proliferation regressed. In the topical anaesthesia groups, the ophthalmologist needed 12–16 min more to complete the treatment. During the 3 postoperative days, topical anaesthesia demonstrated the greatest instability; 4/31 (12.90%) infants in this group suffered from life threatening events requiring resuscitation. The only instability observed in general anaesthesia and fentanyl sedation was attributed to difficulty in extubating within 24 hours after surgery. During laser therapy, the N-PASS score increased to 1.8 in the fentanyl sedation group.

Conclusions

Topical anaesthesia was associated with more cardiorespiratory instability during ROP laser treatment. While general anaesthesia and fentanyl sedation had similar postoperative cardiorespiratory results, the latter demonstrated acceptable pain stress control. However, the difficulty of weaning off mechanical ventilation in some cases after surgery needs to be addressed in future studies.
Survival prospects after acute myocardial infarction in the UK: a matched cohort study 1987–2011
Authors: Gitsels Lisanne A , Kulinskaya Elena , Steel Nicholas
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Estimate survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the general population aged 60 and over and the effect of recommended treatments.

Design

Cohort study in the UK with routinely collected data between January 1987 and March 2011.

Setting

310 general practices that contributed to The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database.

Participants

4 cohorts who reached the age of 60, 65, 70, or 75 years between 1987 and 2011 included 16 744, 43 528, 73 728, and 76 392 participants, respectively. Participants with a history of AMI were matched on sex, year of birth, and general practice to 3 controls each.

Outcome measures

The hazard of all-cause mortality associated with AMI was calculated by a multilevel Cox's proportional hazards regression, adjusted for sex, year of birth, socioeconomic status, angina, heart failure, other cardiovascular conditions, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, alcohol consumption, body mass index, smoking status, coronary revascularisation, prescription of β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, aspirin, or statins, and general practice.

Results

Compared with no history of AMI by age 60, 65, 70, or 75, having had 1 AMI was associated with an adjusted hazard of mortality of 1.80 (95% CI 1.60 to 2.02), 1.71 (1.59 to 1.84), 1.50 (1.42 to 1.59), or 1.45 (1.38 to 1.53), respectively, and having had multiple AMIs with a hazard of 1.92 (1.60 to 2.29), 1.87 (1.68 to 2.07), 1.66 (1.53 to 1.80), or 1.63 (1.51 to 1.76), respectively. Survival was better after statins (HR range across the 4 cohorts 0.74–0.81), β-blockers (0.79–0.85), or coronary revascularisation (in first 5 years) (0.72–0.80); unchanged after calcium-channel blockers (1.00–1.07); and worse after aspirin (1.05–1.10) or ACE inhibitors (1.10–1.25).

Conclusions

The hazard of death after AMI is less than reported by previous studies, and standard treatments of aspirin or ACE inhibitors prescription may be of little benefit or even cause harm.
Sing Your Lungs Out—a community singing group for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a 1-year pilot study
Authors: McNaughton Amanda , Weatherall Mark , Williams Mathew , McNaughton Harry , Aldington Sarah , Williams Gayle , Beasley Richard
Published: January 2017

Objective

Singing group participation may benefit patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous studies are limited by small numbers of participants and short duration of generally hospital-based singing group intervention. This study examines the feasibility of long-term participation in a community singing group for patients with COPD who had completed pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Methods

This was a feasibility cohort study. Patients with COPD who had completed PR and were enrolled in a weekly community exercise group were recruited to a new community-based singing group which met weekly for over 1 year. Measurements at baseline, 4 months and 1 year comprised comprehensive pulmonary function tests including lung volumes, 6 min walk test (6MWT), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and hospital admission days for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) for 1 year before and after the first singing group session.

Findings

There were 28 participants with chronic lung disease recruited from 140 people approached. Five withdrew in the first month. 21 participants meeting Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria for COPD completed 4-month and 18 completed 1-year assessments. The mean attendance was 85%. For the prespecified primary outcome measure, total HADS score, difference between baseline and 12 months was −0.9, 95% CI −3.0 to 1.2, p=0.37. Of the secondary measures, a significant reduction was observed for HADS anxiety score after 1 year of −0.9 (95% CI −1.8 to −0.1) points, p=0.038 and an increase in the 6MWT at 1 year, of 65 (95% CI 35 to 99) m compared with baseline p<0.001.

