bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphate as a Signaling Molecule and Its Sensing Mechanism
Authors: Michigami Toshimi , Kawai Masanobu , Yamazaki Miwa , Ozono Keiichi
Published: August 2018

In mammals, phosphate balance is maintained by influx and efflux via the intestines, kidneys, bone, and soft tissue, which involves multiple sodium/phosphate (Na+/Pi) cotransporters, as well as regulation by several hormones. Alterations in the levels of extracellular phosphate exert effects on both skeletal and extra-skeletal tissues, and accumulating evidence has suggested that phosphate itself evokes signal transduction to regulate gene expression and cell behavior. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that an elevation in extracellular Piactivates fibroblast growth factor receptor, Raf/MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway and Akt pathway, which might involve the type III Na+/Picotransporter PiT-1. Excessive phosphate loading can lead to various harmful effects by accelerating ectopic calcification, enhancing oxidative stress, and dysregulating signal transduction. The responsiveness of mammalian cells to altered extracellular phosphate levels suggests that they may sense and adapt to phosphate availability, although the precise mechanism for phosphate sensing in mammals remains unclear. Unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, use some types of Pitransporters and other molecules, such as kinases, to sense the environmental Piavailability. Multicellular animals may need to integrate signals from various organs to sense the phosphate levels as a whole organism, similarly to higher plants. Clarification of the phosphate-sensing mechanism in humans may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat diseases caused by phosphate imbalance.
The Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: Physiology of the Stress Response
Authors: Deussing Jan M. , Chen Alon
Published: August 2018

The physiological stress response is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived challenges. In this function, the brain activates adaptive responses that involve numerous neural circuits and effector molecules to adapt to the current and future demands. A maladaptive stress response has been linked to the etiology of a variety of disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, and the metabolic syndrome. The neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its relatives, the urocortins 1–3, in concert with their receptors (CRFR1, CRFR2), have emerged as central components of the physiological stress response. This central peptidergic system impinges on a broad spectrum of physiological processes that are the basis for successful adaptation and concomitantly integrate autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral stress responses. This review focuses on the physiology of CRF-related peptides and their cognate receptors with the aim of providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the field. We describe the major molecular features covering aspects of gene expression and regulation, structural properties, and molecular interactions, as well as mechanisms of signal transduction and their surveillance. In addition, we discuss the large body of published experimental studies focusing on state-of-the-art genetic approaches with high temporal and spatial precision, which collectively aimed to dissect the contribution of CRF-related ligands and receptors to different levels of the stress response. We discuss the controversies in the field and unravel knowledge gaps that might pave the way for future research directions and open up novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
On Narrowband Interference Suppression in TDCS with WFRFT Preprocessing
Authors: Wang Quan , Feng Xinxi , Liang Yuan
Published: August 2018

We propose a modified transform domain communication system (TDCS) structure with weighted fractional Fourier transform (WFRFT) preprocessing over the channel with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and narrowband interference (NBI). The majority of NBI can be removed by adding zeros to TDCS’s basic function (BF) amplitude vector at these subcarriers where strong NBI exists, and the corresponding residual NBI can be further greatly eliminated in time-frequency domain through WFRFT processing. To achieve the best bit error rate (BER) performance, we defineγas the normalised cross relationship coefficient between TDCS’s BF vector and residual NBI vector and prove that the corresponding WFRFTαoptcan be obtained by minimising the magnitude ofγ. Numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the proposed system’s performance with regard to NBI suppression.
More on the Non-Gaussianity of Perturbations in a Nonminimal Inflationary Model
Authors: Shojaee R. , Nozari K. , Darabi F.
Published: August 2018

We study nonlinear cosmological perturbations and their possible non-Gaussian character in an extended nonminimal inflation where gravity is coupled nonminimally to both the scalar field and its derivatives. By expansion of the action up to the third order, we focus on the nonlinearity and non-Gaussianity of perturbations in comparison with recent observational data. By adopting an inflation potential of the form V(ϕ)=1/nλϕn, we show that, for n=4, for instance, this extended model is consistent with observation if 0.013<λ<0.095 in appropriate units. By restricting the equilateral amplitude of non-Gaussianity to the observationally viable values, the coupling parameter λ is constrained to the values λ<0.1.
The Neural-Fuzzy Approach as a Way of Preventing a Maritime Vessel Accident in a Heavy Traffic Zone
Authors: Sedova Nelly A. , Sedov Viktor A. , Bazhenov Ruslan I.
Published: August 2018

