bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Naphtho[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐Based Conjugated Polymers for Fullerene‐Free Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhaoyan , Li Huan , Wang Zhen , Zhang Jianqi , Zhang Yajie , Lu Kun , Wei Zhixiang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThree novel copolymers based on zigzag naphthodithiophene (zNDT) with different aromatic rings as π bridges and different core side substitutions are designed and synthesized (PzNDT‐T‐1,3‐bis(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]‐dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD), PzNDT‐TT‐BDD, and PzNDTP‐T‐BDD, respectively). The 2D conjugation structure and molecular planarity of the polymers can be effectively altered through the modification of conjugated side chains and π‐bridges. These alterations contribute to the variation in energy levels, light absorption capacity, and morphology compatibility of the polymers. When blended with the nonfullerene acceptor (2,2′‐[(4,4,9,9‐tetrahexyl‐4,9‐dihydro‐sindaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐2,7‐diyl)bis[methylidyne(3‐oxo‐1H‐indene‐2,1(3H)‐diylidene)]]bis‐propanedinitrile) (IDIC), PzNDT‐T‐BDD exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.72% among the three polymers. This result can be attributed to its superior crystallinity and more obvious face‐on orientation in blending film. PzNDT‐TT‐BDD and PzNDTP‐T‐BDD present PCE values of 8.20% and 4.62%, respectively. The alteration of polymer structure, particularly the modification of conjugated side chains and π‐bridges, is an effective strategy for designing NDT‐based polymers with high photovoltaic performance and potential applications in fullerene‐free solar cells.
Localization and dynamics of Wolbachia infection in Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, the insect vector of the causal pathogens of Huanglongbing
Authors: Ren Su‐Li , Li Yi‐Han , Ou Da , Guo Yan‐Jun , Qureshi Jawwad A. , Stansly Philip A. , Qiu Bao‐Li 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWolbachia is a group of intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods including the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. This insect is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal pathogen of Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease. Here, we investigated the localization pattern and infection dynamics of Wolbachia in different developmental stages of ACP. Results revealed that all developmental stages of ACP including egg, 1st–5th instar nymphs, and adults of both gender were infected with Wolbachia. FISH visualization of an ACP egg showed that Wolbachia moved from the egg stalk of newly laid eggs to a randomly distributed pattern throughout the egg prior to hatching. The infection rate varied between nymphal instars. The titers of Wolbachia in fourth and fifth instar nymphs were significantly higher than those in the first and second instar nymphs. Wolbachia were scattered in all nymphal stages, but with highest intensity in the U‐shaped bacteriome located in the abdomen of the nymph. Wolbachia was confined to two symmetrical organizations in the abdomen of newly emerged female and male adults. The potential mechanisms of Wolbachia infection dynamics are discussed.
The role of conserved charged residues in the bidirectional rotation of the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Onoue Yasuhiro , Takekawa Norihiro , Nishikino Tatsuro , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMany bacteria rotate their flagella both counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) to achieve swimming toward attractants or away from repellents. Highly conserved charged residues are important for that motility, which suggests that electrostatic interactions are crucial for the rotor–stator function. It remains unclear if those residues contribute equally to rotation in the CCW and CW directions. To address this uncertainty, in this study, we expressed chimeric rotors and stators from Vibrio alginolyticus and Escherichia coli in E. coli, and measured the rotational speed of each motor in both directions using a tethered‐cell assay. In wild‐type cells, the rotational speeds in both directions were equal, as demonstrated previously. Some charge‐neutralizing residue replacements in the stator decreased the rotational speed in both directions to the same extent. However, mutations in two charged residues in the rotor decreased the rotational speed only in the CCW direction. Subsequent analysis and previous results suggest that these amino acid residues are involved in supporting the conformation of the rotor, which is important for proper torque generation in the CCW direction.
