bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geology and Isotope Geochemistry of the Dongzhongla Pb–Zn Deposit in Tibet: Implications for the Origin of the Ore‐Forming Fluids and Storage Condition of Certain Metals
Authors: Fei Guang Chun , Zhou Yu , Deng Yun , Chen Xu , Wen Chun Qi , Yu Qinglin , Ding Feng , Zhou Xiong , Huo Yan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAs a newly discovered medium‐sized deposit (proven Pb + Zn resources of 0.23 Mt, 9.43% Pb and 8.73% Zn), the Dongzhongla skarn Pb–Zn deposit is located in the northern margin of the eastern Gangdese, central Lhasa block. Based on the geological conditions in this deposit of ore‐forming fluids, H, O, C, S, Pb, Sr, and noble gas isotopic compositions were analyzed. Results show that δ18OSMOW of quartz and calcite ranged from −9.85 to 4.17‰, and δDSMOW ranged from −124.7 to −99.6‰ (where SMOW is the standard mean ocean water), indicating magma fluids mixed with meteoric water in ore‐forming fluids. The δ13CPDB and δ18OSMOW values of calcite range from −1.4 to −1.1‰ and from 5.3 to 15.90‰, respectively, show compositions consistent with the carbonate limestone in the surrounding rocks, implying that the carbon was primarily sourced from the dissolution of carbonate strata in the Luobadui Formation. The ore δ34S composition varied in a narrow range of 2.8 to 5.7‰, mostly between 4‰ and 5‰. The total sulfur isotopic value δ34S was 4.7‰ with characteristics of magmatic sulfur. The 3He/4He values of pyrite and galena ranged from 0.101 to 5.7 Ra, lower than those of mantle‐derived fluids (6 ± 1 Ra), but higher than those of the crust (0.01–0.05 Ra), and therefore classified as a crust–mantle mixed source. The Pb isotopic composition for 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values of the ores were in the ranges of 18.628–18.746, 15.698–15.802, and 39.077–39.430, respectively, consistent with the Pb isotopic composition of magmatic rocks in the deposit, classified as upper‐crust lead. The ore lead was likely sourced partially from the crustal basement of the Lhasa Terrane. The initial (87Sr/86Sr)i value from five sulfide samples ranged from 0.71732 to 0.72767, and associated ore‐forming fluids were mainly sourced from the partial melting of the upper‐crust materials. Pb isotopic compositions of ore sulfides from the Dongzhongla deposit are similar to that of the Yuiguila and Mengya'a deposit, indicating that they have similar sources of metal‐rich ore‐forming solution. According to basic skarn mineralogy, the economic metals, and the origin of the ore‐forming fluids, the Dongzhongla deposit was classified as a skarn‐type Pb–Zn deposit.
The mechanism of photosystem‐II inactivation during sulphur deprivation‐induced H2 production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Nagy Valéria , Vidal‐Meireles André , Podmaniczki Anna , Szentmihályi Klára , Rákhely Gábor , Zsigmond Laura , Kovács László , Tóth Szilvia Z. 
Published: February 2018

SummarySulphur limitation may restrain cell growth and viability. In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, sulphur limitation may induce H2 production lasting for several days, which can be exploited as a renewable energy source. Sulphur limitation causes a large number of physiological changes, including the inactivation of photosystem II (PSII), leading to the establishment of hypoxia, essential for the increase in hydrogenase expression and activity. The inactivation of PSII has long been assumed to be caused by the sulphur‐limited turnover of its reaction center protein PsbA. Here we reinvestigated this issue in detail and show that: (i) upon transferring Chlamydomonas cells to sulphur‐free media, the cellular sulphur content decreases only by about 25%; (ii) as demonstrated by lincomycin treatments, PsbA has a significant turnover, and other photosynthetic subunits, namely RbcL and CP43, are degraded more rapidly than PsbA. On the other hand, sulphur limitation imposes oxidative stress early on, most probably involving the formation of singlet oxygen in PSII, which leads to an increase in the expression of GDP‐L‐galactose phosphorylase, playing an essential role in ascorbate biosynthesis. When accumulated to the millimolar concentration range, ascorbate may inactivate the oxygen‐evolving complex and provide electrons to PSII, albeit at a low rate. In the absence of a functional donor side and sufficient electron transport, PSII reaction centers are inactivated and degraded. We therefore demonstrate that the inactivation of PSII is a complex and multistep process, which may serve to mitigate the damaging effects of sulphur limitation.