The paper dwells on the methodology of neural-fuzzy approach to solving the problem of ship collision prevention in a heavy traffic zone. The authors present the technique of using maneuvering board to form the elements of learning sample. The authors prove that it is rational to use a neural-fuzzy system, where generation is carried out by the lattice method without clustering. The authors investigate the effect of optimization on the quality differences. The researchers define optimal membership functions that are used to generate the input linguistic variables of a neural-fuzzy system.
Clusters of Healthcare-Associated Legionnaires’ Disease in Two Hospitals of Central Greece
Authors: Kyritsi Maria A. , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Katsiafliaka Anna , Kolokythopoulou Foteini , Plakokefalos Elias , Nakoulas Vasileios , Rachiotis George , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: August 2018

Healthcare-associated Legionnaires’ disease often leads to fatal respiratory tract infection among hospitalized patients. In this report, three cases of Legionnaires’ disease among patients in two different hospitals (Hospital A and Hospital B) were investigated. After conducting an epidemiologic and environmental investigation, the water distribution systems (WDSs) were identified as the possible source of infection, as Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) was isolated from both clinical and environmental samples. Patients received aerosol therapy with nebulizers during their hospitalization. Based on the results of the investigation, the hospitals’ infection control committees reviewed their policies for Legionnaires’ disease prevention and implemented control measures focusing on using sterile fluids for aerosol treatments.
A Case of Phlegmonous Gastritis in a Patient with Psoriatic Arthritis on Infliximab
Authors: De Davide Laurence , Beaudoin Annie
Published: August 2018

Phlegmonous gastritis is a pyogenic infection affecting the submucosa of the gastric wall. Although rarely diagnosed, it remains a disease with high mortality. We thereby describe the case of a 42-year-old male patient known for psoriatic arthritis on Infliximab who was diagnosed with phlegmonous gastritis secondary to immunosuppressive therapy. The patient had a favourable outcome with a conservative treatment consisting of a 14-day course of broad antibiotherapy.
Numerical Analysis of Stress Fields and Crack Growths in the Floor Strata of Coal Seam for Longwall Mining
Authors: Sun Lingzhi , Xie Yunyue , Xiao Hongtian
Published: August 2018

This paper predicts the possibility of water inrush from a confined aquifer under the action of mining activities and water pressure. The study uses numerical analyses to evaluate stress redistribution and crack growth which result from coal extraction operations. Two models are presented in this study. By simplifying the distribution of the disturbed vertical stress on the coal seam and floor around a working face, a model is established to analyze the additional stresses in the floor strata induced by mining activities. And some distribution features of all the additional stress components are described. By using the superposition principle in fracture mechanics, another model is developed to analyze the crack growth in the floor strata under the action of disturbed stresses and water pressure. And the stress intensity factors at the crack tip are presented and the process of crack growth is obtained in the advancement of a working face. Because of discretizing only loading areas and crack surfaces, the present methods can obtain the accurate numerical results. Finally, some suggestions are made for preventing the water inrush from a confined aquifer.
Calculation of Capillary Rise Height of Soils by SWCC Model
Authors: Li Yuhan , Zhang Chen , Chen Chenghao , Chen Hao
Published: August 2018

The maximum capillary rise height of soil is a complex system which is mainly determined by the distribution characteristics of soil pores. The tests of the rising height of capillary water on 8 kinds of soils by the method of vertical tube are widely conducted to measure the maximum capillary rise height. Based on the BCC model and principles of thermodynamics, the soil‐water characteristic curve test is designed for the purpose of calculating the pore distribution of soil samples. A new method for calculating the maximum capillary rise height of soil is proposed by the author by using the distribution function of the soil pore. The coefficient β which reflects the relationship between the maximum capillary rise and the average pore radius of soils is utilized during the calculation process, and then the reference range of β for different soils is obtained according to series of experiments corresponding. The proposed calculation method offers an effective way to calculate the maximum capillary rise height, which can be applied to analyze the capillary effect area of relevant engineering problems.
Effect of Pressure, Post-Pressing Time, and Polymerization Cycle on the Degree of Conversion of Thermoactivated Acrylic Resin
Authors: Leão Rafaella de S. , Moraes Sandra L. D. de , Aquino Kátia A. da S. , Isolan Cristina P. , Casado Bruno G. da S. , Montes Marcos A. J. R.
Published: August 2018

