bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moraxella catarrhalis NucM is an entry nuclease involved in extracellular DNA and RNA degradation, cell competence and biofilm scaffolding
Authors: Tan Aimee , Li Wing-Sze , Verderosa Anthony D. , Blakeway Luke V. , D. Mubaiwa Tsitsi , Totsika Makrina , Seib Kate L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMoraxella catarrhalisis a host-adapted bacterial pathogen that causes otitis media and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study characterises the conservedM.catarrhalisextracellular nuclease, a member of the ββα metal finger family of nucleases, that we have named NucM. NucM shares conserved sequence motifs from the ββα nuclease family, including the DRGH catalytic core and Mg2+co-ordination site, but otherwise shares little primary sequence identity with other family members, such as theSerratiaNuc and pneumococcal EndA nucleases. NucM is secreted from the cell and digests linear and circular nucleic acid. However, it appears that a proportion of NucM is also associated with the cell membrane and acts as an entry nuclease, facilitating transformation ofM.catarrhaliscells. This is the first example of a ββα nuclease in a Gram negative bacteria that acts as an entry nuclease. In addition to its role in competence, NucM affects cell aggregation and biofilm formation byM.catarrhalis, with ΔnucMmutants having increased biofilm biomass. NucM is likely to increase the ability of cells to survive and persistin vivo, increasing the virulence ofM.catarrhalisand potentially affecting the behaviour of other pathogens that co-colonise the otorhinolaryngological niche.
SUNRED, a natural extract-based biostimulant, application stimulates anthocyanin production in the skins of grapes
Authors: Deng Qunxian , Xia Hui , Lin Lijin , Wang Jin , Yuan Lu , Li Kangning , Zhang Jinrong , Lv Xiulan , Liang Dong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAnthocyanins are important components in skins of red table grapes and contribute to the berries appearance, a key quality characteristic for customers. In recent years, exogenous foliage fertilizers has been applied to grapevines to improve the pigmentation of the fruit. The present study examines the effect on a biostimulant (SUNRED) pre-véraison application in the accumulation of anthocyanins in ‘Red Globe’ grapes, and investigates the related changes in expression of key genes and their enzyme activities in the flavonoid pathways. Additionally, abscisic acid (S-ABA) was also applied to grapevines to evaluate the comparative effect of SUNRED. Our analyses showed that total anthocyanin contents increased in both SUNRED and S-ABA treated grapes; for S-ABA, a 1% dilution (A100) of the commercially available stock solution treatments represented the greatest effect on pigmentation; for SUNRED, a 0.1% dilution (S1000) was most effective. The anthocyanin contents increased by 1.16-fold and 1.4-fold after A100 and S1000 treatments, respectively. The gene expression analyses showed that almost all genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway up-regulated after A100 and S1000 treatments, suggesting that the increment in total anthocyanin content was attributed to the increased expression level of related genes. Moreover, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone isomerase (CHI), UDP glucose: flavonoid 3-o-glucosyl transferase (UFGT) and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), key enzymes for biosynthesis of anthocyanin, were increased by the exogenous treatments. Overall, our findings clearly demonstrate that application of exogenous biostimulant have a positive effect on the pigment characteristics of grape crop.
Photoprotection of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles against UVA radiation-induced Senescence of Human Skin Fibroblasts due to their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Li Yaxi , Hou Xiaoyang , Yang Chunsheng , Pang Yanyu , Li Xinxin , Jiang Guan , Liu Yanqun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) irradiation, particularly ultraviolet A (UVA), stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the epidermis and dermis, which plays a major part in the photoageing of human skin. Several studies have demonstrated that cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NP) can exhibit an antioxidant effect and free radical scavenging activity. However, the protective role of CeO2 NP in skin photoageing and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of CeO2 NP on UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and explored the potential signalling pathway. CeO2 NP had no apparent cytotoxicity, and could reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, intracellular ROS, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and downregulate phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) after exposure to UVA radiation. Based on our findings, CeO2 NPs have great potential against UVA radiation-induced photoageing in HSFs via regulating the JNK signal-transduction pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Detection of cannabinoids in hair after cosmetic application of hemp oil
Authors: Paul R. , Williams R. , Hodson V. , Peake C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe detection of cannabis constituents and metabolites in hair is an established procedure to provide evidence of exposure to cannabis. We present the first known evidence to suggest that applying hemp oil to hair, as cosmetic treatment, may result in the incorporation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD) and in one instance, the metabolite 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-OH). 10 volunteers treated their head hair daily with commercially available hemp oil for a period of 6 weeks. Head hair samples were collected before and after the application period. Hair samples were washed with methanol and subjected to clean up via liquid/liquid and solid phase extraction procedures, and then GC-MS/MS for the analysis of THC, CBN, CBD, THC-OH and THC-COOH. Application of hemp oil to hair resulted in the incorporation of one or more cannabis constituents in 89% of volunteers, and 33% of the group tested positive for the three major constituents, THC, CBN and CBD. One volunteer showed low levels of the metabolite THC-OH. We suggest that cosmetic use of hemp oil should be recorded when sampling head hair for analysis, and that the interpretative value of cannabinoid hair measurements from people reporting application of hemp oil is treated with caution in both criminology and public health.