Trade, productivity and profitability: On profit levels and profit margins
Authors: van den Berg Marcel , van Marrewijk Charles , Tamminen Saara 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDo firms engaging in international trade have higher or lower profit margins? It is well established that more productive firms engage in trading activities and as a result have higher profit levels. We use two theoretical models (the Melitz model and the Egger–Kreickemeier model) to clarify the relationship between productivity, trade activity, and profit margins and derive three hypotheses: (I) profit margins rise as productivity rises for domestic firms; (II) profit margins rise as productivity rises for trading firms; and (III) profit margins are not higher for trading firms than for domestic firms. We test these hypotheses using detailed micro‐data for Finland (2005–10) and the Netherlands (2002–10). We find strong support for Hypothesis I (in favour of the Melitz model), Hypothesis II (in favour of both models) and Hypothesis III (in favour of the Egger–Kreickemeier model). A propensity score matching analysis provides further support for Hypothesis III.
The effects of vegetation distribution pattern on overland flow
Authors: Zhang Shengtang , Zhang Jingzhou , Liu Yuanchen , Liu Ying , Wang Zhikai 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSoil erosion is a major environmental problem. Vegetation, on the other hand, plays an important role in controlling soil erosion. The goal of the study is to examine the effects of the distribution pattern of vegetation on water flow. The vegetation parameters involved included the direction of plant rows, plant stem diameter and row spacing. To study how vegetation affects the flow of water on slopes, flume simulation experiments were conducted using three different plant row directions, three different plant diameters and three row spacing. Experimental slope is fixed, slope ratio of 1.0%. The hydraulic characteristics of the slope under the three vegetation distribution patterns are explored. The results showed that the pattern of vegetation distribution significantly affected the resistance of vegetation to water flow and pattern on this slope. When the angle (θ) between plant row and water flow directions decreased, the plant diameter (d) increased, or the row spacing (a × a) decreased, the Darcy–Weisbach resistance coefficient (f) for water flow became larger. Simultaneously, the Reynolds and Froude numbers (Re and Fr) both became smaller. In experimental procedure condition, the change rate of f, Re and Fr were analysed by linear regression, the θ decreased every 10°, the average increase rate of f was 6.6%, the average decrease rate of Re and Fr were 2.0 and 3.0%. The d increased every 0.001 m, the average increase rate of f was 41.6%, the average decrease rate of Re and Fr were 11.2 and 12.2%. The a × a decreased every 0.01 m, the average increase rate of f was 45.2%, the average decrease rate of Re and Fr were 11.7 and 10.7%. The flow depth h increased every 0.01 m, the average increase rate of f and Re were 13.6 and 25.2%, and the average decrease rate of Fr was 10.4%. The experimental procedure results will be valuable for not only revealing the hydraulic characteristics of flow over vegetation land, but also the optimisation of the distribution of vegetation on a slope.
Nitric Oxide-Mediated Induction of Dispersal in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Is Inhibited by Flavohemoglobin Production and Is Enhanced by Imidazole
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Oh Hyun-Suk , Ng Yu Chiu Beverly , Tang Pei Yi Peggy , Barraud Nicolas , Rice Scott A. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The biological signal molecule nitric oxide (NO) was found to induce biofilm dispersal across a range of bacterial species, which led to its consideration for therapeutic strategies to treat biofilms and biofilm-related infections. However, biofilms are often not completely dispersed after exposure to NO. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated the response of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilm cells to successive NO treatments. When biofilms were first pretreated with a low, noneffective dose of NO, a second dose of the signal molecule at a concentration usually capable of inducing dispersal did not have any effect. Amperometric analysis revealed that pretreated
P. aeruginosa
cells had enhanced NO-scavenging activity, and this effect was associated with the production of the flavohemoglobin Fhp. Further, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that
fhp
expression increased by over 100-fold in NO-pretreated biofilms compared to untreated biofilms. Biofilms of mutant strains harboring mutations in
fhp
or
fhpR
, encoding a NO-responsive regulator of
fhp
, were not affected in their dispersal response after the initial pretreatment with NO. Overall, these results suggest that FhpR can sense NO to trigger production of the flavohemoglobin Fhp and inhibit subsequent dispersal responses to NO. Finally, the addition of imidazole, which can inhibit the NO dioxygenase activity of flavohemoglobin, attenuated the prevention of dispersal after NO pretreatment and improved the dispersal response in older, starved biofilms. This study clarifies the underlying mechanisms of impaired dispersal induced by repeated NO treatments and offers a new perspective for improving the use of NO in biofilm control strategies.
The Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Temporin B Inhibits
In Vitro
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection
Authors: Marcocci M. E. , Amatore D. , Villa S. , Casciaro B. , Aimola P. , Franci G. , Grieco P. , Galdiero M. , Palamara A. T. , Mangoni M. L. , Nencioni L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is widespread in the population, and in most cases its infection is asymptomatic. The currently available anti-HSV-1 drugs are acyclovir and its derivatives, although long-term therapy with these agents can lead to drug resistance. Thus, the discovery of novel antiherpetic compounds deserves additional effort. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an interesting class of molecules with potential antiviral properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration of the
in vitro
anti-HSV-1 activity of temporin B (TB), a short membrane-active amphibian AMP. In particular, when HSV-1 was preincubated with 20 μg/ml TB, significant antiviral activity was observed (a 5-log reduction of the virus titer). Such an effect was due to the disruption of the viral envelope, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, TB partially affected different stages of the HSV-1 life cycle, including the attachment and the entry of the virus into the host cell, as well as the subsequent postinfection phase. Furthermore, its efficacy was confirmed on human epithelial cells, suggesting TB as a novel approach for the prevention and/or treatment of HSV-1 infections.
Deletion of
sll1541
in Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 Allows Formation of a Far-Red-Shifted
holo
-Proteorhodopsin
In Vivo
Authors: Chen Que , van der Steen Jeroen B. , Arents Jos C. , Hartog Aloysius F. , Ganapathy Srividya , de Grip Willem J. , Hellingwerf Klaas J. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

In many pro- and eukaryotes, a retinal-based proton pump equips the cell to drive ATP synthesis with (sun)light. Such pumps, therefore, have been proposed as a plug-in for cyanobacteria to artificially increase the efficiency of oxygenic photosynthesis. However, little information on the metabolism of retinal, their chromophore, is available for these organisms. We have studied the
in vivo
roles of five genes (
sll1541
,
slr1648
,
slr0091
,
slr1192
, and
slr0574
) potentially involved in retinal metabolism in
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803. With a gene deletion approach, we have shown that
Synechocystis apo-
carotenoid-15,15-oxygenase (SynACO), encoded by gene
sll1541
, is an indispensable enzyme for retinal synthesis in
Synechocystis
, presumably via asymmetric cleavage of β-
apo
-carotenal. The second carotenoid oxygenase (SynDiox2), encoded by gene
slr1648
, competes with SynACO for substrate(s) but only measurably contributes to retinal biosynthesis in stationary phase via an as-yet-unknown mechanism.
In vivo
degradation of retinal may proceed through spontaneous chemical oxidation and via enzyme-catalyzed processes. Deletion of gene
slr0574
(encoding CYP120A1), but not of
slr0091
or of
slr1192
, causes an increase (relative to the level in wild-type
Synechocystis
) in the retinal content in both the linear and stationary growth phases. These results suggest that CYP120A1 does contribute to retinal degradation. Preliminary data obtained using
13
C-labeled retinal suggest that conversion to retinol and retinoic acid and subsequent further oxidation also play a role. Deletion of
sll1541
leads to deficiency in retinal synthesis and allows the
in vivo
reconstitution of far-red-absorbing
holo
-proteorhodopsin with exogenous retinal analogues, as demonstrated here for all-
trans
3,4-dehydroretinal and 3-methylamino-16-nor-1,2,3,4-didehydroretinal.

