bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into PG‐binding, conformational change, and dimerization of the OmpA C‐terminal domains from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Tan Kemin , Deatherage Kaiser Brooke L. , Wu Ruiying , Cuff Marianne , Fan Yao , Bigelow Lance , Jedrzejczak Robert P. , Adkins Joshua N. , Cort John R. , Babnigg Gyorgy , Joachimiak Andrzej 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSalmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium can induce both humoral and cell‐mediated responses when establishing itself in the host. These responses are primarily stimulated against the lipopolysaccharide and major outer membrane (OM) proteins. OmpA is one of these major OM proteins. It comprises a N‐terminal eight‐stranded β‐barrel transmembrane domain and a C‐terminal domain (OmpACTD). The OmpACTD and its homologs are believed to bind to peptidoglycan (PG) within the periplasm, maintaining bacterial osmotic homeostasis and modulating the permeability and integrity of the OM. Here we present the first crystal structures of the OmpACTD from two pathogens: S. typhimurium (STOmpACTD) in open and closed forms and causative agent of Lyme Disease Borrelia burgdorferi (BbOmpACTD), in closed form. In the open form of STOmpACTD, an aspartate residue from a long β2‐α3 loop points into the binding pocket, suggesting that an anion group such as a carboxylate group from PG is favored at the binding site. In the closed form of STOmpACTD and in the structure of BbOmpACTD, a sulfate group from the crystallization buffer is tightly bound at the binding site. The differences between the closed and open forms of STOmpACTD, suggest a large conformational change that includes an extension of α3 helix by ordering a part of β2‐α3 loop. We propose that the sulfate anion observed in these structures mimics the carboxylate group of PG when bound to STOmpACTD suggesting PG‐anchoring mechanism. In addition, the binding of PG or a ligand mimic may enhance dimerization of STOmpACTD, or possibly that of full length STOmpA.
Experimental and clinical evidence of differential effects of magnesium sulfate on neuroprotection and angiogenesis in the fetal brain
Authors: Lecuyer Matthieu , Rubio Marina , Chollat Clément , Lecointre Maryline , Jégou Sylvie , Leroux Philippe , Cleren Carine , Leroux‐Nicollet Isabelle , Marpeau Loic , Vivien Denis , Marret Stéphane , Gonzalez Bruno J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractClinical studies showed beneficial effects of magnesium sulfate regarding the risk of cerebral palsy. However, regimen protocols fluctuate worldwide and risks of adverse effects impacting the vascular system have been reported for human neonates, keeping open the question of the optimal dosing. Using clinically relevant concentrations and doses of magnesium sulfate, experiments consisted of characterizing, respectively, ex vivo and in vivo, the effects of magnesium sulfate on the nervous and vascular systems of mouse neonates by targeting neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and hemodynamic factors and in measuring, in human fetuses, the impact of a 4‐g neuroprotective loading dose of magnesium sulfate on brain hemodynamic parameters. Preclinical experiments using cultured cortical slices from mouse neonates showed that the lowest and highest tested concentrations of magnesium sulfate were equally potent to prevent excitotoxic‐induced cell death, cell edema, cell burst, and intracellular calcium increase, whereas no side effects were found regarding apoptosis. In contrast, in vivo data revealed that magnesium sulfate exerted dose‐dependent vascular effects on the fetal brain. In particular, it induced brain hypoperfusion, stabilization of Hif‐1α, long‐term upregulation of VEGF‐R2 expression, impaired endothelial viability, and altered cortical angiogenesis. Clinically, in contrast to 6‐g loading doses used in some protocols, a 4‐g bolus of magnesium sulfate did not altered fetal brain hemodynamic parameters. In conclusion, these data provide the first mechanistic evidence of double‐sword and dose‐dependent actions of magnesium sulfate on nervous and vascular systems. They strongly support the clinical use of neuroprotection protocols validated for the lowest (4‐g) loading dose of magnesium sulfate.
