bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodische Vorgehensweisen bei der Ermittlung und Beurteilung psychischer Belastung in der betrieblichen Praxis
Authors: Schuller Katja , Schulz-Dadaczynski Anika , Beck David
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. In Deutschland verpflichtet der Gesetzgeber jeden Arbeitgeber und jede Arbeitgeberin, Gefährdungen durch psychische Belastung zu ermitteln und entsprechend zu vermeiden, spezifiziert jedoch nicht, wie eine Gefährdungsbeurteilung psychischer Belastung durchzuführen ist. In dieser Studie wird in 37 qualitativen betrieblichen Fallstudien anhand teilstrukturierter Interviews mit betrieblichen Akteuren und Dokumenten inhaltsanalytisch untersucht, ob und wie Arbeitgeber methodische Spielräume auch jenseits von normativen Empfehlungen nutzen, um Gefährdungen ihrer Beschäftigten durch psychische Belastungen zu identifizieren. Die vielfältigen methodischen Herangehensweisen folgen drei Orientierungen, die mehr oder weniger gemeinsam verfolgt werden: 1) Messen und Bewerten definierter Konstrukte psychischer Belastung, 2) Erklären und Verstehen von Entstehungszusammenhängen problematischer, mit psychischer Belastung assoziierter Arbeitssituationen, und 3) Erstellen eines (vermeintlich) rechtssicheren Dokumentes zum Nachweis einer Gefährdungsbeurteilung. Grenzen dieser Orientierungen werden in Fällen deutlich, in denen einseitig auf eine dieser Orientierungen fokussiert wird. Methodischer Entwicklungsbedarf wird insbesondere für (qualitative) Ansätze des „Erklärens und Verstehens“ aufgezeigt.
Das Sozio-Oekonomische Panel als Datenbasis für die Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie
Authors: Giesselmann Marco , Staneva Mila , Schupp Jürgen , Richter David
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag zeigt die Analysepotentiale der repräsentativen Mikrodaten des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) für die Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie (A/O-Psychologie) auf. Dabei werden allgemeine Charakteristika von Stichprobe und Erhebung des SOEP vorgestellt, sowie Konstrukte mit besonderer Relevanz für die Psychologie eingeführt. Zudem diskutieren wir Analysemethoden für Paneldaten, mit denen sich die Potentiale des SOEP realisieren lassen. Neben den Möglichkeiten des SOEP für Stabilitäts- und Verlaufsanalysen stellen wir die Potentiale längsschnittlicher Daten für kausale Analysen heraus. Dabei erläutern wir insbesondere die Analyselogik längsschnittlicher Fixed Effects Modellierungen und vergleichen diese mit weiteren längsschnittlichen Analyseverfahren. Wir argumentieren, dass bei Anwendung akkurater Methoden Teilaspekte der experimentellen Analyselogik auf Grundlage längsschnittlicher Surveydaten angenähert werden können. Folglich stellen die Daten des SOEP immer dann eine wertvolle Ressource für die A/O-Psychologie dar, wenn a) unabhängige Merkmale aus ethischen oder praktischen Gründen nicht systematisch manipuliert werden können, b) die Kernbefunde experimenteller Primärstudien auf Grundlage eines repräsentativen Samples repliziert werden sollen oder c) Interesse am langfristigen Verlauf eines Indikators besteht.
The Impact of Energetic Particle Precipitation on Mesospheric OH – Variability of the Sources and the Background Atmosphere
Authors: Zawedde Annet Eva , Nesse Tyssøy Hilde , Stadsnes Johan , Sandanger Marit Irene
Published: June 2018

Using a new analysis technique, we estimate the precipitating particle fluxes measured by the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites. These fluxes are used to quantify the direct impact of energetic particle precipitation (EPP) on mesospheric hydroxyl (OH) measured from the Aura satellite during 2005–2009 in the Northern Hemisphere, covering the declining and minimum phase of solar cycle 23. Using multiple linear regression of nighttime OH volume mixing ratio with temperature, geopotential height, water vapor (H2O) volume mixing ratio, Lyman‐alpha (Ly‐α) radiation, and particle energy deposition, we account for the background variability and hence the EPP impact independent of season and other short‐term variability. We investigate the relative importance of solar proton events, energetic electron precipitation and the background to OH variability. The background dominates over EPP above 70‐km altitude. Below 70 km, EPP dominates. The maximum EPP contribution is 44% and 34% in the geographic and corrected geomagnetic (CGM) settings respectively at 67 km. Protons dominate over electrons at mesospheric altitudes with maximum contributions of 43% and 32% at 67 km in the geographic and CGM settings, respectively. In a CGM setting, the electrons contribution is comparable to that of protons above 70 km, with a maximum contribution of 11% at 75 km. Since the period investigated is during relatively low solar activity, these results represent a lower estimate of the general EPP contribution to OH variability.
Rapid Enhancements of the Seed Populations in the Heart of the Earth's Outer Radiation Belt: A Multicase Study
Authors: Tang C. L. , Xie X. J. , Ni B. , Su Z. P. , Reeves G. D. , Zhang J.‐C. , Baker D. N. , Spence H. E. , Funsten H. O. , Blake J. B. , Wygant J. R. , Dai G. Y.
Published: June 2018

