bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for tankyrase‐RNF146 interaction reveals noncanonical tankyrase‐binding motifs
Authors: DaRosa Paul A. , Klevit Rachel E. , Xu Wenqing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPoly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation (PARylation) catalyzed by the tankyrase enzymes (Tankyrase‐1 and ‐2; a.k.a. PARP‐5a and ‐5b) is involved in mitosis, telomere length regulation, GLUT‐4 vesicle transport, and cell growth and differentiation. Together with the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF146 (a.k.a. Iduna), tankyrases regulate the cellular levels of several important proteins including Axin, 3BP2, and angiomotins, which are key regulators of Wnt, Src and Hippo signaling, respectively. These tankyrase substrates are first PARylated and then ubiquitylated by RNF146, which is allosterically activated by binding to PAR polymer. Each tankyrase substrate is recognized by a tankyrase‐binding motif (TBM). Here we show that RNF146 binds directly to tankyrases via motifs in its C‐terminal region. Four of these RNF146 motifs represent novel, extended TBMs, that have one or two additional amino acids between the most conserved Arg and Gly residues. The individual RNF146 motifs display weak binding, but together mediate a strong multivalent interaction with the substrate‐binding region of TNKS, forming a robust one‐to‐one complex. A crystal structure of the first RNF146 noncanonical TBM in complex with the second ankyrin repeat domain of TNKS shows how an extended motif can be accommodated in a peptide‐binding groove on tankyrases. Overall, our work demonstrates the existence of a new class of extended TBMs that exist in previously uncharacterized tankyrase‐binding proteins including those of IF4A1 and NELFE.
Bicelle size modulates the rate of bacteriorhodopsin folding
Authors: Gruenhagen Timothy C. , Ziarek Joshua J. , Schlebach Jonathan P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe conformational equilibria of integral membrane proteins have proven extremely difficult to characterize within native lipid bilayers. To circumvent technical issues, investigations of the structure and stability of α‐helical membrane proteins are often carried out in mixed micelle or bicelle solvents that mimic the membrane and facilitate measurements of reversible folding. Under these conditions, the energetics of membrane protein folding are typically proportional to the mole fraction of an anionic detergent in the micelle. However, investigations of the folding and unfolding of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) surprisingly revealed that the folding rate is also highly sensitive to the bulk molar concentration of lipids and detergents. We show here that this rate enhancement coincides with changes in bicelle size and suggest this effect arises through restriction of the conformational search space during folding. In conjunction with previous mutagenic studies, these results provide additional evidence that a topological search limits the rate of bR folding. Furthermore, this finding provides insights into the manner by which micellar and bicellar environments influence the conformational stability of polytopic membrane proteins.
The impact of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate on the site and timing of recurrence and cancer‐specific survival
Authors: Trinh Vincent Q. , Sirois Jennifer , Benzerdjeb Nazim , Mansoori Babak K. , Grosset Andrée‐Anne , Albadine Roula , Latour Mathieu , Mes‐Masson Anne‐Marie , Hovington Hélène , Bergeron Alain , Ladouceur Martin , Fradet Yves , Saad Fred , Trudel Dominique 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundTo investigate the effect of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens in the context of the site of recurrence, time to recurrence, and cancer‐specific survival in two academic cohorts of locally, regionally, or distantly recurrent prostate cancer.MethodsOur cohort included men enrolled into two academic tissue repositories from 1993 to 2011, who were treated with first‐line RP who later experienced local recurrence, regional recurrence, or distant metastasis (together termed clinical recurrence, CR). RP material was reviewed to identify IDC‐P and to update grading to current standards. The primary endpoint was the initial location of CR. Secondary endpoints included time to CR and cancer‐specific survival. Pearson's chi‐square, Welch's t‐test, Mann‐Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were performed for univariate analyses. Multinomial logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Cancer‐specific survival was analyzed with the generalized Wilcoxon test and Cox regression.ResultsEighty‐five patients with CR were included in the analysis. IDC‐P was present in 78.5% of patients from Center 1 and 70.0% from Center 2 (P = 0.547). IDC‐P was independently associated with distant metastasis at initial CR (multivariate odds ratio = 6.27, P = 0.015). IDC‐P status did not affect time to recurrence; median survival without recurrence was at 53 months for IDC‐P(+) and at 50 months for IDC‐P(−) (P = 0.441). Distant metastases at the initial CR event had a 36% reduction of cancer‐specific survival compared to local recurrences (P = 0.007). Additionally, prostatic‐bed radiotherapy (adjuvant or salvage for biochemical recurrence before distant metastasis) was associated with a 25% reduction in cancer‐specific mortality compared to no radiotherapy (P = 0.023). Similar reduction in cancer‐specific mortality was observed in the subgroup of patients with distant metastasis and IDC‐P when treated with radiotherapy (29%, P = 0.050).ConclusionsIn our cohort, presence of IDC‐P was an independent factor for distant metastasis at initial CR, but did not have a significant impact on time to CR. Furthermore, metastatic patients showed statistically reduced cancer‐specific mortality when treated with radiotherapy. This reduction in cancer‐specific mortality was also identified in patients with IDC‐P. Future large scale validation studies should take into account the presence of IDC‐P and confirm its impact on disease progression.