PCPF‐M model for simulating the fate and transport of pesticides and their metabolites in rice paddy field
Authors: Boulange Julien , Malhat Farag , Thuyet Dang Quoc , Watanabe Hirozumi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe PCPF‐1 model was improved for forecasting the fate and transport of metabolites in addition to parent compounds in rice paddies. In the new PCPF‐M model, metabolites are generated from the dissipation of pesticide applied in rice paddies through hydrolysis, photolysis and biological degradations. The methodology to parameterize the model was illustrated using two scenarios for which uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.RESULTSIn a batch degradation experiment, the hourly forecasted concentrations of fipronil and its metabolites in paddy water were very accurate. In a field‐scale experiment, the hourly forecasted concentrations of fipronil in paddy water and paddy soil were accurate while the corresponding daily forecasted concentrations of metabolites were adequate. The major contributors to the variation of the forecasted metabolite concentrations in paddy water and paddy soil were the formation fractions of the metabolites. The influence of uncertainty included in input parameters on the forecasted metabolite concentration was high during the peak concentration of metabolite in paddy water. In contrast, in paddy soil, the metabolite concentrations forecasted several days after the initial pesticide application were sensitive to the uncertainty incorporated in the input parameters.CONCLUSIONThe PCPF‐M model simultaneously forecasts the concentrations of a parent pesticide and up to three metabolites. The model was validated using fipronil and two of its metabolites in paddy water and paddy soil. The model can be used in the early stage of the pesticide registration process and in risk assessment analysis for the evaluation of pesticide exposure. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Discriminatory power of rbcL barcode locus for authentication of some of United Arab Emirates (UAE) native plants
Authors: Maloukh Lina , Kumarappan Alagappan , Jarrar Mohammad , Salehi Jawad , El-wakil Houssam , Rajya Lakshmi T. V. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
DNA barcoding of United Arab Emirates (UAE) native plants is of high practical and scientific value as the plants adapt to very harsh environmental conditions that challenge their identification. Fifty-one plant species belonged to 22 families, 2 monocots, and 20 eudicots; a maximum number of species being legumes and grasses were collected. To authenticate the morphological identification of the wild plant taxa, rbcL and matK regions were used in the study. The primer universality and discriminatory power of rbcL is 100%, while it is 35% for matK locus for these plant species. The sequences were submitted to GenBank; accession numbers were obtained for all the rbcL sequences and for 6 of matK sequences. We suggest rbcL as a promising barcode locus for the tested group of 51 plants. In the present study, an inexpensive, simple method of identification of rare desert plant taxa through rbcL barcode is being reported.
Virulence factors associated with Coagulase Negative Staphylococci isolated from human infections
Authors: Soumya K. R. , Philip Suja , Sugathan Sheela , Mathew Jyothis , Radhakrishnan E. K. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Infections caused by commensal organisms by changing to infectious life style generate much challenge to the current treatment strategies. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are one of them, with their coexisting biofilm forming and multiple antibiotic resistance properties form important agents of nosocomial infection. To evaluate species distribution, biofilm formation, and antibiogram, CoNS isolates from various clinical samples were isolated. The presence of biofilm and associated genes icaAB, aap, atlE, embp, bhp, and fbe in CoNS was screened by PCR. The biofilm chemical composition and its correlation with the genotypes were also analysed. Staphylococcus epidermidis (59%) was found to be the most prevalent CoNS species. Most of the CoNS isolates harboring biofilm gene showed carbohydrate-protein-eDNA biofilm, whereas carbohydrate-protein biofilms were also observed. High percentage of multiple drug resistance, and biofilm gene frequency among these CoNS isolates point towards the need of periodic surveillance as CoNS are recently identified to cause difficult to treat infections.