Effect of hydraulic retention time on microbial community structure in wastewater treatment electro‐bioreactors
Authors: ElNaker Nancy A. , Yousef Ahmed F. , Hasan Shadi W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the performance and microbial community structure of control and electro‐bioreactors was investigated. Control bioreactors and electro‐bioreactors were operated at HRT ranging between 6 and 75 hr. The total bacterial counts in addition to the removal efficiency of NH4+–N, sCOD, and PO43−–P was assessed in all the reactors tested. In addition, Illumina sequencing was performed to determine the microbial communities that developed in these reactors under each HRT condition. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in those reactors. In addition, Nitrospira sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were found to be present in electro‐bioreactors with higher relative abundance than in control bioreactors. The results presented here are the first to determine what different microbial communities in wastewater electro‐bioreactors due to the application of an electric current under different HRTs.
Responses of fungal community composition to long‐term chemical and organic fertilization strategies in Chinese Mollisols
Authors: Ma Mingchao , Jiang Xin , Wang Qingfeng , Ongena Marc , Wei Dan , Ding Jianli , Guan Dawei , Cao Fengming , Zhao Baisuo , Li Jun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHow fungi respond to long‐term fertilization in Chinese Mollisols as sensitive indicators of soil fertility has received limited attention. To broaden our knowledge, we used high‐throughput pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR to explore the response of soil fungal community to long‐term chemical and organic fertilization strategies. Soils were collected in a 35‐year field experiment with four treatments: no fertilizer, chemical phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (PK), chemical phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen fertilizer (NPK), and chemical phosphorus and potassium fertilizer plus manure (MPK). All fertilization differently changed soil properties and fungal community. The MPK application benefited soil acidification alleviation and organic matter accumulation, as well as soybean yield. Moreover, the community richness indices (Chao1 and ACE) were higher under the MPK regimes, indicating the resilience of microbial diversity and stability. With regards to fungal community composition, the phylum Ascomycota was dominant in all samples, followed by Zygomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Glomeromycota. At each taxonomic level, the community composition dramatically differed under different fertilization strategies, leading to different soil quality. The NPK application caused a loss of Leotiomycetes but an increase in Eurotiomycetes, which might reduce the plant–fungal symbioses and increase nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) coupled with effect size (LDA score > 3.0), the NPK application significantly increased the abundances of fungal taxa with known pathogenic traits, such as order Chaetothyriales, family Chaetothyriaceae and Pleosporaceae, and genera Corynespora, Bipolaris, and Cyphellophora. In contrast, these fungi were detected at low levels under the MPK regime. Soil organic matter and pH were the two most important contributors to fungal community composition.
Regulatory role of the RstB‐RstA system in adhesion, biofilm production, motility, and hemolysis
Authors: Huang Lixing , Xu Wei , Su Yongquan , Zhao Lingmin , Yan Qingpi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFor infection, initial invasion of the host is of great importance, with adhesion playing a critical role. We previously demonstrated rstA and rstB are remarkably downregulated in Vibrio alginolyticus cultured under heavy metal and acidic stresses, with impaired adhesion, suggesting that rstA and rstB might be involved in adhesion regulation. The present study showed that rstA and rstB silencing resulted in impaired adhesion, biofilm production, motility, hemolysis, and virulence. Meanwhile, changes of temperature, starvation, and pH remarkably affected rstA and rstB expression. These findings indicated that (1) rstA and rstB are critical regulators of adhesion in V. alginolyticus; (2) rstA and rstB have remarkable effects on biofilm production, motility, hemolysis, and virulence in V. alginolyticus; (3) rstA and rstB modulate adhesion in response to environmental changes of temperature, pH, and starvation.