To better understand rapid enhancements of the seed populations (hundreds of keV electrons) in the heart of the Earth's outer radiation belt (L* ~ 3.5–5.0) during different geomagnetic activities, we investigate three enhancement events measured by Van Allen Probes in detail. Observations of the fluxes and the pitch angle distributions of energetic electrons are analyzed to determine rapid enhancements of the seed populations. Our study shows that three specified processes associated with substorm electron injections can lead to rapid enhancements of the seed populations, and the electron energy increases up to 342 keV. In the first process, substorm electron injections accompanied by the transient and intense substorm electric fields can directly lead to rapid enhancements of the seed populations in the heart of the outer radiation belt. In the second process, the substorm injected electrons are first trapped in the outer radiation belt and subsequently transported into L* < 4.5 by the convection electric field. In the third process, the lower energy electrons are first injected at L* ~ 5.3 and then undergo drift resonance with ultralow‐frequency waves. These accelerated electrons by ultralow‐frequency waves are further transported into L* < 4.5 due to the convection electric field. This process is consistent with the radial diffusion. Our results suggest that these specified processes are important for understanding the dynamics of the seed populations in the heart of the outer radiation belt.
Sustenance of Phytoplankton in the Subpolar North Atlantic During Winter
Authors: Karimpour Farid , Tandon Amit , Mahadevan Amala
Published: June 2018

We consider two factors that affect the mixed layer depth (MLD) and potentially contribute to phytoplankton sustenance over winter—variability of air‐sea fluxes and three‐dimensional processes arising from horizontal density gradients (fronts). The role of these two factors is addressed using several three‐dimensional idealized numerical simulations in a process study ocean model forced with air‐sea fluxes at different temporal averaging frequencies. Results show that in winter, when the average mixed layer is much deeper than the euphotic layer and the period of daylight is short, phytoplankton production is relatively insensitive to high‐frequency variability in air‐sea fluxes. Short‐lived stratification events during light‐limited conditions have very little impact on phytoplankton production. On the other hand, the slumping of fronts shallows the mixed layer in a patchy manner and the associated restratification persists considerably longer than that caused by changes in air‐sea fluxes. Simulations with fronts show that in winter, the average MLD is about 600 m shallower than simulations without fronts. Prior to spring warming, the depth‐integrated phytoplankton concentration in the model with fronts is about twice as large as the case without fronts. Hence, even in winter, restratification by fronts is important for setting the MLD; it increases the residence time of phytoplankton in the euphotic layer and contributes to phytoplankton growth, thereby sustaining phytoplankton populations in winter. Higher model resolution intensifies submesoscale dynamics, leading to stronger restratification, shallower mixed layers, greater variability in the MLD, and more production of phytoplankton.
Spectral Characteristics of Gravity‐Capillary Waves, With Connections to Wave Growth and Microbreaking
Authors: Laxague Nathan J. M. , Zappa Christopher J. , LeBel Deborah A. , Banner Michael L.
Published: June 2018

In order to improve our understanding of physical air‐sea interaction, it is essential to better describe the short‐scale ocean wave response to wind forcing. This is particularly true for waves which are small enough to evade observation by traditional buoy and point‐based gauge measurements but large enough to appreciably alter the transfer of momentum between atmosphere and ocean. Such waves are restored to equilibrium both by the Earth's gravity and air‐sea surface tension, hence the classification as “gravity‐capillary.” Radar remote sensing techniques depend greatly upon these waves in order to extract useful physical parameters from afar. Despite this importance, field observations of gravity‐capillary wave characteristics are uncommon and results vary from study to study. Furthermore, leading‐edge model wave number spectra generally do not match each other in shape or important spectral parameters. Here we present an extended analysis of short wave data collected via a polarimetric camera aboard Research Platform Floating Instrument Platform in the Santa Barbara Channel. Our wave number saturation spectra show the emergence of a peak in the gravity‐capillary subrange at low wind forcing magnitude (u*~0.045 m/s), consistent with critical wave growth in air side stability theory and previously only observed in the laboratory. Finally, the effects of microbreaking on wave spectral characteristics are discussed.
Hf‐Nd‐Sr Isotopic Composition as Fingerprint for Long‐Range Transported Eolian Dust Deposition in Glacier Snowpack of Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dong Zhiwen , Shao Yaping , Qin Dahe , Kang Shichang , Wei Ting , Wang Xuejia , Wang Shijin
Published: June 2018

This study presents the Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotopic compositions of eolian dust deposited on glacier snowpacks along a longitude transect on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, in order to trace its source areas and the provenance of long‐range transported (LRT) Asian dust on the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau. Most of the glacier snowpack samples from northern locations (Qiyi and Lenglongling Glaciers) indicated similar Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotopic ratios with that of large central Asian deserts. However, the southern locations (Dagu, Hailuogou, and Baishui Glaciers) showed dramatic difference in the Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotopic ratios of snowpack dust compared with those of large Asian deserts, but were more similar to that of Tibetan Plateau surface crust. Hf‐Nd isotopes indicated that the southern Tibetan Plateau locations are hardly influenced by central Asian dust, but probably influenced by southward dust transport from the Loess Plateau, in addition to the arid deserts on the Tibetan Plateau surface. Meteorological data and aerosol optical depth also demonstrated the potential differences of eolian dust transport and input between the north and south locations. Loess Plateau is even in today's climate a dust sink, but dust emission from the Loess Plateau is also possible. The influence of the Tibetan Plateau and southwest vortex of China to atmospheric circulation may have caused such eolian transport, in particular for LRT eolian dust transport to southeastern Tibetan Plateau glaicers. This study is also of importance in that the Hf‐Nd isotopic fingerprinting could provide new evidences for LRT dust deposition on the Tibetan Plateau.
DNS and LES for Simulating Stratocumulus: Better Together
Authors: Mellado J. P. , Bretherton C. S. , Stevens B. , Wyant M. C.
Published: June 2018