Mating disruption of Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by playback of vibrational signals in vineyard trellis
Authors: Krugner Rodrigo , Gordon Shira D 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlassy‐winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is an important vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce's disease of grapevine. Area‐wide insecticide applications have suppressed GWSS populations for ∼ 25 years, but reduced levels of insecticide susceptibility have been reported. Therefore, alternative methods of control are needed. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of playback of vibrational mating communication signals for disrupting mating of GWSS in a natural vineyard setting and to evaluate spectral properties of signal transmission through vineyard trellis.RESULTSPlayback reduced mating of GWSS on grapevines. A total of 28 (of 134) male–female pairs mated in the control treatment (silence) and only one (of 134) pair mated when treated with the vibrational signal playback. Playback of vibrational signals through vineyard trellis was affected by distance from the signal source, with frequency composition being the highest at the source and lowest on vines positioned away from the source. Frequency composition in canes housing test insects decreased exponentially as distance from the source increased, whereas the relative amplitude of analyzed frequencies decreased linearly.CONCLUSIONAlthough further studies are needed prior to method implementation, data from this study continue to support integration of vibrational mating disruption with current methods to suppress GWSS populations. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A literature review on selective maintenance for multi‐unit systems
Authors: Cao Wenbin , Jia Xisheng , Hu Qiwei , Zhao Jianmin , Wu Yutao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSelective maintenance is regarded as a type of profit‐generating maintenance policy, playing an important role in balancing limited maintenance resources with system performance. Since 1988, increasing interest has been focused on this research area. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of critical reviews of selective maintenance. This paper is the first systematic review focusing on this relevant topic. In this work, a definition and some specific features of selective maintenance are elaborated. Based on these features, a set of criteria that have been considered in selective maintenance optimization are summarized into 3 categories: system characteristics, maintenance characteristics, and mission profile characteristics. Based on these criteria, a comprehensive literature review on selective maintenance is undertaken. The solution approaches, as well as a general procedure for selective maintenance optimization, are discussed. Finally, some possible directions for further research are provided.
Estimating N2O processes during grassland renewal and grassland conversion to maize cropping using N2O isotopocules
Authors: Buchen Caroline , Lewicka‐Szczebak Dominika , Flessa Heinz , Well Reinhard 
Published: March 2018

RationaleEnhanced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions can occur following grassland break‐up for renewal or conversion to maize cropping, but knowledge about N2O production pathways and N2O reduction to N2is very limited. A promising tool to address this is the combination of mass spectrometric analysis of N2O isotopocules and an enhanced approach for data interpretation.MethodsThe isotopocule mapping approach was applied to field data using a δ15NspN2Oand δ18ON2Omap to simultaneously determine N2O production pathways contribution and N2O reduction for the first time. Based on the isotopic composition of N2O produced and literature values for specific N2O pathways, it was possible to distinguish: (i) heterotrophic bacterial denitrification and/or nitrifier denitrification and (ii) nitrification and/or fungal denitrification and the contribution of N2O reduction.ResultsThe isotopic composition of soil‐emitted N2O largely resembled the known end‐member values for bacterial denitrification. The isotopocule mapping approach indicated different effects of N2O reduction on the isotopic composition of soil‐emitted N2O for the two soils under study. Differing N2O production pathways in different seasons were not observed, but management events and soil conditions had a significant impact on pathway contribution and N2O reduction. N2O reduction data were compared with a parallel15N‐labelling experiment.ConclusionsThe field application of the isotopocule mapping approach opens up new prospects for studying N2O production and consumption of N2O in soil simultaneously based on mass spectrometric analysis of natural abundance N2O. However, further studies are needed in order to properly validate the isotopocule mapping approach.