Conclusions

Our findings support the feasibility of long-term participation in a community singing group for adults with COPD who have completed PR and are enrolled in a weekly community exercise group and provide evidence of improved exercise capacity and a reduction in anxiety.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615000736549; Results.
A systematic review of management strategies for children’s mental health care in the emergency department: update on evidence and recommendations for clinical practice and research
Authors: Newton Amanda S , Hartling Lisa , Soleimani Amir , Kirkland Scott , Dyson Michele P , Cappelli Mario
Published: January 2017

Objective

Children with mental health crises require access to specialised resources and services which are not yet standard in general and paediatric EDs. In 2010, we published a systematic review that provided some evidence to support the use of specialised care models to reduce hospitalisation, return ED visits and length of ED stay. We perform a systematic review to update the evidence base and inform current policy statements.

Methods

Twelve databases and the grey literature were searched up to January 2015. Seven studies were included in the review (four newly identified studies). These studies compared ED-based strategies designed to assess, treat and/or therapeutically support or manage a mental health presentation. The methodological quality of six studies was assessed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Risk of Bias tool (one interrupted time series study) and a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (three retrospective cohort and two before–after studies). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was applied to rate overall evidence quality (high, moderate, low or very low) for individual outcomes from these six studies. An additional study evaluated the psychometric properties of a clinical instrument and was assessed using criteria developed by the Society of Pediatric Psychology Assessment Task Force (well-established, approaching well-established or promising assessment).

Results

There is low to very low overall evidence quality that: (1) use of screening laboratory tests to medically clear mental health patients increases length of ED stay and costs, but does not increase the risk of clinical management or disposition change if not conducted; and (2) specialised models of ED care reduce lengths of ED stay, security man-hours and restraint orders. One mental health assessment tool of promising quality, the home, education, activities and peers, drugs and alcohol, suicidality, emotions and behaviour, discharge resources (HEADS-ED), has had good accuracy in predicting admission to inpatient psychiatry.

Conclusions

Lower-quality data suggest benefits to the use of specialised resources and services for paediatric mental health care in general and paediatric EDs. Experimental evaluation of strategies and the inclusion of patient-reported outcomes will improve confidence in these findings. Additional psychometric studies are needed for the HEADS-ED tool to be considered well established.
Risk factors associated with unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Turner Samantha L , Johnson Rhodri D , Weightman Alison L , Rodgers Sarah E , Arthur Geri , Bailey Rowena , Lyons Ronan A
Published: January 2017

Objective

To identify the distinguishing risk factors associated with unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A range of bibliographical databases and grey literature were searched from their earliest records to January 2016. To ensure the magnitude of risk could be quantified, only those study types which contained a control group, and undertook appropriate statistical analyses were included. A best evidence synthesis was conducted instead of a meta-analysis due to study heterogeneity.

Results

Eleven studies investigating a variety of risk factors and outcomes were identified. Studies ranged from medium to low quality with no high quality studies identified. Characteristics commonly associated with increased risk of house fire incidents, injuries and fatalities included: higher numbers of residents, male, children under the age of 5 years, non-working households, smoking, low income, non-privately owned properties, apartments and buildings in poor condition. Several risk factors were only associated with one outcome (eg, living alone was only associated with increased risk of injurious fires), and households with older residents were at increased risk of injurious fires, but significantly less likely to experience a house fire in the first place.