We argue that combining direct numerical simulation (DNS) with large‐eddy simulation (LES) and field studies could accelerate current lines of stratocumulus research. LES allows for a faster and more holistic study of the parameter space, but LES is sensitive to details of its formulation because the energetics are tied to unresolved processes in the cloud top region. One way to assess this sensitivity is through field studies. Another way is through DNS. In particular, DNS can be used to test the hypothesis that LES, even with an inadequate representation of the physics of cloud top entrainment, properly quantifies the sensitivity of cloud‐topped boundary layers to changing environmental conditions. We support this argument by contrasting theoretical aspects of both techniques, by presenting first DNS results of a stratocumulus‐topped boundary layer and discussing their convergence toward Reynolds number similarity, and by showing the consistency of DNS results with LES results and field measurements.
Neutrophil TLR4 and PKR are targets of breast cancer cell glycosaminoglycans and effectors of glycosaminoglycan-induced APRIL secretion
Authors: Bat-Erdene Uilst , Quan Eric , Chan Kelvin , Lee Brianna-Marie , Matook Wejdan , Lee Ki-Young , Rosales Jesusa L.
Published: June 2018

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which induces survival and migration signals and tumor growth, is commonly observed in breast cancer tissues but is not often expressed in breast cancer cells themselves. Here, we examined whether breast cancer cells induce APRIL secretion from neutrophils, which are frequently recruited into the breast tumor microenvironment. We found that breast cancer cells do stimulate neutrophils to secrete APRIL through their glycosaminoglycans. Breast cancer cells depleted of heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans lose their ability to induce APRIL secretion from neutrophils, and heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate can induce secretion that is comparable to that of breast cancer cell-induced secretion. While stimulation of the RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) is sufficient to induce neutrophil APRIL secretion, both PKR and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are required for breast cancer cell glycosaminoglycan-induced secretion as separate and specific inhibition of TLR4 or PKR completely prevents the process, suggesting that breast cancer cell glycosaminoglycans target neutrophil TLR4 and PKR to trigger APRIL secretion. Thus, apart from the putative role of cell surface heparan sulfate in binding APRIL that leads to cell growth, we demonstrate that heparan sulfate, as well as chondroitin sulfate plays a novel role in promoting neutrophil secretion of APRIL that could lead to further cell growth. We propose that breast cancer cells take advantage of the neutrophil recruitment to the tumor microenvironment through the dual role of heparan sulfate as cell surface receptor or docking molecule for APRIL and as a ligand that induces neutrophil APRIL secretion to promote their own growth.
Risk stratification of smoldering multiple myeloma incorporating revised IMWG diagnostic criteria
Authors: Lakshman Arjun , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Buadi Francis K. , Binder Moritz , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Dingli David , Fonder Amie L. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Hobbs Miriam A. , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Hwa Yi Lisa , Kapoor Prashant , Leung Nelson , Go Ronald S. , Lin Yi , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: June 2018

In 2014, the International Myeloma Working Group reclassified patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) and bone marrow-plasma cell percentage (BMPC%) ≥ 60%, or serum free light chain ratio (FLCr) ≥ 100 or >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging as multiple myeloma (MM). Predictors of progression in patients currently classified as SMM are not known. We identified 421 patients with SMM, diagnosed between 2003 and 2015. The median time to progression (TTP) was 57 months (CI, 45–72). BMPC% > 20% [hazard ratio (HR): 2.28 (CI, 1.63–3.20); p < 0.0001]; M-protein > 2g/dL [HR: 1.56 (CI, 1.11–2.20); p = 0.01], and FLCr > 20 [HR: 2.13 (CI, 1.55–2.93); p < 0.0001] independently predicted shorter TTP in multivariate analysis. Age and immunoparesis were not significant. We stratified patients into three groups: low risk (none of the three risk factors; n = 143); intermediate risk (one of the three risk factors; n = 121); and high risk (≥2 of the three risk factors; n = 153). The median TTP for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 110, 68, and 29 months, respectively (p < 0.0001). BMPC% > 20%, M-protein > 2 g/dL, and FLCr > 20 at diagnosis can be used to risk stratify patients with SMM. Patients with high-risk SMM need close follow-up and are candidates for clinical trials aiming to prevent progression.
A recurrent point mutation in PRKCA is a hallmark of chordoid gliomas
Authors: Rosenberg Shai , Simeonova Iva , Bielle Franck , Verreault Maite , Bance Bertille , Le Roux Isabelle , Daniau Mailys , Nadaradjane Arun , Gleize Vincent , Paris Sophie , Marie Yannick , Giry Marine , Polivka Marc , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Aubriot-Lorton Marie-Hélène , Villa Chiara , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Lechapt-Zalcman Emmanuèle , Kalamarides Michel , Sharif Ariane , Mokhtari Karima , Pagnotta Stefano Maria , Iavarone Antonio , Lasorella Anna , Huillard Emmanuelle , Sanson Marc
Published: June 2018