A comprehensive protocol for chemical analysis of flame combustion emissions by secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Irimiea Cornelia , Faccinetto Alessandro , Carpentier Yvain , Ortega Ismael‐Kenneth , Nuns Nicolas , Therssen Eric , Desgroux Pascale , Focsa Cristian 
Published: March 2018

RationaleTime‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) is used to provide detailed information on the surface chemical composition of soot. An analytical protocol is proposed and tested on a laboratory flame, and the results are compared with our previous measurements provided by two‐step laser mass spectrometry (L2MS).MethodsThis work details: (1) the development of a dedicated apparatus to sample combustion products from atmospheric flames and deposit them on substrates suitable for TOF‐SIMS analysis; (2) the choice of the deposition substrate and the material of the sampling line, and their effect on the mass spectra; (3) a method to separate the contributions of soot and condensable gas based on impact deposition; and finally (4) post‐acquisition data processing.ResultsCompounds produced during flame combustion are detected on the surface of different deposition substrates and attributed a molecular formula based on mass defect analysis. Silicon and titanium wafers perform similarly, while the surface roughness of glass microfiber filters results in a reduced mass resolution. The mass spectra obtained from the analysis of different locations of the deposits obtained by impaction show characteristic patterns that are attributed to soot/condensable gas.ConclusionsA working method for the analysis of soot samples and the extraction of useful data from mass spectra is proposed. This protocol should help to avoid common experimental issues like sample contamination, while optimizing the setup performance by maximizing the achievable mass resolution.
Flip‐avoiding interpolating surface registration for skull reconstruction
Authors: Xie Shudong , Leow Wee Kheng , Lee Hanjing , Lim Thiam Chye 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSkull reconstruction is an important and challenging task in craniofacial surgery planning, forensic investigation and anthropological studies. Existing methods typically reconstruct approximating surfaces that regard corresponding points on the target skull as soft constraints, thus incurring non‐zero error even for non‐defective parts and high overall reconstruction error. This paper proposes a novel geometric reconstruction method that non‐rigidly registers an interpolating reference surface that regards corresponding target points as hard constraints, thus achieving low reconstruction error. To overcome the shortcoming of interpolating a surface, a flip‐avoiding method is used to detect and exclude conflicting hard constraints that would otherwise cause surface patches to flip and self‐intersect. Comprehensive test results show that our method is more accurate and robust than existing skull reconstruction methods. By incorporating symmetry constraints, it can produce more symmetric and normal results than other methods in reconstructing defective skulls with a large number of defects. It is robust against severe outliers such as radiation artifacts in computed tomography due to dental implants. In addition, test results also show that our method outperforms thin‐plate spline for model resampling, which enables the active shape model to yield more accurate reconstruction results. As the reconstruction accuracy of defective parts varies with the use of different reference models, we also study the implication of reference model selection for skull reconstruction.
A new approach for safe planning transfer using semi‐automatically adjustable instrument guides
Authors: Jeromin Sabine , Vossel Manuel , Rauchholz Christian , Billet Sylvain , Mueller Christian‐Andreas , Lavallée Stéphane , Radermacher Klaus , de la Fuente Mathias 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAccurate planning transfer is a prerequisite for successful operative care. For different applications, diverse computer‐assisted systems have been developed and clinically evaluated. This paper presents the implementation and evaluation of a new modular concept. The approach is based on passive application specific kinematics that are semi‐automatically adjusted using a universal hand‐held computer controlled Smart Screw Driver.The system was realized for pedicle screw instrumentation and evaluated according to IEC 60601‐1‐6 (usability engineering). The accuracies of the drill holes achieved were comparable with robotic approaches, while operation time and radiation were reduced compared with conventional operation techniques. The adjustment procedure has proven high learnability and user satisfaction.The next step will be optimization of the kinematic structure and fixation to the patient in order to increase accuracies of planning transfer as well as evaluation of the overall system by medical staff in preclinical and clinical studies.
Analysis and optimization of bone machining for robotic orthopedic surgeries
Authors: Pell Derek J. , Soshi Masakazu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundRobot‐assisted joint replacement surgery is becoming increasingly more common worldwide, therefore it is important to characterize and improve the bone‐cutting mechanics of surgical tools.MethodsLinear coefficients relating cutting force and chip thickness were derived for a surgical spindle. The cutting coefficients were integrated into an analytical simulation which calculated cutting forces, torque, and power consumption. An optimization experiment was performed. High speed video was taken at various tool parameter settings.ResultsVarying machining parameters resulted in lower cutting forces. The surgical spindle stalled at the current spindle speed used in surgery, but did not for the new, optimized conditions. Multiple anomalies were identified in the videos that confirmed observations from the cutting force data.ConclusionsImproved surgical performance and accuracy were achieved using slower spindle speeds, decreased cutting depth, and increased feed rates, as well as improving motor torque to ensure a smooth cutting process.