Periodic 1.5 ka climate variations during MIS 2 in the belt of Southern Hemispheric westerlies
Authors: Kliem Pierre , Baumgarten Henrike , Gebhardt Catalina , Hahn Annette , Ohlendorf Christian , Zolitschka Bernd 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLacustrine sediments retrieved from Laguna Potrok Aike in the framework of the Potrok Aike Maar Lake Sediment Archive Drilling Project (PASADO) offer the possibility to investigate climate variations of the past ~51 cal ka BP in Southern Hemispheric midlatitudes, Argentinean Patagonia. This study focuses on short-term cyclicities in the Ca and magnetic susceptibility data sets between 51 and 15 cal ka BP. The record yields a climate pattern with a periodicity of 1.5 ka during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2) detected in the Southern Hemisphere from 31 to 17 cal ka BP for the first time. MIS 2 is known for constantly cold temperatures, whereas prominent climate variations paced by a 1.5 ka periodicity occurred during MIS 3. Our study documents that minor latitudinal oscillations of the Southern Hemispheric westerlies and the polar easterlies with a 1.5 ka periodicity also took place during MIS 2. However, we assume that because of a major northward displacement of the Southern Hemispheric westerlies, these oscillations did not sufficiently affect the zone of Circumpolar Deep Waters and an increased greenhouse effect by upwelling of CO2-rich deep waters did not occur. This mechanism illustrates why prominent climate events fail to appear during MIS 2.
THE MISKITU, MILITARY LABOUR, AND THE SAN JUAN EXPEDITION OF 1780
Authors: DZIENNIK MATTHEW P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article examines the contributions of the Miskitu people of colonial Nicaragua and Honduras to Britain's largest military intervention in interior Central America – the invasion of Spanish Nicaragua in 1780. Lacking the local skills and knowledge essential to offensive operations in the region, the expedition relied on an existing alliance with the Miskitu. Charting the evolution of this alliance, this article reveals not only the importance of indigenous manpower to colonial endeavours but also how intercultural campaigns generated powerful assumptions about martial skills and racial categorizations. These assumptions were highly vulnerable to misunderstandings that, in turn, had a profound effect on supposedly rigid European concepts of national policy, military planning, and strategic interests. The failure of British officials to appreciate the needs of their allies ended hopes of defeating the Spanish empire. But the failure also shaped understandings of the Miskitu and broader British interests in Central America. The raising of military labour was much more than the process of hiring soldiers. It was a broader process of negotiation, understanding, and misunderstanding that helped define the expansion of European empires in the new world.
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN HOSPITALS: LESSONS LEARNED FROM AN EMPIRICAL EXPERIMENT
Authors: Foglia Emanuela , Lettieri Emanuele , Ferrario Lucrezia , Porazzi Emanuele , Garagiola Elisabetta , Pagani Roberta , Bonfanti Marzia , Lazzarotti Valentina , Manzini Raffaella , Masella Cristina , Croce Davide 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: Hospital Based Health Technology Assessment (HBHTA) practices, to inform decision making at the hospital level, emerged as urgent priority for policy makers, hospital managers, and professionals. The present study crystallized the results achieved by the testing of an original framework for HBHTA, developed within Lombardy Region: the IMPlementation of A Quick hospital-based HTA (IMPAQHTA). The study tested: (i) the HBHTA framework efficiency, (ii) feasibility, (iii) the tool utility and completeness, considering dimensions and sub-dimensions.Methods: The IMPAQHTA framework deployed the Regional HTA program, activated in 2008 in Lombardy, at the hospital level. The relevance and feasibility of the framework were tested over a 3-year period through a large-scale empirical experiment, involving seventy-four healthcare professionals organized in different HBHTA teams for assessing thirty-two different technologies within twenty-two different hospitals. Semi-structured interviews and self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data regarding the relevance and feasibility of the IMPAQHTA framework.Results: The proposed HBHTA framework proved to be suitable for application at the hospital level, in the Italian context, permitting a quick assessment (11 working days) and providing hospital decision makers with relevant and quantitative information. Performances in terms of feasibility, utility, completeness, and easiness proved to be satisfactory.Conclusions: The IMPAQHTA was considered to be a complete and feasible HBHTA framework, as well as being replicable to different technologies within any hospital settings, thus demonstrating the capability of a hospital to develop a complete HTA, if supported by adequate and well defined tools and quantitative metrics.