Chordoid glioma (ChG) is a characteristic, slow growing, and well-circumscribed diencephalic tumor, whose mutational landscape is unknown. Here we report the analysis of 16 ChG by whole-exome and RNA-sequencing. We found that 15 ChG harbor the same PRKCA
D463H
mutation. PRKCA encodes the Protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme alpha (PKCα) and is mutated in a wide range of human cancers. However the hot spot PRKCA
D463H
mutation was not described in other tumors. PRKCA
D463H
is strongly associated with the activation of protein translation initiation (EIF2) pathway. PKCαD463H mRNA levels are more abundant than wild-type PKCα transcripts, while PKCαD463H is less stable than the PCKαWT protein. Compared to PCKαWT, the PKCαD463H protein is depleted from the cell membrane. The PKCαD463H mutant enhances proliferation of astrocytes and tanycytes, the cells of origin of ChG. In conclusion, our study identifies the hallmark mutation for chordoid gliomas and provides mechanistic insights on ChG oncogenesis.
A CD4-mimetic compound enhances vaccine efficacy against stringent immunodeficiency virus challenge
Authors: Madani Navid , Princiotto Amy M. , Mach Linh , Ding Shilei , Prevost Jérémie , Richard Jonathan , Hora Bhavna , Sutherland Laura , Zhao Connie A. , Conn Brandon P. , Bradley Todd , Moody M. Anthony , Melillo Bruno , Finzi Andrés , Haynes Barton F. , Smith III Amos B. , Santra Sampa , Sodroski Joseph
Published: June 2018

The envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer ((gp120/gp41)3) mediates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry into cells. The “closed,” antibody-resistant Env trimer is driven to more open conformations by binding the host receptor, CD4. Broadly neutralizing antibodies that recognize conserved elements of the closed Env are potentially protective, but are elicited inefficiently. HIV-1 has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade readily elicited antibodies against more open Env conformations. Small-molecule CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mc) bind the HIV-1 gp120 Env and promote conformational changes similar to those induced by CD4, exposing conserved Env elements to antibodies. Here, we show that a CD4mc synergizes with antibodies elicited by monomeric HIV-1 gp120 to protect monkeys from multiple high-dose intrarectal challenges with a heterologous simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). The protective immune response persists for at least six months after vaccination. CD4mc should increase the protective efficacy of any HIV-1 Env vaccine that elicits antibodies against CD4-induced conformations of Env.
Anion insertion enhanced electrodeposition of robust metal hydroxide/oxide electrodes for oxygen evolution
Authors: Yan Zhenhua , Sun Hongming , Chen Xiang , Liu Huanhuan , Zhao Yaran , Li Haixia , Xie Wei , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: June 2018

Electrochemical deposition is a facile strategy to prepare functional materials but suffers from limitation in thin films and uncontrollable interface engineering. Here we report a universal electrosynthesis of metal hydroxides/oxides on varied substrates via reduction of oxyacid anions. On graphitic substrates, we find that the insertion of nitrate ion in graphene layers significantly enhances the electrodeposit–support interface, resulting in high mass loading and super hydrophilic/aerophobic properties. For the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction, the nanocrystalline cerium dioxide and amorphous nickel hydroxide co-electrodeposited on graphite exhibits low overpotential (177 mV@10 mA cm−2) and sustains long-term durability (over 300 h) at a large current density of 1000 mA cm−2. In situ Raman and operando X-ray diffraction unravel that the integration of cerium promotes the formation of electrocatalytically active gamma-phase nickel oxyhydroxide with exposed (003) facets. Therefore, combining anion intercalation with cathodic electrodeposition allows building robust electrodes with high electrochemical performance.
Comparative Evaluation of MS-based Metabolomics Software and Its Application to Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hao Ling , Wang Jingxin , Page David , Asthana Sanjay , Zetterberg Henrik , Carlsson Cynthia , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Li Lingjun
Published: June 2018

Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has undergone significant progresses in the past decade, with a variety of software packages being developed for data analysis. However, systematic comparison of different metabolomics software tools has rarely been conducted. In this study, several representative software packages were comparatively evaluated throughout the entire pipeline of metabolomics data analysis, including data processing, statistical analysis, feature selection, metabolite identification, pathway analysis, and classification model construction. LC-MS-based metabolomics was applied to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using a small cohort of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (N = 30). All three software packages, XCMS Online, SIEVE, and Compound Discoverer, provided consistent and reproducible data processing results. A hybrid method combining statistical test and support vector machine feature selection was employed to screen key metabolites, achieving a complementary selection of candidate biomarkers from three software packages. Machine learning classification using candidate biomarkers generated highly accurate and predictive models to classify patients into preclinical AD or control category. Overall, our study demonstrated a systematic evaluation of different MS-based metabolomics software packages for the entire data analysis pipeline which was applied to the candidate biomarker discovery of preclinical AD.
Monitoring brain activity and behaviour in freely moving Drosophila larvae using bioluminescence
Authors: Marescotti Manuela , Lagogiannis Konstantinos , Webb Barbara , Davies R. Wayne , Armstrong J. Douglas
Published: June 2018