Dynamics of coral‐associated microbiomes during a thermal bleaching event
Authors: Pootakham Wirulda , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Putchim Lalita , Yoocha Thippawan , Sonthirod Chutima , Kongkachana Wasitthee , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Naktang Chaiwat , Jomchai Nukoon , Thongtham Nalinee , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCoral‐associated microorganisms play an important role in their host fitness and survival. A number of studies have demonstrated connections between thermal tolerance in corals and the type/relative abundance of Symbiodinium they harbor. More recently, the shifts in coral‐associated bacterial profiles were also shown to be linked to the patterns of coral heat tolerance. Here, we investigated the dynamics of Porites lutea‐associated bacterial and algal communities throughout a natural bleaching event, using full‐length 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) obtained from PacBio circular consensus sequencing. We provided evidence of significant changes in the structure and diversity of coral‐associated microbiomes during thermal stress. The balance of the symbiosis shifted from a predominant association between corals and Gammaproteobacteria to a predominance of Alphaproteobacteria and to a lesser extent Betaproteobacteria following the bleaching event. On the contrary, the composition and diversity of Symbiodinium communities remained unaltered throughout the bleaching event. It appears that the switching and/or shuffling of Symbiodinium types may not be the primary mechanism used by P. lutea to cope with increasing seawater temperature. The shifts in the structure and diversity of associated bacterial communities may contribute more to the survival of the coral holobiont under heat stress.
Large buoyant particles dominated by cyanobacterial colonies harbor distinct bacterial communities from small suspended particles and free‐living bacteria in the water column
Authors: Shi Limei , Huang Yaxin , Zhang Min , Shi Xiaoli , Cai Yuanfeng , Gao Shengling , Tang Xiangming , Chen Feizhou , Lu Yaping , Kong Fanxiang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWorldwide cyanobacterial blooms greatly impair ecosystems in many eutrophic lakes and impact the microbial environment. In particular, large cyanobacterial colonies that are buoyant on the water surface may provide a distinct habitat for bacteria from other small particles that are suspended stably in the water column. To test this hypothesis, bacterial communities (excluding cyanobacteria) attached to large particles dominated by cyanobacterial colonies (>120 μm, LA), small particles (3–36 μm, SA), and free‐living bacteria (0.2–3 μm, FL) were investigated monthly for a year in Lake Taihu, China. Results confirmed that the Shannon diversity index of LA was significantly lower than that of FL, which was lower than that of SA. Cytophagia and Alphaproteobacteria were specially enriched in LA. Although samples in each habitat collected during high‐ (May to November) and low‐bloom seasons (December to April) were separated, all samples in LA were clustered and separated from SA and FL, which were also clustered during the same sampling seasons. In addition, the bacterial communities in LA were correlated with nitrate level, whereas FL and SA were correlated with nitrate level and temperature. Mantel analysis revealed that bacterial composition significantly correlated with the cyanobacterial composition in LA and FL but not in SA. These results indicate that LA provides distinct niches to bacteria, whereas the differentiation of bacterial communities in FL and SA is seasonally dependent.
Stool Immune Profiles Evince Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Houser Madelyn C. , Chang Jianjun , Factor Stewart A. , Molho Eric S. , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Hill‐Burns Erin M. , Payami Haydeh , Hertzberg Vicki S. , Tansey Malú G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease and frequently precede the development of motor impairments. Intestinal inflammation has been proposed as a driver of disease pathology, and evaluation of inflammatory mediators in stool could possibly identify valuable early‐stage biomarkers. We measured immune‐ and angiogenesis‐related proteins in human stool to examine inflammatory profiles associated with Parkinson's disease.Methods: Stool samples and subjects' self‐reported metadata were obtained from 156 individuals with Parkinson's disease and 110 without, including spouse and nonhousehold controls. Metadata were probed for disease‐associated differences, and levels of 37 immune and angiogenesis factors in stool homogenates were measured by multiplexed immunoassay and compared across experimental groups.Results: Parkinson's disease patients reported greater incidence of intestinal disease and digestive problems than controls. Direct