Impact of oocyte-secreted factors on its developmental competence in buffalo
Authors: Gupta Swati , Pandey Sriti , Parmar Mehtab S. , Somal Anjali , Paul Avishek , Panda Bibhudatta S. K. , Bhat Irfan A. , Baiju Indu , Bharti Mukesh K. , Saikumar G. , Sarkar Mihir , Chandra Vikash , Sharma G. Taru 
Published: June 2017

SummaryOocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) play an important role in the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence through bidirectional cross-talk between oocyte and cumulus cells via gap junctions. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of two OSFs, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), on the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes derived from two different follicle sizes. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from large follicles (LF, >6 mm) or small follicles (SF, <6 mm) were collected and maturedin vitroeither in the presence of GDF9 or BMP15, or both, or with the denuded oocytes (DOs) as a source of native OSFs. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in LF-derived than SF-derived oocytes. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the DOs and the combination groups compared with the control, GDF9 alone and BMP15 alone groups, both in LF-derived and SF-derived oocytes, although the cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) between DOs and combination groups. Relative mRNA analysis revealed significantly higher (P> 0.05) expression of the cumulus cell marker genesEGFR,HAS2, andCD44in LF-derived than SF-derived oocyte; the expression of these markers was significantly higher (P> 0.05) in DOs and combination groups, irrespective of the follicle size. These results suggested that LF-derived oocytes have a higher developmental competence than SF-derived oocytes and that supplementation of GDF9 and BMP15 modulates the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes by increasing the relative abundance of cumulus-enabling factors and thereby increasing cleavage and the quality of blastocyst production.
Grandmothers’ knowledge positively influences maternal knowledge and infant and young child feeding practices
Authors: Karmacharya Chandni , Cunningham Kenda , Choufani Jowel , Kadiyala Suneetha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine associations between grandmothers’ knowledge and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and to test whether the associations are independent of or operate via maternal knowledge.DesignCross-sectional household survey data from households with a child under 5 years (n4080). We used multivariate regression analyses, adjusted for child, maternal, grandmother and household characteristics, and district-level clustering, to test associations between grandmothers’ knowledge and IYCF practices for children aged 6–24 months living with a grandmother. We used causal mediation to formally test the direct effect of grandmothers’ knowledge on IYCF practicesv. maternal knowledge mediating these associations.SettingTwo hundred and forty rural communities, sixteen districts of Nepal.SubjectsChildren aged 6–24 months (n1399), including those living with grandmothers (n748).ResultsWe found that the odds of optimal breast-feeding practices were higher (early breast-feeding initiation: 2·2 times,P=0·002; colostrum feeding: 4·2 times,P<0·001) in households where grandmothers had correct knowledgev. those with incorrect knowledge. The same pattern was found for correct timing of introduction of water (2·6), milk (2·4), semi-solids (3·2), solids (2·9), eggs (2·6) and meat (2·5 times; allP<0·001). For the two pathways we were able to test, mothers’ correct knowledge mediated these associations between grandmothers’ knowledge and IYCF practices: colostrum feeding (b=10·91,P<0·001) and the introduction of complementary foods (b=5·18,P<0·001).ConclusionsGrandmothers’ correct knowledge translated into mothers’ correct knowledge and, therefore, optimal IYCF practices. Given grandmothers’ influence in childcare, engagement of grandmothers in health and nutrition interventions could improve mothers’ knowledge and facilitate better child feeding.