We present a bioluminescence method, based on the calcium-reporter Aequorin (AEQ), that exploits targeted transgenic expression patterns to identify activity of specific neural groups in the larval Drosophila nervous system. We first refine, for intact but constrained larva, the choice of Aequorin transgene and method of delivery of the co-factor coelenterazine and assay the luminescence signal produced for different neural expression patterns and concentrations of co-factor, using standard photo-counting techniques. We then develop an apparatus that allows simultaneous measurement of this neural signal while video recording the crawling path of an unconstrained animal. The setup also enables delivery and measurement of an olfactory cue (CO2) and we demonstrate the ability to record synchronized changes in Kenyon cell activity and crawling speed caused by the stimulus. Our approach is thus shown to be an effective and affordable method for studying the neural basis of behavior in Drosophila larvae.
Unraveling the Complexity of Wildland Urban Interface Fires
Authors: Mahmoud Hussam , Chulahwat Akshat
Published: June 2018

Recent wildland urban interface fires have demonstrated the unrelenting destructive nature of these events and have called for an urgent need to address the problem. The Wildfire paradox reinforces the ideology that forest fires are inevitable and are actually beneficial; therefore focus should to be shifted towards minimizing potential losses to communities. This requires the development of vulnerability-based frameworks that can be used to provide holistic understanding of risk. In this study, we devise a probabilistic approach for quantifying community vulnerability to wildfires by applying concepts of graph theory. A directed graph for community in question is developed to model wildfire inside a community by incorporating different fire propagation modes. The model accounts for relevant community-specific characteristics including wind conditions, community layout, individual structural features, and the surrounding wildland vegetation. We calibrate the framework to study the infamous 1991 Oakland fire in an attempt to unravel the complexity of community fires. We use traditional centrality measures to identify critical behavior patterns and to evaluate the effect of fire mitigation strategies. Unlike current practice, the results are shown to be community-specific with substantial dependency of risk on meteorological conditions, environmental factors, and community characteristics and layout.
Association of gyrA and rrs gene mutations detected by MTBDRsl V1 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains of diverse genetic background from India
Authors: Rufai Syed Beenish , Singh Jitendra , Kumar Parveen , Mathur Purva , Singh Sarman
Published: June 2018

There is limited data on the use of Genotype MTBDRslVersion 1 (MTBDRsl V1) as an initial rapid screening test to rule out XDR-TB and most importantly its performance in various genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is scarcely studied. A total of 359 MDR-TB isolates were tested for gene mutations representing second line drug resistance, using the MTBDRsl_V.1 and the results were compared with phenotypic method (Bactec MGIT-960 system) for second-line drug (SLD) susceptibility testing. Genetic lineages of all these isolates were also determined using spoligotyping and SITVIT2 WEB database. The MTBDRsl V1 detected mutations in the gyrA, rrs, and emb genes in 108 (30%), 2 (0.5%) and 129 (35.9%) isolates, respectively. Remaining 120 (33.4%) had no second line drug (SLD) resistance. In 17 (4.7%) isolates mutations were detected in both gyrA and rrs genes. Its concordance with MGIT-960 culture drug susceptibility testing (DST) was 97% and 94.1%, 93.5%, 60.5% and 50% for the detection of XDR-TB, pre-XDR, Ethambutol, and Aminoglycosides/Cyclopeptides resistance. The Beijing lineage was predominant (46%) between both the pre-XDR/XDR-TB isolates. We conclude that MTBDRsl is useful for rapid detection of SLD resistance. Also in pre-XDR and XDR-TB isolates the frequency of relevant genetic mutations was significantly higher in the Beijing strains.
Publisher Correction: Planar array with bidirectional elements for tunnel environments
Authors: Wang Ren , Wang Bing-Zhong , Ding Xiao , Ou Jun-Yu
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
D-Cateslytin: a new antifungal agent for the treatment of oral Candida albicans associated infections
Authors: Dartevelle Pauline , Ehlinger Claire , Zaet Abdurraouf , Boehler Christian , Rabineau Morgane , Westermann Benoit , Strub Jean-Marc , Cianferani Sarah , Haïkel Youssef , Metz-Boutigue Marie-Hélène , Marban Céline
Published: June 2018