Conclusions

This best evidence synthesis indicates that several resident and property characteristics are associated with risk of experiencing house fire incidents, injuries or death. These findings should be considered by the Fire and Rescue Services and others with a role in fire prevention. Future research should adopt robust, standardised study designs to permit meta-analyses and enable stronger conclusions to be drawn.
MicroRNA-181 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis by targeting PTEN
Authors: Wu Xiao-Feng , Zhou Zi-Hui , Zou Jian
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate the effects of microRNA-181 (miR-181) on the proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis (OA) by targeting PTEN. Methods: The chondrocytes in logarithmic growth phase were selected and divided into 6 test groups: the normal, blank, negative control, miR-181 mimic, miR-181 inhibitor, and miR-181 inhibitor + PTEN-siRNA groups. Reverse transcription qPCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-181 and PTEN mRNA. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. The protein expressions of PARP and caspase-3 and the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blotting and gelatin zymography assay. Results: The miR-181 mimic group showed increased miR-181 expression and decreased PTEN expression compared with the other 5 groups. Also, by comparison with the other 5 groups, the cell proliferation rate declined and the rate of cell apoptosis was elevated in the miR-181 mimic group. The MiR-181 mimic group showed remarkably increased protein expression of caspase-3 and PARP compared with the other 5 groups. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was higher in the miR-181 mimic group than the other 5 groups. Conclusion: MiR-181 could up-regulate the expressions of caspase-3, PARP, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and thereby inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis of chondrocytes in OA by targeting PTEN.
Selective access to p-dialkyl-carbo-benzenes from a [6]pericyclynedione: the n-butyl nucleophile model for a metal switch study
Authors: Zhu Chongwei , Duhayon Carine , Saquet Alix , Maraval Valérie , Chauvin Remi
Published: January 2017

The synthesis, spectroscopic properties, comparative electrochemical behavior in CHCl3 vs CH2Cl2, and X-ray crystal structure of p-di-n-butyl-tetraphenyl-carbo-benzene are described. The selectivity of preparation of the ultimate [6]pericyclynediol precursor has been examined by comparing the reactivity of the [6]pericyclynedione substrate with four n-Bu-MXn nucleophiles involving more or less halogenated metal centers MXn (0 ≤ n ≤ 2): Li, MgBr, MgCl, CeCl2/LiCl. The cerium reagent is found to be the most efficient, giving approximately twice the yield given by Grignard reagents in the target diadduct (90% vs 51%–53%). The dibutyl-carbo-benzene product happens to be soluble in both CHCl3 and CH2Cl2: cyclic voltammograms of either solution exhibit almost identical peak potentials with reduced reversibility of the redox processes in CHCl3.
The NIST compilation of ionization potentials revisited (I): From He-like to Xe-like ions
Authors: Gil Gabriel , Gonzalez Augusto
Published: January 2017

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database on ionization potentials for neutral atoms and ions is examined. For each isoelectronic sequence, we construct a regularized perturbative series based on the large-Z (heavy cations) and Z ≈ N – 1 (singly charged anion) behaviors. Comparison of the NIST data with this series allows the identification of problematic values in the reported data.
Semi-analytical technique for the solution of fractional Maxwell fluid
Authors: Abdullah M. , Butt Asma Rashid , Raza Nauman , Haque Ehsan Ul
Published: January 2017

In this work, the flow of a fractional Maxwell fluid is discussed. The velocity function and time-dependent shear stress of a Maxwell fluid with fractional derivatives are calculated. It is considered that the fluid in the infinitely long circular cylinder is moving with a velocity ft. The fluid in the infinitely long circular cylinder of radius R is initially at rest and at t = 0+, because of shear, it instantly starts to move longitudinally. To obtain the solutions, we have employed Laplace transformation and modified Bessel equation. The solutions are in series form, which are expressed in terms of modified Bessel functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and satisfy all given conditions. In this paper, Laplace inverse transformation has been calculated numerically by using MATLAB. The behavior of the following physical parameters on the flow are investigated: relaxation time, dynamic viscosity, kinematics viscosity, similarity parameters of fractional derivatives and radius of the circular cylinder. Finally, the impact of the fractional parameter and material elements is shown by graphical demonstration.
Cross-generational effects of male reproductive success and offspring immunocompetence inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Guncay Ashley , Balasubramaniam Thiropa , Plagens Katie , Weadge Joel , Long Tristan A.F.
Published: January 2017