A Comprehensive Approach Towards Optimizing the Xenon Plasma Focused Ion Beam Instrument for Semiconductor Failure Analysis Applications
Authors: Subramaniam Srinivas , Huening Jennifer , Richards John , Johnson Kevin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe xenon plasma focused ion beam instrument (PFIB), holds significant promise in expanding the applications of focused ion beams in new technology thrust areas. In this paper, we have explored the operational characteristics of a Tescan FERA3 XMH PFIB instrument with the aim of meeting current and future challenges in the semiconductor industry. A two part approach, with the first part aimed at optimizing the ion column and the second optimizing specimen preparation, has been undertaken. Detailed studies characterizing the ion column, optimizing for high-current/high mill rate activities, have been described to support a better understanding of the PFIB. In addition, a novel single-crystal sacrificial mask method has been developed and implemented for use in the PFIB. Using this combined approach, we have achieved high-quality images with minimal artifacts, while retaining the shorter throughput times of the PFIB. Although the work presented in this paper has been performed on a specific instrument, the authors hope that these studies will provide general insight to direct further improvement of PFIB design and applications.
Local versus Global Perceptual Scope, Empathic Concern, and Helping Preferences in Multiple-Victim Situations
Authors: Oceja Luis , Stocks Eric , Ambrona Tamara , López-Pérez Belén , Carrera Pilar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrevious research on the one-among-others effect has shown that inducing empathic concern towards a victim presented alongside with a small number of other victims enhances (a) the perception of this set of victims as separate and different individuals (instead of as a group), and (b) the preference to help them individually (rather than collectively). We propose that inducing a local (vs. global) perceptual scope increases (vs. lessens) these two outcomes. In this work, participants first reported their perception of an ad that showed a victim depicted as one-among-others and, afterwards, were unexpectedly asked to indicate their preference for giving the victims either “individualized”, “collective”, or “equal” assistance. In Experiment 1 (N= 48), we manipulated the participants’ local (vs. global) perceptual scope and allowed empathy concern to occur naturally. In Experiment 2 (N= 213), we manipulated both the perceptual scope and empathy concern. Overall, results showed that the combined presence of local scope and empathic concern increased the awareness of others (ηp2= .203 and .047, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.35] and [0.03, 0.13],ps < .03) and the preference for individualized assistance (zs = 2.08 and 2.74,ps < .02). Lastly, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of perceiving a set of victims asindividuals(rather than as a group) in need.
The role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells expressing the GPR17 receptor in brain remodeling after stroke
Authors: Bonfanti Elisabetta , Gelosa Paolo , Fumagalli Marta , Dimou Leda , Viganò Francesca , Tremoli Elena , Cimino Mauro , Sironi Luigi , Abbracchio Maria P 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFollowing stroke-induced neuronal damage, quiescent oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) are activated to proliferate and later to differentiate to myelin-producing cells. GPR17, a receptor transiently expressed on early OPCs, has emerged as a target to implement stroke repair through stimulation of OPC maturation. However, being GPR17 completely downregulated in myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, its actual role in determining the final fate of OPCs after cerebral ischemia is still uncertain. Here, to univocally define the spatiotemporal changes and final fate of GPR17-expressing OPCs, we induced ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in reporter GPR17iCreERT2:CAG-eGreen florescent protein (GFP) mice, in which, upon tamoxifen treatment, cells expressing GPR17 become green and traceable for their entire life. Starting from 3 days and up to 2 weeks after MCAo, GFP+ cells markedly accumulated in regions surrounding the ischemic lesion; several of them proliferated, as shown by co-labeling of the DNA synthesis marker 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Almost all GFP+/BrdU+ cells expressed the OPC early marker neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2), indicating that they were still precursors. Accumulation of GFP+ cells was also because of OPC recruitment from surrounding areas, as suggested in vivo by acquisition of typical features of migrating OPCs, shown in vitro in presence of the chemoattractant PDGF-AA and confirmed by transplantation of GFP+-OPCs in wild-type MCAo mice. Eight weeks after MCAo, only some of these precociously recruited cells had undergone maturation as shown by NG2 loss and acquisition of mature myelinating markers like GSTpi. A pool of recruited GFP+-OPCs was kept at a precursor stage to likely make it available for further insults. Thus, very early after ischemia, GFP+-OPCs proliferate and migrate toward the lesion; however, most of these cells remain undifferentiated, suggesting functional roles other than myelination.