The excessive use of antifungal agents, compounded by the shortage of new drugs being introduced into the market, is causing the accumulation of multi-resistance phenotypes in many fungal strains. Consequently, new alternative molecules to conventional antifungal agents are urgently needed to prevent the emergence of fungal resistance. In this context, Cateslytin (Ctl), a natural peptide derived from the processing of Chromogranin A, has already been described as an effective antimicrobial agent against several pathogens including Candida albicans. In the present study, we compared the antimicrobial activity of two conformations of Ctl, L-Ctl and D-Ctl against Candida albicans. Our results show that both D-Ctl and L-Ctl were potent and safe antifungal agents. However, in contrast to L-Ctl, D-Ctl was not degraded by proteases secreted by Candida albicans and was also stable in saliva. Using video microscopy, we also demonstrated that D-Ctl can rapidly enter C. albicans, but is unable to spread within a yeast colony unless from a mother cell to a daughter cell during cellular division. Besides, we revealed that the antifungal activity of D-Ctl could be synergized by voriconazole, an antifungal of reference in the treatment of Candida albicans related infections. In conclusion, D-Ctl can be considered as an effective, safe and stable antifungal and could be used alone or in a combination therapy with voriconazole to treat Candida albicans related diseases including oral candidosis.
Screening and characterization of prophages in Desulfovibrio genomes
Authors: Crispim Josicelli Souza , Dias Roberto Sousa , Vidigal Pedro Marcus Pereira , de Sousa Maíra Paula , da Silva Cynthia Canêdo , Santana Mateus Ferreira , de Paula Sérgio Oliveira
Published: June 2018

Bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio belong to the group of Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB). SRB generate significant liabilities in the petroleum industry, mainly due to their ability to microbiologically induce corrosion, biofilm formation and H2S production. Bacteriophages are an alternative control method for SRB, whose information for this group of bacteria however, is scarce. The present study developed a workflow for the identification of complete prophages in Desulfovibrio. Poly-lysogenesis was shown to be common in Desulfovibrio. In the 47 genomes analyzed 53 complete prophages were identified. These were classified within the order Caudovirales, with 69.82% belonging to the Myoviridade family. More than half the prophages identified have genes coding for lysozyme or holin. Four of the analyzed bacterial genomes present prophages with identity above 50% in the same strain, whose comparative analysis demonstrated the existence of colinearity between the sequences. Of the 17 closed bacterial genomes analyzed, 6 have the CRISPR-Cas system classified as inactive. The identification of bacterial poly-lysogeny, the proximity between the complete prophages and the possible inactivity of the CRISPR-Cas in closed bacterial genomes analyzed allowed the choice of poly-lysogenic strains with prophages belonging to the Myoviridae family for the isolation of prophages and testing of related strains for subsequent studies.
High-Performance Solid-State Thermionic Energy Conversion Based on 2D van der Waals Heterostructures: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Zebarjadi Mona , Esfarjani Keivan
Published: June 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have shown multiple functionalities with great potential in electronics and photovoltaics. Here, we show their potential for solid-state thermionic energy conversion and demonstrate a designing strategy towards high-performance devices. We propose two promising thermionic devices, namely, the p-type Pt-G-WSe2-G-Pt and n-type Sc-WSe2-MoSe2-WSe2-Sc. We characterize the thermionic energy conversion performance of the latter using first-principles GW calculations combined with real space Green’s function (GF) formalism. The optimal barrier height and high thermal resistance lead to an excellent performance. The proposed device is found to have a room temperature equivalent figure of merit of 1.2 which increases to 3 above 600 K. A high performance with cooling efficiency over 30% of the Carnot efficiency above 450 K is achieved. Our designing and characterization method can be used to pursue other potential thermionic devices based on vdWHs.
Vector competence of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks for a Japanese isolate of the Thogoto virus
Authors: Talactac Melbourne Rio , Yoshii Kentaro , Hernandez Emmanuel Pacia , Kusakisako Kodai , Galay Remil Linggatong , Fujisaki Kozo , Mochizuki Masami , Tanaka Tetsuya
Published: June 2018

Thogoto virus (THOV), a tick-borne arbovirus not previously reported in East Asia, was recently isolated from Haemaphysalis longicornis in Kyoto, Japan. In this study, we investigated the vector competence of H. longicornis ticks for a Japanese isolate of the Thogoto virus using anal pore microinjection and experimental virus acquisition. Our results showed that anal pore microinjection can readily infect adult ticks, and THOV-infected ticks can successfully transmit the virus to mice. Blood feeding was also critical in the distribution of the virus in tick organs, most especially in the salivary glands. Furthermore, co-feeding between an infected adult and naïve nymphs can also produce infected molted adults that can horizontally transmit THOV to mice. Altogether, our results suggest that H. longicornis is a competent vector for the Japanese THOV isolate and could be the primary tick vector of the virus in Japan.
Presymptomatic change in microRNAs modulates Tau pathology
Authors: Sharma Salil , Khadimallah Ines , Corya Adam Williamson , Ali Yousuf Omar , Rao Xi , Liu Yunlong , Lu Hui-Chen
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRs) are 18~23 nucleotides long non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. To explore whether miR alterations in tauopathy contribute to pathological conditions, we first determined which hippocampal miRs are altered at the presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of tauopathy using rTg4510 mice (Tau mice), a well-characterized tauopathy model. miR-RNA pairing analysis using QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed 401 genes that can be regulated by 71 miRs altered in Tau hippocampi at the presymptomatic stage. Among several miRs confirmed with real-time qPCR, miR142 (−3p and −5p) in Tau hippocampi were significantly upregulated by two-weeks of age and onward. Transcriptome studies by RNAseq and IPA revealed several overlapping biological and disease associated pathways affected by either Tau or miR142 overexpression, including Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (Tnfr2) signaling pathways. Similar to what was observed in Tau brains, overexpressing miR142 in wildtype cortical neurons augments mRNA levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap) and Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (Csf1), accompanied by a significant increase in microglia and reactive astrocyte numbers. Taken together, our study suggests that miR alterations by Tau overexpression may contribute to the neuroinflammation observed in Tau brains.
Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei A221 improves the functionality and bioavailability of kaempferol-glucoside in kale by its glucosidase activity
Authors: Shimojo Yosuke , Ozawa Yusuke , Toda Toshihiko , Igami Kentaro , Shimizu Takahiko
Published: June 2018