In some species where males make no direct contribution to a female’s lifetime reproductive success, females choose mates based on the indirect benefits manifested in their offspring. One trait that may be subject to this sexual selection is immunocompetence (the ability to mount an immune response following exposure to pathogens); however, the results of previous work on its link to male attractiveness have been ambiguous. Herein we examine the life history consequences of mating with males with a history of failure or success in reproductive competitions in Drosophila melanogaster. By examining egg-to-adult survival, body weights, and bacterial loads of offspring reared in either the absence or presence of a bacterial pathogen, we were able to examine whether sire reproductive success was associated with their offsprings’ ability to respond to an immunological challenge and other life history traits. Our results are partially consistent with the predictions of the “immunocompetence handicap hypothesis”: competitively successful males (“studs”) sire male offspring that are better able to handle an immunological challenge than those sired by competitively unsuccessful males (“duds”). However, our assay also revealed the opposite pattern in female offspring, suggestive of the complicating presence of alleles with sexually antagonistic effects on the expression of this important life history trait.
Unification of gravity and quantum field theory from extended noncommutative geometry
Authors: Yu Hefu , Ma Bo-Qiang
Published: January 2017

We make biframe and quaternion extensions on the noncommutative geometry, and construct the biframe spacetime for the unification of gravity and quantum field theory (QFT). The extended geometry distinguishes between the ordinary spacetime based on the frame bundle and an extra non-coordinate spacetime based on the biframe bundle constructed by our extensions. The ordinary spacetime frame is globally flat and plays the role as the spacetime frame in which the fields of the Standard Model are defined. The non-coordinate frame is locally flat and is the gravity spacetime frame. The field defined in both frames of such “flat” biframe spacetime can be quantized and plays the role as the gravity field which couples with all the fields to connect the gravity effect with the Standard Model. Thus, we provide a geometric paradigm in which gravity and QFT can be unified.
Interpreting 750 GeV diphoton excess with R-parity violating supersymmetry
Authors: Ding Ran , Huang Li , Li Tianjun , Zhu Bin
Published: January 2017

We propose a supersymmetric explanation of the diphoton excess in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) with the leptonic R-parity violation. In our model, sneutrino serves as the 750 GeV resonance and produced through quark–antiquark annihilation. With introducing appropriate trilinear soft parameters, we show that the diphoton branching ratio is significantly enhanced compared with the conventional MSSM. For current dijet and W-pair LHC constraints, we can successfully fit the observed diphoton signal rate in sizeable parameter regions, the resulting parameter space strongly favor the masses of light smuon and stau within the range from 375–500 GeV, which depends on the choice of electroweakino masses and soft trilinear terms. While after taking into account the compatibility of diphoton excess between the 8 TeV and 13 TeV LHC, only the coupling involved with the second generation quarks is survived. In this case, the corresponding parameter space favors a narrow mass range of smuon and stau with [Formula: see text]. Even if the 750 GeV diphoton excesses were not confirmed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments, we point out that our proposal can still be used to explain the current and future tentative diphoton excesses.
Constraining capability of Zγh production at the ILC
Authors: Alam Sher , Behera Subhasish , Kumar Satendra , Sahoo Shibananda
Published: January 2017

Higgs boson couplings with gauge bosons are probed through [Formula: see text] in an effective Lagrangian framework. For this study, the beam polarization facility at the ILC along with the typical center-of-mass energy of 500 GeV is considered. The reach of the ILC with an integrated luminosity of 300 fb[Formula: see text] in the determination of CP-conserving parameters is obtained. Sensitivity of the probe of each of these couplings in the presence of other couplings is investigated. The most influential coupling parameters are [Formula: see text]. Other parameters of significant effect are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. A detailed study of the various kinematic distributions represents possibilities to disentangle the effect of some of these couplings.
A New Methodology for Circuit Analysis with Reverse Analysis Capability
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad , Soleymani Behrad , Aminifar Farrokh , Gholami Amin
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel technique for the analysis of looped linear time-invariant electric circuits. This approach works in both time and Laplace domains; any type of elements could hence be incorporated. The circuit elements are partitioned into twofold classes of basic circuit and subsidiaries. The basic circuit is a spanning tree of the network, and the subsidiaries include circuit elements hypothetically removed from the looped electric circuit to open the loops. The subsidiaries include a suit of passive elements which might not even make any interconnected circuit. The circuit governing equations of flow and energy conservation are manipulated so that branch currents in the subsidiaries and branch voltages in the basic circuit are considered as independent variables to calculate passive element properties (impedance of all passive elements) directly. In contrast to existing methods, this technique is tailored for the circuit analysis in a reverse manner. As a complement for conventional circuit analysis techniques, this method can be taught in the undergraduate program to offer the students an alternative tool for the circuit analysis.
Relativistic effects and three-nucleon forces in nuclear matter and nuclei
Authors: Müther Herbert , Sammarruca Francesca , Ma Zhongyu
Published: January 2017