IMPORTANCE
Retinal is formed by many cyanobacteria and has a critical role in most forms of life for processes such as photoreception, growth, and stress survival. However, the metabolic pathways in cyanobacteria for synthesis and degradation of retinal are poorly understood. In this paper we identify genes involved in its synthesis, characterize their role, and provide an initial characterization of the pathway of its degradation. This led to the identification of
sll1541
(encoding SynACO) as the essential gene for retinal synthesis. Multiple pathways for retinal degradation presumably exist. These results have allowed us to construct a strain that expresses a light-dependent proton pump with an action spectrum extending beyond 700 nm. The availability of this strain will be important for further work aimed at increasing the overall efficiency of oxygenic photosynthesis.
Prostaglandin E2Induction Suppresses the Th1 Immune Responses in Cattle with Johne's Disease
Authors: Sajiki Yamato , Konnai Satoru , Okagawa Tomohiro , Nishimori Asami , Maekawa Naoya , Goto Shinya , Ikebuchi Ryoyo , Nagata Reiko , Kawaji Satoko , Kagawa Yumiko , Yamada Shinji , Kato Yukinari , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Murata Shiro , Mori Yasuyuki , Ohashi Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTJohne's disease, caused byMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis, is a bovine chronic infection that is endemic in Japan and many other countries. The expression of immunoinhibitory molecules is upregulated in cattle with Johne's disease, but the mechanism of immunosuppression is poorly understood. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is immunosuppressive in humans, but few veterinary data are available. In this study, functional and kinetic analyses of PGE2were performed to investigate the immunosuppressive effect of PGE2during Johne's disease.In vitroPGE2treatment decreased T-cell proliferation and Th1 cytokine production and upregulated the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules such as interleukin-10 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy cattle. PGE2was upregulated in sera and intestinal lesions of cattle with Johne's disease.In vitrostimulation with Johnin purified protein derivative (J-PPD) induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) transcription, PGE2production, and upregulation of PD-L1 and immunoinhibitory receptors in PBMCs from cattle infected withM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis. Therefore, Johnin-specific Th1 responses could be limited by the PGE2pathway in cattle. In contrast, downregulation of PGE2with a COX-2 inhibitor promoted J-PPD-stimulated CD8+T-cell proliferation and Th1 cytokine production in PBMCs from the experimentally infected cattle. PD-L1 blockade induced J-PPD-stimulated CD8+T-cell proliferation and interferon gamma productionin vitro. Combined treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibodies enhanced J-PPD-stimulated CD8+T-cell proliferationin vitro, suggesting that the blockade of both pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy to control Johne's disease. The effects of COX-2 inhibition warrant further study as a novel treatment of Johne's disease.
Impact of Acupuncture on Antihistamine Use in Patients Suffering Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Secondary Analysis of Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Adam Daniela , Grabenhenrich Linus , Ortiz Miriam , Binting Sylvia , Reinhold Thomas , Brinkhaus Benno 
Published: February 2018

Background Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common disease that has detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. Approximately 18% of patients try to alleviate their symptoms through acupuncture. The ACUSAR (ACUpuncture in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis) study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00610584) assessed the impact of acupuncture on SAR, showing significant improvements in rhinitis-specific QoL (RQoL) and in rescue medication (RM) use. Objective A secondary analysis of SAR patients’ use of antihistamine. Methods Patients were randomised into three study groups: acupuncture plus RM, sham acupuncture plus RM, and RM alone. The patients documented their medication use before and during the intervention period (8 weeks). The main outcome was the number of days with antihistamine use. Statistical analyses were conducted using parametric and non-parametric tests. The robustness of the results was tested by sensitivity analyses using non-parametric bootstrapping. Results The data from 414 patients were analysed. The acupuncture group used antihistamines significantly less often compared with the other groups (acupuncture vs sham acupuncture: mean difference −4.49 days, p=0.01; acupuncture vs RM: mean difference −9.15 days, p<0.001). Approximately 38% of the acupuncture group did not use any antihistamine in contrast to only 16% in the RM group. The pre-post comparison suggested that the acupuncture patients did not need to increase the days of antihistamine use to alleviate their symptoms, unlike the other groups. Conclusions Acupuncture appeared to significantly reduce the number of days of antihistamine use while improving RQoL and SAR symptoms; it can therefore be considered a valuable, additional treatment option for patients with SAR. Trial Registration Number NCT00610584; Post-results.