comparison of levels of stool analytes in patients and controls revealed elevated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, interleukin‐1α, and CXCL8 in patients' stool. Paired comparison of patients and spouses suggested higher levels of multiple factors in patients, but this was complicated by sex differences. Sex, body mass index, a history of smoking, and use of probiotics were found to strongly influence levels of stool analytes. Multivariate analysis accounting for these and other potential confounders confirmed elevated levels of interleukin‐1α and CXCL8 and also revealed increased interleukin‐1β and C‐reactive protein in stool in Parkinson's disease. These differences were not dependent on subject age or disease duration.Conclusions: Levels of stool immune factors indicate that intestinal inflammation is present in patients with Parkinson's disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Longitudinal Change of Clinical and Biological Measures in Early Parkinson's Disease: Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative Cohort
Authors: Simuni Tanya , Siderowf Andrew , Lasch Shirley , Coffey Chris S. , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Jennings Danna , Tanner Caroline M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Shaw Leslie M. , Seibyl John , Schuff Norbert , Singleton Andrew , Kieburtz Karl , Toga Arthur W. , Mollenhauer Brit , Galasko Doug , Chahine Lana M. , Weintraub Daniel , Foroud Tatiana , Tosun Duygu , Poston Kathleen , Arnedo Vanessa , Frasier Mark , Sherer Todd , Chowdhury Sohini , Marek Kenneth ,   the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative*
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTObjective: The objective of this study was to assess longitudinal change in clinical and dopamine transporter imaging outcomes in early, untreated PD.Methods: We describe 5‐year longitudinal change of the MDS‐UPDRS and other clinical measures using results from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, a longitudinal cohort study of early Parkinson's disease (PD) participants untreated at baseline. We also provide data on the longitudinal change in dopamine transporter 123‐I Ioflupane striatal binding and correlation between the 2 measures.Results: A total of 423 PD participants were recruited, and 358 remain in the study at year 5. Baseline MDS‐UPDRS total score was 32.4 (standard deviation 13.1), and the average annual change (assessed medications OFF for the treated participants) was 7.45 (11.6), 3.11 (11.7), 4(11.9), 4.7 (11.1), and 1.74(11.9) for years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively (P < .0001 for the change over time), with a steeper change in year 1. Dopaminergic therapy had a significant effect on the change of MDS‐UPDRS. There was a significant longitudinal change in dopamine transporter binding in all striatal regions (P < .001). There was a significant but weak correlation between MDS‐UPDRS and dopamine transporter binding at baseline and years 1, 2, and 4, but no correlation between the rate of change of the 2 variables.Conclusions: We present 5‐year longitudinal data on the change of the MDS‐UPDRS and other clinical and dopamine transporter imaging outcome measures in early PD. These data can be used for sample size estimates for interventional studies in the de novo PD population. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Structural variations causing inherited peripheral neuropathies: A paradigm for understanding genomic organization, chromatin interactions, and gene dysregulation
Authors: Cutrupi Anthony N. , Brewer Megan H. , Nicholson Garth A. , Kennerson Marina L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases affecting the motor and sensory peripheral nerves. IPNs have benefited from gene discovery and genetic diagnosis using next‐generation sequencing with over 80 causative genes available for testing. Despite this success, up to 50% of cases remain genetically unsolved. In the absence of protein coding mutations, noncoding DNA or structural variation (SV) mutations are a possible explanation. The most common IPN, Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy type 1A (CMT1A), is caused by a 1.5 Mb duplication causing trisomy of the dosage sensitive gene PMP22. Using genome sequencing, we recently identified two large genomic rearrangements causing IPN subtypes X‐linked CMT (CMTX3) and distal hereditary motor neuropathy (DHMN1), thereby expanding the spectrum of SV mutations causing IPN. Understanding how newly discovered SVs can cause IPN may serve as a useful paradigm to examine the role of topologically associated domains (TADs), chromatin interactions, and gene dysregulation in disease. This review will describe the growing role of SV in the pathogenesis of IPN and the importance of considering this type of mutation in Mendelian diseases where protein coding mutations cannot be identified.