We review a large body of predictions obtained within the framework of relativistic meson theory together with the Dirac–Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach to nuclear matter and finite nuclei. The success of this method has been largely related to its ability to take into account important three-body effects. Therefore, the overarching theme of this paper is the interpretation of the so-called “Dirac effects” as an effective three-nucleon force. We address the equation of state (EoS) of isospin symmetric and asymmetric nucleonic matter and related issues, ranging from proton and neutron density distributions to momentum distributions and short-range correlations. A central part of the discussion is devoted to the optical model potential for nucleon–nucleus scattering. We also take the opportunity to explore similarities and differences with predictions based on the increasingly popular chiral effective field theory.
Damage and Risk Assessment for Single-Layer Reticulated Domes Subject to Explosive Blast Loads
Authors: Zhi X. D. , Stewart M. G.
Published: January 2017

In order to provide a better understanding of the dynamic behavior of single-layer reticulated domes subjected to explosive blast loads, a number of analyses are carried out on structures with different standoff distances ([Formula: see text]), explosive weights ([Formula: see text]), rise–span ratios ([Formula: see text] and other parameters. An equation for a structural damage factor is proposed to evaluate structural damage quantitatively. The damage states for single-layer reticulated domes are defined based on their structural dynamic performance and corresponding damage factors. Structural reliabilities for different standoff distances are obtained using the Monte-Carlo Analysis. A typical protective measure is bollards which are used to help ensure a minimum standoff distance. To illustrate the cost-effectiveness of such a protective measure, structural damage states and various losses, including direct and indirect economic loss and maimed and fatality loss, are considered for assessing the risk reduction, costs and benefits. It was found that the bollards significantly reduce the likelihood of structural progressive collapse or severe damage, and the optimal standoff distance can be determined.
Al-doped graphene as an effective adsorber for some toxic derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Ji Min , Cheng Xinlu , Wu Weidong
Published: January 2017

The density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate some toxic derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons adsorption on perfect graphene (pG) and graphene-doped with B/Al/Ga (BG/AlG/GaG). And the parallel and vertical adsorptions were considered for the position relation between the adsorbent and adsorbate. The adsorption energy, adsorption distance, charge transfer and density of states (DOS) were discussed in optimized structures. The greater adsorption energy, shorter adsorption distance and more charge transfer were found in AlG by studying the four kinds of molecules (phenol/m-cresol/PCP/p-NP) adsorption on pG/BG/AlG/GaG. Then, 10 derivatives adsorption on AlG were reported, and the adsorption energy increased in the order of pentachlorophenol [Formula: see text] 2,4,6-trichlorophenol [Formula: see text] 2,4-dichlorophenol [Formula: see text] p-cresol [Formula: see text] m-cresol [Formula: see text] phenol [Formula: see text] o-chlorophenol [Formula: see text] o-cresol [Formula: see text] 2,4,6-trintrotoluene [Formula: see text] para-nitrophenol. The interaction between these derivatives and the substrate was chemisorption for AlG and physisorption for pG. The oxygen atom in nitro group was more closer to the substrate than in hydroxyl group about optimized structures.
Analysis of Active Vibration Reduction for Soft Mounted Electrical Machines Based on a Multibody Model
Authors: Werner Ulrich
Published: January 2017

The aim of the paper is to analyze active vibration reduction of soft mounted electrical machines by using actuators between the motor feet and a soft foundation based on a multibody model. The actuator forces are inserted directly in the vibration model without using a feedback control system. The goal is to reduce the forced vibrations, which are caused by typical excitations of electrical motors — eccentricity of rotor mass, bent rotor deflection and magnetic eccentricity. Based on the simplified model, the mathematical coherences are derived and a numerical example is shown, where different vibration reduction concepts are analyzed and the necessary actuator forces are calculated. The aim of the paper is to show the capability of using actuators between motor feet and soft foundation, based on a simplified multibody vibration model. For future work, the multibody model has to be implemented into a feedback control system for active vibration control.
Improving photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells: The interfacial modification role of aluminum chloride and ammonia on ZnO nanorods
Authors: Li Zhaosong , Zhang Jun , Xu Yang , Xue Mengni , Wang Hanbin , Duan Jinxia , Wang Hao
Published: January 2017

ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) as electron transport layer (ETL) in organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) had been prepared because of ZnO exhibiting excellent electron mobility and light transmission performance. The ZnO NRs were modified with a simple solvothermal method using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and ammonia (NH[Formula: see text]H2O) as precursor solution, the primary advantage of this approach was low temperature, simple process. The concentration of the precursor solution was further investigated, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.1% was achieved.
Cytokine Imbalance as a Common Mechanism in Both Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tan Yong , Qi Qiu , Lu Cheng , Niu Xuyan , Bai Yanping , Jiang Chunyan , Wang Yang , Zhou Youwen , Lu Aiping , Xiao Cheng
Published: January 2017

Psoriasis (PS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Previous studies showed that these two diseases had a common pathogenesis, but the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was employed to explore both the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of 10 PS and 10 RA patients compared with those of 10 healthy volunteers and the shared DEGs between these two diseases. Bioinformatics network analysis was used to reveal the connections among the shared DEGs and the corresponding molecular mechanism. In total, 120 and 212 DEGs were identified in PS and RA, respectively, and 31 shared DEGs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the cytokine imbalance relevant to key molecules (such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), interleukin- (IL-) 6, and interferon gene (IFNG)) and canonical signaling pathways (such as the complement system, antigen presentation, macropinocytosis signaling, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, and IL-17 signaling) was responsible for the common comprehensive mechanism of PS and RA. Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PS and RA, suggesting potential strategies for treating and preventing both diseases. This study may also provide a new paradigm for illuminating the common pathogenesis of different diseases.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of Titanate Nanotubes by Insertion of Rare Earth Ions in Their Interlayer Spaces
Authors: Marques Thalles M. F. , Luz-Lima Cleanio , Sacilloti Marco , Fujisawa Kazunori , Perea-Lopez Nestor , Terrones Mauricio , Silva Eder Nascimento , Ferreira Odair Pastor , Viana Bartolomeu Cruz
Published: January 2017

The optical properties of titanate nanotubes (TiNts) intercalated with rare earths (RE) ions were intensively investigated in this study. To prepare the nanomaterials, sodium titanate nanotubes (Na-TiNts) were submitted to ion exchange reactions with different rare earth elements (RE: Pr3+, Er3+, Nd3+, and Yb3+). To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that these RE-TiNts were synthesized. All samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, the optical properties were examined using photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. The PL intensity (visible range) of the RE-TiNt samples showed a strong dependence when the temperature was decreased down to 20 K. This PL enhancement probably was promoted by electronic modifications in titanate layer band gap and/or interface charge transfers due to RE ions intercalation.
A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Study of Nanocrystalline Silver, Manuka Honey, and Conventional Dressing in Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Tsang Ka-Kit , Kwong Enid Wai-Yung , To Tony Shing-Shun , Chung Joanne Wai-Yee , Wong Thomas Kwok-Shing
Published: January 2017

Nanocrystalline silver (nAg) and Manuka honey (MH) dressing have increasing popularity for treating diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). This study was an open‐label randomized controlled trial with three parallel groups’ design in examining the preliminary effectiveness of nAg against MH and conventional dressing in healing DFU in terms of ulcer healing, ulcer infection, and inflammation. 31 participants (11 in the nAg group, 10 in the MH group, and 10 in the convention group) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Wound cleaning, debridement, and topical dressing application were performed according to the group allocation in each visit at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. The results found that the proportions of complete ulcer healing were 81.8%, 50%, and 40% in the nAg, MH, and conventional groups, respectively. The ulcer size reduction rate was potentially higher in the nAg group (97.45%) than the MH group (86.21%) and the conventional group (75.17%). In bacteriology, nAg showed a greater rate of microorganism reduction although it was not significant. To conclude, nAg alginate was potentially superior to MH and conventional dressing in healing diabetic foot ulcer in terms of ulcer size reduction rate.
LKB1 Expression Correlates with Increased Survival in Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab
Authors: Bonanno Laura , De Paoli Angela , Zulato Elisabetta , Esposito Giovanni , Calabrese Fiorella , Favaretto Adolfo , Santo Antonio , Conte Alessandro Del , Chilosi Marco , Oniga Francesco , Sozzi Gabriella , Moro Massimo , Ciccarese Francesco , Nardo Giorgia , Bertorelle Roberta , Candiotto Cinzia , De Salvo Gian Luca , Amadori Alberto , Conte PierFranco , Indraccolo Stefano
Published: January 2017