Role of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide in modulating hypothalamic‐pituitary system
Authors: Oride Aki , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Kyo Satoru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a multifunctional peptide that is isolated and identified from the ovine hypothalamus, whose effects and mechanisms have been elucidated in numerous studies. The PACAP and its receptor are widely expressed, not only in the hypothalamus but also in peripheral organs.MethodsThe studies on the role of PACAP in the hypothalamic‐pituitary system, including those by the authors, were summarized.ResultsIn the pituitary gonadotrophs, PACAP increases the gonadotrophin α‐, luteinizing hormoneβ‐, and follicle‐stimulating hormone β‐subunit expression and the expression of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and its own receptor, PAC1R. Moreover, a low‐frequency GnRH pulse increases the expression of PACAP and PAC1R more than a high‐frequency GnRH pulse in the gonadotrophs. The PACAP stimulates prolactin synthesis and secretion and increases PAC1R in the lactotrophs. In the hypothalamus, PACAP increases the expression of the GnRH receptors, although it is unable to increase the expression of GnRH in the GnRH‐producing neurons.ConclusionThe PACAP not only acts directly in each hormone‐producing cell, it possibly might regulate hormone synthesis via the expression of its own receptors or those of other hormones.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of underwater objects using wide‐aperture imaging SONAR
Authors: Guerneve Thomas , Subr Kartic , Petillot Yvan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe estimation of the geometric structure of objects located underwater underpins a plethora of applications such as mapping shipwrecks for archaeology, monitoring the health of coral reefs, detecting faults in offshore oil rigs and pipelines, detection and identification of potential threats on the seabed, etc. Acoustic imaging is the most popular choice for underwater sensing. Underwater exploratory vehicles typically employ wide‐aperture Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) imaging sensors. Although their wide aperture enables scouring large volumes of water ahead of them for obstacles, the resulting images produced are blurry due to integration over the aperture. Performing three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction from this blurry data is notoriously difficult. This challenging inverse problem is further exacerbated by the presence of speckle noise and reverberations. The state‐of‐the‐art methods in 3D reconstruction from sonar either require bulky and expensive matrix‐arrays of sonar sensors or additional narrow‐aperture sensors. Due to its low footprint, the latter induces gaps between reconstructed scans. Avoiding such gaps requires slow and cumbersome scanning by the vehicles that carry the scanners. In this paper, we present two reconstruction methods enabling on‐site 3D reconstruction from imaging sonars of any aperture. The first of these presents an elegant linear formulation of the problem, as a blind deconvolution with a spatially varying kernel. The second method is a simple algorithmic approach for approximate reconstruction, using a nonlinear formulation. We demonstrate that our simple approximation algorithms perform 3D reconstruction directly from the data recorded by wide‐aperture systems, thus eliminating the need for multiple sensors to be mounted on underwater vehicles for this purpose. Additionally, we observe that the wide aperture may be exploited to improve the coverage of the reconstructed samples (on the scanned object's surface). We demonstrate the efficacy of our algorithms on simulated as well as real data acquired using two sensors, and we compare our work to the state of the art in sonar reconstruction. Finally, we show the employability of our reconstruction methods on field data gathered by an autonomous underwater vehicle.
Conservation impacts of a near real‐time forest monitoring and alert system for the tropics
Authors: Musinsky John , Tabor Karyn , Cano Carlos A. , Ledezma Juan Carlos , Mendoza Eddy , Rasolohery Andriambolantsoa , Sajudin Ermayanti R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNear real‐time (NRT) forest monitoring and alert systems based on remotely sensed data are among the most recently developed tools to help manage and protect forest resources. The use of satellite and airborne remote sensing to quickly and accurately detect activities associated with deforestation has great potential for catalyzing local response teams responsible for assessing and interdicting threats to tropical forest ecosystems. To better understand the utility of NRT monitoring technologies in improving environmental protection and management, from 2008 to 2016 Conservation International conducted a series of surveys and interviews with users of these systems in four countries where wildfires threaten tropical forest ecosystems: Madagascar, Indonesia, Bolivia and Peru. Users reported that NRT forest monitoring systems made significant contributions to improving the ability of conservation and forest management organizations to respond to and reduce the impacts of fire, deforestation and other illegal or undesirable forest activity. Understanding the types of applications for which users successfully employed forest monitoring data, the challenges they faced in accessing, analyzing or disseminating these data, and the lessons learned from our attempts to develop and deploy NRT forest monitoring systems is useful to institutions interested in successfully incorporating NRT monitoring into their work.