Multiple molecular defense strategies in Brachypodium distachyon surmount Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) larvae-induced susceptibility for plant survival
Authors: Subramanyam Subhashree , Nemacheck Jill A. , Hargarten Andrea M. , Sardesai Nagesh , Schemerhorn Brandon J. , Williams Christie E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Hessian fly is a destructive pest of wheat causing severe economic damage. Numerous genes and associated biological pathways have been implicated in defense against Hessian fly. However, due to limited genetic resources, compounded with genome complexity, functional analysis of the candidate genes are challenging in wheat. Physically, Brachypodium distachyon (Bd) exhibits nonhost resistance to Hessian fly, and with a small genome size, short life cycle, vast genetic resources and amenability to transformation, it offers an alternate functional genomic model for deciphering plant-Hessian fly interactions. RNA-sequencing was used to reveal thousands of Hessian fly-responsive genes in Bd one, three, and five days after egg hatch. Genes encoding defense proteins, stress-regulating transcription factors, signaling kinases, and secondary metabolites were strongly up-regulated within the first 24 hours of larval feeding indicating an early defense, similar to resistant wheat. Defense was mediated by a hypersensitive response that included necrotic lesions, up-regulated ROS-generating and -scavenging enzymes, and H2O2 production. Suppression of cell wall-associated proteins and increased cell permeability in Bd resembled susceptible wheat. Thus, Bd molecular responses shared similarities to both resistant and susceptible wheat, validating its suitability as a model genome for undertaking functional studies of candidate Hessian fly-responsive genes.
Site-specific chelation therapy with EDTA-loaded albumin nanoparticles reverses arterial calcification in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Karamched Saketh R. , Nosoudi Nasim , Moreland Hannah E. , Chowdhury Aniqa , Vyavahare Naren R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMedial arterial calcification (MAC) is a common outcome in diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It occurs as linear mineral deposits along the degraded elastin lamellae and is responsible for increased aortic stiffness and subsequent cardiovascular events. Current treatments for calcification, particularly in CKD, are predominantly focused on regulating the mineral disturbance and other risk factors. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), a chelating agent, can resorb mineral deposits, but the systemic delivery of EDTA may cause side effects such as hypocalcemia and bone resorption. We have developed elastin antibody conjugated albumin nanoparticles that target only degraded elastin in vasculature while sparing healthy tissues. In this study, we tested a targeted nanoparticle-based EDTA chelation therapy to reverse CKD-associated MAC. Renal failure was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a high adenine diet supplemented by high P and Ca for 28 days that led to MAC. Intravenous delivery of DiR dye-loaded nanoparticles confirmed targeting to vascular degraded elastin and calcification sites within 24 hours. Next, EDTA-loaded albumin nanoparticles conjugated with an anti-elastin antibody were intravenously injected twice a week for two weeks. The targeted nanoparticles delivered EDTA at the site of vascular calcification and reversed mineral deposits without any untoward effects. Systemic EDTA injections or blank nanoparticles were ineffective in reversing MAC. Reversal of calcification seems to be stable as it did not return after the treatment was stopped for an additional four weeks. Targeted EDTA chelation therapy successfully reversed calcification in this adenine rat model of CKD. We consider that targeted NP therapy will provide an attractive option to reverse calcification and has a high potential for clinical translation.
Dynamic formation of stable current-driven plasma jets
Authors: Underwood Thomas C. , Loebner Keith T. K. , Miller Victor A. , Cappelli Mark A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInstabilities play a prominent role in determining the inherent structure and properties of magnetized plasma jets spanning both laboratory and astrophysical settings. The manner in which prominent unstable modes dynamically evolve remains key to understanding plasma behavior and control. In astrophysical phenomena, self-similar jets are observed to propagate over vast distances while avoiding breakup caused by unstable mode growth. However, the production of stable dense plasma jets in the laboratory has been limited by the onset of unstable modes that restrict jet lifetime, collimation, and scalability. In this work, we visualize the formation of stable laboratory-generated, dense, super-magnetosonic plasma jets in real time, and we identify an underlying mechanism that contributes to this behavior. The current-driven plasma jets generated in our experiments form a flowing Z-pinch, which is generally unstable to the m = 1 kink instability. Our results indicate that a stable dense plasma jet can be maintained for timescales over which a steady pinch current can be sustained, even at levels which would otherwise lead to rapid unstable mode growth and resultant pinch disassembly.