The interplay between food components and gut microbiota has been considered an important factor affecting the functionality of health-promoting foods. In this study, the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei A221 on the functionality and bioavailability of kaempferol-3-o-sophroside (KP3S), a kaempferol-glucoside contained in kale, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Unlike the type strain NBRC15889, the A221 strain converted standard KP3S as well as the kaempferol-glucosides in kale extract into kaempferol (KP). Using an intestinal barrier model, treatment with A221 significantly improved the effects of kale extract on the barrier integrity in vitro. KP, but not KP3S, clearly induced similar effects, suggesting that KP contributes to the functional improvement of the kale extract by A221. Pharmacokinetics analyses revealed that the co-administration of A221 and KP3S significantly enhanced the amount of deconjugated KP in murine plasma samples at 3 h post-administration. Finally, the oral administration of KP to Sod1-deficinet mice, which is a good mouse model of age-related disease, clearly ameliorated various pathologies, including skin thinning, fatty liver and anemia. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus paracasei A221 is effective for enhancing the anti-aging properties of kaempferol-glucosides by modulating their functionality and bioavailability through the direct bioconversion.
Spatio-temporal modelling of weekly malaria incidence in children under 5 for early epidemic detection in Mozambique
Authors: Colborn Kathryn L. , Giorgi Emanuele , Monaghan Andrew J. , Gudo Eduardo , Candrinho Baltazar , Marrufo Tatiana J. , Colborn James M.
Published: June 2018

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Mozambique. We present a malaria early warning system (MEWS) for Mozambique informed by seven years of weekly case reports of malaria in children under 5 years of age from 142 districts. A spatio-temporal model was developed based on explanatory climatic variables to map exceedance probabilities, defined as the predictive probability that the relative risk of malaria incidence in a given district for a particular week will exceed a predefined threshold. Unlike most spatially discrete models, our approach accounts for the geographical extent of each district in the derivation of the spatial covariance structure to allow for changes in administrative boundaries over time. The MEWS can thus be used to predict areas that may experience increases in malaria transmission beyond expected levels, early enough so that prevention and response measures can be implemented prior to the onset of outbreaks. The framework we present is also applicable to other climate-sensitive diseases.
Purifying and positive selection in the evolution of stop codons
Authors: Belinky Frida , Babenko Vladimir N. , Rogozin Igor B. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: June 2018

Modes of evolution of stop codons in protein-coding genes, especially the conservation of UAA, have been debated for many years. We reconstructed the evolution of stop codons in 40 groups of closely related prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. The results indicate that the UAA codons are maintained by purifying selection in all domains of life. In contrast, positive selection appears to drive switches from UAG to other stop codons in prokaryotes but not in eukaryotes. Changes in stop codons are significantly associated with increased substitution frequency immediately downstream of the stop. These positions are otherwise more strongly conserved in evolution compared to sites farther downstream, suggesting that such substitutions are compensatory. Although GC content has a major impact on stop codon frequencies, its contribution to the decreased frequency of UAA differs between bacteria and archaea, presumably, due to differences in their translation termination mechanisms.
Rate of recovery from perturbations as a means to forecast future stability of living systems
Authors: Ghadami Amin , Gourgou Eleni , Epureanu Bogdan I.
Published: June 2018

Anticipating critical transitions in complex ecological and living systems is an important need because it is often difficult to restore a system to its pre-transition state once the transition occurs. Recent studies demonstrate that several indicators based on changes in ecological time series can indicate that the system is approaching an impending transition. An exciting question is, however, whether we can predict more characteristics of the future system stability using measurements taken away from the transition. We address this question by introducing a model-less forecasting method to forecast catastrophic transition of an experimental ecological system. The experiment is based on the dynamics of a yeast population, which is known to exhibit a catastrophic transition as the environment deteriorates. By measuring the system’s response to perturbations prior to transition, we forecast the distance to the upcoming transition, the type of the transition (i.e., catastrophic/non-catastrophic) and the future equilibrium points within a range near the transition. Experimental results suggest a strong potential for practical applicability of this approach for ecological systems which are at risk of catastrophic transitions, where there is a pressing need for information about upcoming thresholds.
PTPRS Regulates Colorectal Cancer RAS Pathway Activity by Inactivating Erk and Preventing Its Nuclear Translocation
Authors: Davis Thomas B. , Yang Mingli , Schell Michael J. , Wang Heiman , Ma Le , Pledger W. Jack , Yeatman Timothy J.
Published: June 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and progression is frequently driven by RAS pathway activation through upstream growth factor receptor activation or through mutational activation of KRAS or BRAF. Here we describe an additional mechanism by which the RAS pathway may be modulated in CRC. PTPRS, a receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase, appears to regulate RAS pathway activation through ERK. PTPRS modulates ERK phosphorylation and subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Native mutations in PTPRS, present in ~10% of CRC, may reduce its phosphatase activity while increasing ERK activation and downstream transcriptional signaling.
The strategies and outcomes of left subclavian artery revascularization during thoracic endovascular repair for type B aortic dissection
Authors: Xiang Yuwei , Huang Bin , Zhao Jichun , Hu Hankui , Yuan Ding , Yang Yi
Published: June 2018