Patient participation in inpatient ward rounds on acute inpatient medical wards: a descriptive study
Authors: Redley Bernice , McTier Lauren , Botti Mari , Hutchinson Alison , Newnham Harvey , Campbell Donald , Bucknall Tracey 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundMeaningful partnering with patients is advocated to enhance care delivery. Little is known about how this is operationalised at the point of care during hospital ward rounds, where decision-making concerning patient care frequently occurs.ObjectiveDescribe participation of patients, with differing preferences for participation, during ward rounds in acute medical inpatient services.MethodsNaturalistic, multimethod design. Data were collected using surveys and observations of ward rounds at two hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Using convenience sampling, a stratified sample of acute general medical patients were recruited. Prior to observation and interview, patient responses to the Control Preference Scale were used to stratify them into three groups representing diverse participation preferences: active control where the patient makes decisions; shared control where the patient prefers to make decisions jointly with clinicians; and passive control where the patient prefers clinicians make decisions.ResultsOf the 52 patients observed over 133 ward rounds, 30.8% (n=16) reported an active control preference for participation in decision-making during ward rounds, 25% (n=13) expressed shared control preference and 44.2% (n=23) expressed low control preference. Patients’ participation was observed in 75% (n=85) of ward rounds, but few rounds (18%, n=20) involved patient contribution to decisions about their care. Clinicians prompted patient participation in 54% of rounds; and in 15% patients initiated their own participation. Thematic analysis of qualitative observation and patient interview data revealed two themes,supporting patient capabilityandclinician-led opportunity, that contributed to patient participation or non-participation in ward rounds.ConclusionsParticipation in ward rounds was similar for patients irrespective of control preference. This study demonstrates the need to better understand clinician roles in supporting strategies that promote patient participation in day-to-day hospital care.
A comparative study of the Parnaíba, Michigan and Congo cratonic basins
Authors: Watts A. B. , Tozer B. , Daly M. C. , Smith J. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We used compilations of geological and geophysical data to compare the structure, subsidence history and evolution of the Parnaíba, Michigan and Congo cratonic basins. These basins consist of 3–6 km of Paleozoic to Recent sediments and are located on thick (>150 km) lithosphere, far from plate boundaries. Sediment-corrected Bouguer gravity anomalies show that the basins are associated with a central high of up to 40–60 mGal. The high could reflect crustal thinning, but seismic refraction data suggest that the Moho is either at a similar depth or deeper beneath the basins than beneath their flanks. The seismic reflection profiles show no evidence of extensional structures in the underlying basement. We propose that the central high reflects an extensive igneous intrusion, which, on solidification, loaded the crust and lithosphere, causing a surface flexure into which sediments accumulated. Viscoelastic plate modelling of the backstripped well data shows that a subsurface load can explain the tectonic subsidence of the basins as well as some details of their internal stratigraphy, including offlap. Offlap, a ubiquitous feature of cratonic basins, can therefore be explained by tectonics in the form of flexure and does not require other controlling factors such as long-term sea-level changes.
Replicated Computations Results (RCR) Report for “Design and Verification of Trusted Collective Adaptive Systems”
Authors: Beek Maurice H. Ter 
Published: February 2018

The article “Design and Verification of Trusted Collective Adaptive Systems” by Aldini proposes a process-algebraic framework for modeling and verifying trusted collective adaptive systems. To favor reuse, the system and trust models can be specified separately, only to be integrated at the semantic level. Through a combination of behavioral equivalence checking and model checking against branching-time temporal logic with trust predicates, the framework allows comparative analyses of different trust models as well as analyses of the effects of attacks to the trust models. The applicability of the formal framework is illustrated by means of two representative use cases: the security analysis of a trust-incentive service management system and a comparison of two different reputation systems.
This replicated computations results report focuses on the reproducibility of the experiments performed in the aforementioned article, i.e. on the automatic verification of properties against models of these use cases encoded in the well-known NuSMV model checker. It was straightforward to reproduce all results from the article in reasonable time using a standard laptop machine.