High-throughput screening and Bayesian machine learning for copper-dependent inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dalecki Alex G , Zorn Kimberley M , Clark Alex M , Ekins Sean , Narmore Whitney T , Tower Nichole , Rasmussen Lynn , Bostwick Robert , Kutsch Olaf , Wolschendorf Frank 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
One potential source of new antibacterials is through probing existing chemical libraries for copper-dependent inhibitors (CDIs), i.e., molecules with antibiotic activity only in the presence of copper. Recently, our group demonstrated that previously unknown staphylococcal CDIs were frequently present in a small pilot screen. Here, we report the outcome of a larger industrial anti-staphylococcal screen consisting of 40 771 compounds assayed in parallel, both in standard and in copper-supplemented media. Ultimately, 483 had confirmed copper-dependent IC50 values under 50 μM. Sphere-exclusion clustering revealed that these hits were largely dominated by sulfur-containing motifs, including benzimidazole-2-thiones, thiadiazines, thiazoline formamides, triazino-benzimidazoles, and pyridinyl thieno-pyrimidines. Structure–activity relationship analysis of the pyridinyl thieno-pyrimidines generated multiple improved CDIs, with activity likely dependent on ligand/ion coordination. Molecular fingerprint-based Bayesian classification models were built using Discovery Studio and Assay Central, a new platform for sharing and distributing cheminformatic models in a portable format, based on open-source tools. Finally, we used the latter model to evaluate a library of FDA-approved drugs for copper-dependent activity in silico. Two anti-helminths, albendazole and thiabendazole, scored highly and are known to coordinate copper ions, further validating the model's applicability.
Engineering Innovation in Speech Science: Data and Technologies
Authors: Hagedorn Christina , Sorensen Tanner , Lammert Adam , Toutios Asterios , Goldstein Louis , Byrd Dani , Narayanan Shrikanth 
Published: February 2019

PurposeAs increasing amounts and types of speech data become accessible, health care and technology industries increasingly demand quantitative insight into speech content. The potential for speech data to provide insight into cognitive, affective, and psychological health states and behavior crucially depends on the ability to integrate speech data into the scientific process. Current engineering methods for acquiring, analyzing, and modeling speech data present the opportunity to integrate speech data into the scientific process. Additionally, machine learning systems recognize patterns in data that can facilitate hypothesis generation, data analysis, and statistical modeling. The goals of the present article are (a) to review developments across these domains that have allowed real-time magnetic resonance imaging to shed light on aspects of atypical speech articulation; (b) in a parallel vein, to discuss how advancements in signal processing have allowed for an improved understanding of communication markers associated with autism spectrum disorder; and (c) to highlight the clinical significance and implications of the application of these technological advancements to each of these areas.ConclusionThe collaboration of engineers, speech scientists, and clinicians has resulted in (a) the development of biologically inspired technology that has been proven useful for both small- and large-scale analyses, (b) a deepened practical and theoretical understanding of both typical and impaired speech production, and (c) the establishment and enhancement of diagnostic and therapeutic tools, all having far-reaching, interdisciplinary significance.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7740191
Programmable metasurface‐based RF chain‐free 8PSK wireless transmitter
Authors: Tang Wankai , Dai Jun Yan , Chen Mingzheng , Li Xiang , Cheng Qiang , Jin Shi , Wong Kai‐Kit , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: February 2019

In this Letter, a wireless transmitter using the new architecture of programmable metasurface is presented. The proposed transmitter does not require any filter, nor wideband mixer or wideband power amplifier, thereby making it a promising hardware architecture for cost‐effective wireless communications systems in the future. Using experimental results, the authors demonstrate that a programmable metasurface‐based 8‐phase shift‐keying (8PSK) transmitter with 8 × 32 phase adjustable unit cells can achieve 6.144 Mbps data rate over the air at 4.25 GHz with a comparable bit error rate performance as the conventional approach without channel coding, but with less hardware complexity.
Warm and cool starspots with opposite polarities
Authors: Strassmeier K. G. , Carroll T. A. , Ilyin I. V. 
Published: February 2019

Aims. We present a temperature and a magnetic-field surface map of the K2 subgiant of the active binary II Peg. Employed are high resolution Stokes IV spectra obtained with the new Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI) at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).
Methods. Fourteen average line profiles are inverted using our iMap code. We have employed an iterative regularization scheme without the need of a penalty function and incorporate a physical 3D description of the surface field vector. The spectral resolution of our data is 130 000 which converts to 20 resolution elements across the disk of II Peg.