This study was to analyze the outcomes of left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization during thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissections (TBAD). From 2011 to 2017, TBAD patients who underwent LSA revascularization during TEVAR were enrolled. Technical success, endoleaks, mortality, complication, reintervention, and patency of target vessels were analyzed. 38 patients were included, 14 underwent carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB), and 24 underwent chimney graft (CG) implantation. Technical success rates were 92.9% and 100% in CSB and CG group. Eleven immediate type I endoleak (EL-I) was detected, including one from CSB group and ten from CG group. Three immediate type II endoleak (EL-II) was detected in CSB group. Perioperative complications showed no difference, but CSB group had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay time. Median follow-up time was 26.2 months, and overall mortality was 14.3% and 0% in each group. Three EL-I and one EL-II underwent reintervention. All the LSA showed good patency, except one suffered from CG collapse. Both CSB and CG were feasible strategies to preserve the antegrade blood flow of LSA, and each strategy had its advantages and disadvantages. Based on our current experience, we preferred CG for high-risk patients. However, the evidence was still not strong enough, further well-designed studies are necessary to identify the criteria for LSA revascularization strategy during TEVAR.
Controlling the impact of the managed honeybee on wild bees in protected areas
Authors: Henry Mickaël , Rodet Guy
Published: June 2018

In recent years, conservation biologists have raised awareness about the risk of ecological interference between massively introduced managed honeybees and the native wild bee fauna in protected natural areas. In this study, we surveyed wild bees and quantified their nectar and pollen foraging success in a rosemary Mediterranean scrubland in southern France, under different conditions of apiary size and proximity. We found that high-density beekeeping triggers foraging competition which depresses not only the occurrence (−55%) and nectar foraging success (−50%) of local wild bees but also nectar (−44%) and pollen (−36%) harvesting by the honeybees themselves. Overall, those competition effects spanned distances of 600–1.100 m around apiaries, i.e. covering 1.1–3.8km2 areas. Regardless the considered competition criterion, setting distance thresholds among apiaries appeared more tractable than setting colony density thresholds for beekeeping regulation. Moreover, the intraspecific competition among the honeybees has practical implications for beekeepers. It shows that the local carrying capacity has been exceeded and raises concerns for honey yields and colony sustainability. It also offers an effective ecological criterion for pragmatic decision-making whenever conservation practitioners envision progressively reducing beekeeping in protected areas. Although specific to the studied area, the recommendations provided here may help raise consciousness about the threat high-density beekeeping may pose to local nature conservation initiatives, especially in areas with sensitive or endangered plant or bee species such as small oceanic islands with high levels of endemism.
Directional emission of plastic luminescent films using photonic crystals fabricated by soft-X-ray interference lithography and reactive ion etching
Authors: Wu Qiang , Liu Bo , Zhu Zhichao , Gu Mu , Chen Hong , Xue Chaofan , Zhao Jun , Wu Yanqing , Tai Renzhong , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: June 2018

In this report, a novel method to prepare photonic crystals based on the combination of soft-X-ray interference lithography (XIL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) with a bi-layer photoresist system was developed. XIL can be utilized to prepare periodic structures with high efficiency but the depth of etch is limited due to the strong absorption of photoresist for soft-X-ray. Based on the pattern prepared by XIL, RIE can be utilized to further etch a second layer of photoresist, so that one can obtain a large depth of etch. Controlling the dispersion relation of the prepared photonic crystals, strongly directional emission of plastic luminescent films was demonstrated. A wavelength-integrated enhancement of 2.64-folds enhancement in the range of 420 to 440 nm in the normal direction was obtained. Guided-mode resonance and Fabry-Perot resonance could be the critical factors to control the directional emission. Devices based on directional emission films have a variety of applications in such as detectors, optical communication and display screens.
Tunability of p- and n-channel TiOx thin film transistors
Authors: Peng Wu-Chang , Chen Yao-Ching , He Ju-Liang , Ou Sin-Liang , Horng Ray-Hua , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: June 2018

To acquire device-quality TiOx films usually needs high-temperature growth or additional post-thermal treatment. However, both processes make it very difficult to form the p-type TiOx even under oxygen-poor growth condition. With the aid of high energy generated by high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS), a highly stable p-type TiOx film with good quality can be achieved. In this research, by varying the oxygen flow rate, p-type γ-TiO and n-type TiO2 films were both prepared by HIPIMS. Furthermore, p- and n-type thin film transistors employing γ-TiO and TiO2 as channel layers possess the field-effect carrier mobilities of 0.2 and 0.7 cm2/Vs, while their on/off current ratios are 1.7 × 104 and 2.5 × 105, respectively. The first presented p-type γ-TiO TFT is a major breakthrough for fabricating the TiOx-based p-n combinational devices. Additionally, our work also confirms HIPIMS offers the possibility of growing both p- and n-type conductive oxides, significantly expanding the practical usage of this technique.