Intraoperative evaluation of perfusion in free flap surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Smit Jan Maerten , Negenborn Vera L. , Jansen Sanne M. , Jaspers Mariëlle E. H. , de Vries Ralph , Heymans Martijn W. , Winters Hay A. H. , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Mullender Margriet G. , Krekel Nicole M. A. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundFree flap survival relies on adequate tissue perfusion. We aim to give an overview of the available literature of all objective methods to intraoperatively assess free flap tissue perfusion, and the effects on (partial) flap loss.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase) regarding English language articles. Meta‐analyses were performed by pooling means and slopes using random‐effect models.ResultsSixty‐four articles were included reporting on 2369 procedures in 2009 patients with various indications. Reported methods were fluorescence imaging (FI), laser Doppler, oxygen saturation, ultrasound, (dynamic) infrared thermography, venous pressure, and microdialysis. Intraoperative tissue perfusion was adequately measured by the use of FI and laser Doppler, leading to surgical intervention or altered flap design, and increased flap survival. Meta‐analysis showed a mean time until onset of the dye to become visible of 18.4 (7.27; 29.46, Q P < 0.001) sec. The relative intensity of the flap compared to the intensity curve of normal tissue was 75.92% (65.85; 85.98, Q P = 0.719). The mean difference in the slope value of the oxygen tensions before and after the anastomosis was −0.09 (–0.12; −0;06 Q P = 0.982). No convincing evidence was found for the use of other methods.ConclusionsBased on the current literature, FI and laser Doppler are most suitable to intraoperatively measure free flap tissue perfusion, resulting in improved flap survival. However, this review was limited by the available literature. Additional studies are necessary to investigate the predictive value of intraoperative perfusion measurement.
Transcriptome‐Based Analysis in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 Reveals New Insights into Resveratrol Effects at System Level
Authors: Reverón Inés , Plaza‐Vinuesa Laura , Franch Mónica , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario , López de Felipe Félix 
Published: March 2018

ScopeThis study was undertaken to expand our insights into the mechanisms involved in the tolerance to resveratrol (RSV) that operate at system‐level in gut microorganisms and advance knowledge on new RSV‐responsive gene circuits.Methods and resultsWhole genome transcriptional profiling was used to characterize the molecular response of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 to RSV. DNA repair mechanisms were induced by RSV and responses were triggered to decrease the load of copper, a metal required for RSV‐mediated DNA cleavage, and H2S, a genotoxic gas. To counter the effects of RSV, L. plantarum strongly up‐ or downregulated efflux systems and ABC transporters pointing to transport control of RSV across the membrane as a key mechanism for RSV tolerance. L. plantarum also downregulated tRNAs, induced chaperones, and reprogrammed its transcriptome to tightly control ammonia levels. RSV induced a probiotic effector gene and a likely deoxycholate transporter, two functions that improve the host health status.ConclusionOur data identify novel protective mechanisms involved in RSV tolerance operating at system level in a gut microbe. These insights could influence the way RSV is used for a better management of gut microbial ecosystems to obtain associated health benefits.
Cruciferous Vegetables and Risk of Cancers of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Johnson Ian T. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCancers of the oropharyngeal tissues, oesophagus, stomach, and colorectum are amongst the most common causes of death from cancer throughout the world. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is thought to be protective, and cruciferous vegetables are of particular interest because of their unique role as a source of biologically active glucosinolate breakdown products. A literature review of primary studies and meta‐analyses indicates that higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables probably reduces the risk of colorectal and gastric cancers by approximately 8% and 19%, respectively. Some studies support the hypothesis that the protective effect against colorectal cancer is modified by genetic polymorphisms of genes regulating the expression of enzymes of the glutathione S‐transferase family, but due to contradictory findings the evidence is currently inconclusive. Despite these promising findings, future epidemiological research on the protective effects of cruciferous plants will depend critically upon accurate measurement of dietary exposure, both to the vegetables themselves, and to their active constituents. The development of sensitive chemical assays has facilitated the measurement of urinary excretion of isothiocyanate metabolites as an objective biomarker of intake, but sampling strategies need to be optimized in order to assess long‐term exposures at the population level.