Results. Our main result is that the temperature features on II Peg closely correlate with its magnetic field topology. We find a warm spot (350 K warmer with respect to the effective temperature) of positive polarity and radial field density of 1.1 kG coexisting with a cool spot (780 K cooler) of negative polarity of 2 kG. Several other cool features are reconstructed containing both polarities and with (radial) field densities of up to 2 kG. The largest cool spot is reconstructed with a temperature contrast of 550 K, an area of almost 10% of the visible hemisphere, and with a multipolar magnetic morphology. A meridional and an azimuthal component of the field of up to ±500 G is detected in two surface regions between spots with strong radial fields but different polarities. A force-free magnetic-field extrapolation suggests that the different polarities of cool spots and the positive polarity of warm spots are physically related through a system of coronal loops of typical height of ≈2 R⋆. While the Hα line core and its red-side wing exhibit variations throughout all rotational phases, a major increase of blue-shifted Hα emission was seen for the phases when the warm spot is approaching the stellar central meridian indicating high-velocity mass motion within its loop.
Conclusions. Active stars such as II Peg can show coexisting cool and warm spots on the surface that we interpret resulting from two different formation mechanisms. We explain the warm spots due to photospheric heating by a shock front from a siphon-type flow between regions of different polarities while the majority of the cool spots is likely formed due to the expected convective suppression like on the Sun.
The Effect of Ultrasonic Energy on Joint Characterization in Ultrasonic Spot Welding Multilayer Tabs Used in Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing
Authors: Ma Z.N. , Zhang Y.S. 
Published: February 2019

Lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles contains a large number of battery tabs with multiple and thin sheets. Dissimilar metals are often used for different electrodes, for example, the copper and nickel are often used for negative electrode and the aluminum is often used for positive electrode. Meanwhile the thickness of metal sheets are various at different locations. Ultrasonic spot welding is very capable of welding similar and dissimilar combinations. However, there are less heat generation and plastic deformation in the bottom interfaces where ultrasonic energy is difficult to reach. This will result in the unbonded region occurrence caused by ultrasonic energy attenuation.
In this work, experimental investigation was conducted to identify the effect of ultrasonic energy on joint characterization in ultrasonic welding multiple tabs by comparing the plastic deformation in different layers and various joint interfaces. Two sonotrodes with different knurl size were used to produce the welding energy for the tabs joining. Samples were cross-sectioned along vibration direction to obtain hardness profiles and metallographic maps. The hardness profile can be used to identify the changes of grain morphology. Hardness and grain size changes in different layers were also studied to reflect how ultrasonic energy decrease from top to bottom in battery tabs. Thereby, the relationship between material attributes and ultrasonic energy loss was established based on the experimental results.
Assessing Foot Loads in Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) and Active Knee Joint Motion Devices
Authors: Stolz Benedikt , Grim Casper , Lutter Christoph , Gelse Kolja , Schell Monika , Swoboda Bernd , Carl Hans-Dieter , Hotfiel Thilo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground Continuous passive motion (CPM) and active knee joint motion devices are commonly applied after various surgical procedures. Despite the growing use of active motion devices, there is a paucity of data comparing plantar loads between the different mobilization techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate foot loads during knee joint mobilization in continuous passive and active knee joint motion devices and to compare this data to the physiological load of full weight-bearing.Patients/Material and Methods Fifteen healthy participants (7 women and 8 men, 25 ± 3 years, 66 ± 6 kg, 175 ± 10 cm, BMI 21.9 ± 2) were recruited. Plantar loads were measured via dynamic pedobarography using a continuous passive motion device (ARTROMOT-K1, ORMED GmbH, Freiburg, Germany) and an active motion device (CAMOped, OPED AG, Cham, Switzerland), each with a restricted range of motion of 0-0-90° (ex/flex) and free ROM for the knee joint. For the active motion device, cycles were performed at four different resistance levels (0-III). Data were assessed using the pedar® X system (Novel Inc., Munich, Germany), which monitors loads from the foot-sole interface. Force values were compared between motion devices and normal gait, which served as the reference for conditions of full weight-bearing. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically signiﬁcant.Results Normal gait revealed peak forces of 694 ± 96 N, defined as 100 %. The CPM device produced plantar forces of less than 1.5 N. Using the active motion device in the setting of 0-0-90° produced foot loads of < 1.5 N (resistance 0-II) and 3.4 ± 9.3 N with a resistance of III (p < 0.001). Conditions of free ROM resulted in foot loads of 4.5 ± 4.5 N (resistance 0), 7.7 ± 10.7 N (resistance I), 6.7 ± 10.4 (resistance II) and 6.7 ± 6.9 N with a resistance of III (p < 0.001), corresponding to 0.6 %, 1.1 %, 1.0 % and 1.0 % of full weight-bearing, respectively.Conclusion Motion exercises of the knee joint can be performed both with passive and active devices in accordance with strict weight-bearing restrictions, which are often recommended by surgeons. Also, active motion devices can be used when the ankle joint or foot have to be offloaded. Further studies assessing intraarticular joint load conditions have to be performed to confirm the findings obtained in this study.