Purpose: LKB1 is a key sensor of metabolic stress, including hypoxia and glucose deprivation, two features of the tumor microenvironment exacerbated by antiangiogenic therapy. We investigated the role of LKB1 as a potential predictive marker of sensitivity to bevacizumab in advanced non–small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC).

Experimental design: We retrospectively analyzed LKB1 expression by IHC in 98 samples from 125 patients with aNSCLC, including 59 patients treated with chemotherapy and 39 treated with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. IHC intensity was recoded in two classes (negative/weak vs. moderate/intense) and correlated with outcome according to treatment arm. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) were used to investigate mechanisms involved in preclinical models.

Results: In the whole study population (125), median OS and PFS were 11.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 9.1–15.3] and 6.7 (95% CI, 5.7–7.2) months, respectively. Differential impact of the marker on outcome of the 98 patients was highlighted according to the treatment. Patients with negative/weak LKB1 status did not have a statistically significant benefit from bevacizumab added to chemotherapy (HR for patients treated with bevacizumab: 0.89; 95% CI, 0.51–1.56; P = 0.6803), whereas patients expressing moderate/intense LKB1 and receiving bevacizumab had significant lower risk of death compared with those not receiving bevacizumab (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10–0.64; P = 0.0035). Loss of LKB1 was associated with reduced AMPK activation in PDXs and increased tumor necrosis following bevacizumab administration, highlighting impaired control of the metabolic stress caused by this antiangiogenic drug.

Conclusions: Our data hint at a possible predictive impact of LKB1 expression in patients with aNSCLC treated with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3316–24. ©2017 AACR.
Genome-wide DNA Methylation Profiling Reveals Methylation Markers Associated with 3q Gain for Detection of Cervical Precancer and Cancer
Authors: Verlaat Wina , Snijders Peter J.F. , Novianti Putri W. , Wilting Saskia M. , De Strooper Lise M.A. , Trooskens Geert , Vandersmissen Johan , Van Criekinge Wim , Wisman G. Bea A. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , Steenbergen Renske D.M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Epigenetic host cell changes involved in cervical cancer development following a persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection, provide promising markers for the management of hrHPV-positive women. In particular, markers based on DNA methylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters are valuable. These markers ideally identify hrHPV-positive women with precancer (CIN2/3) in need of treatment. Here, we set out to identify biologically relevant methylation markers by genome-wide methylation analysis of both hrHPV-transformed cell lines and cervical tissue specimens.

Experimental Design and Results: Genome-wide discovery by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of methyl-binding domain–enriched DNA (MBD-Seq) yielded 20 candidate methylation target genes. Further verification and validation by multiplex-targeted bisulfite NGS and (quantitative) methylation-specific PCR (MSP) resulted in 3 genes (GHSR, SST, and ZIC1) that showed a significant increase in methylation with severity of disease in both tissue specimens and cervical scrapes (P < 0.005). The area under the ROC curve for CIN3 or worse varied between 0.86 and 0.89. Within the group of CIN2/3, methylation levels of all 3 genes increased with duration of lesion existence (P < 0.0005), characterized by duration of preceding hrHPV infection, and were significantly higher in the presence of a 3q gain (P < 0.05) in the corresponding tissue biopsy.

Conclusions: By unbiased genome-wide DNA methylation profiling and comprehensive stepwise verification and validation studies using in vitro and patient-derived samples, we identified 3 promising methylation markers (GHSR, SST, and ZIC1) associated with a 3q gain for the detection of cervical (pre)cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3813–22. ©2017 AACR.