Herein, the effect of different post-pressing times and pressure in two cycles of polymerization on the degree of conversion (DC) of thermally activated acrylic resin (TRRA) is analyzed to optimize the polymerization of this material. After post-pressing for 0, 6, or 12 h, polymerization was performed with or without a pressure of 60 psi (0.41 MPa) in a short (4 h) or a long (11 h) cycle, totaling 12 groups. To determine the DC, PMMA specimens were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of each factor alone on the DC was studied by experimental planning. The statistical tests used were three-way ANOVA, t-test, Tukey’s test, and Levene’s test, with a margin of error of 5%. Two groups prepared with post-pressing times of 12 h had the lowest DC (p<0.001). Post-pressing times of 0 and 6 h did not yield statistically different results. Pressure increased the DC in only one group (long cycle +12 h, p=0.001). The short cycle resulted in a higher DC than the long cycle in 2 groups (with pressure +0 h, p=0.002; without pressure +6 h, p=0.015), while the long cycle yielded a statistically higher DC in only one group (with pressure +12 h, p<0.001). The polymerization showed satisfactory DC in all 12 groups. Small differences found among the specimens indicate that the pressure, post-pressing time, and polymerization cycles herein were not influential factors for the DC of PMMA.
A Novel Reaching Law for Sliding Mode Control of Uncertain Discrete-Time Systems
Authors: Xu Qian , Du H. P. , He B. , Yan T. H. , Li W. H. , Sun S. S.
Published: August 2018

This paper proposed a new sliding mode control algorithm for discrete-time systems with matched uncertainty. The new control algorithm is characterized by a new discrete switching surface. Although the exponential reaching law can reduce oscillation, the control effectiveness will be suppressed when the rate of change of disturbance is high. The exponential reaching law cannot force the system states to approach sliding surface sk=0. In order to solve the contradiction between guaranteeing the basic property of quasi-sliding mode and reducing oscillation, a new discrete reaching law is proposed to improve the reaching process of discrete exponent reaching laws. The proposed method not only can force system state to approach the sliding surface sk=0 in less width of the switching manifold than existing studies, but also can alleviate chattering when the system representative points are near zero point. Simulation results are provided to validate the feasibility and reasonability of the method.
Event‐Triggered Consensus Control for Leader‐Following Multiagent Systems Using Output Feedback
Authors: Liu Yang , Hou Xiaohui
Published: August 2018

The event‐triggered consensus control for leader‐following multiagent systems subjected to external disturbances is investigated, by using the output feedback. In particular, a novel distributed event‐triggered protocol is proposed by adopting dynamic observers to estimate the internal state information based on the measurable output signal. It is shown that under the developed observer‐based event‐triggered protocol, multiple agents will reach consensus with the desired disturbance attenuation ability and meanwhile exhibit no Zeno behaviors. Finally, a simulation is presented to verify the obtained results.
Capnocytophaga Induced Acute Necrotizing and Exudative Pericarditis with Abscess Formation
Authors: Bello Alexa , Castaneda Alejandro , Vakil Abhay , Varon Joseph , Surani Salim
Published: August 2018

We present the case of a 55-year-old gentleman, with bilateral pulmonary embolism and a large pericardial effusion that lead to a pericardial window with evacuation of creamy pus. Gram stains were negative, with culture growing Capnocytophaga. Pathology revealed acute necrotizing and exudative changes, including frank abscess formation. In developed countries, pericardial abscess and acute pericarditis are uncommon due to availability of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Pericardial abscess due to Capnocytophaga is even more uncommon.
Functional Connectivity Alterations in Children with Spastic and Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Qin Yun , Li Yanan , Sun Bo , He Hui , Peng Rui , Zhang Tao , Li Jianfu , Luo Cheng , Sun Chengyan , Yao Dezhong
Published: August 2018

Cerebral palsy (CP) has long been investigated to be associated with a range of motor and cognitive dysfunction. As the two most common CP subtypes, spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP) may share common and distinct elements in their pathophysiology. However, the common and distinct dysfunctional characteristics between SCP and DCP on the brain network level are less known. This study aims to detect the alteration of brain functional connectivity in children with SCP and DCP based on resting-state functional MRI (fMRI). Resting-state networks (RSNs) were established based on the independent component analysis (ICA), and the functional network connectivity (FNC) was performed on the fMRI data from 16 DCP, 18 bilateral SCP, and 18 healthy children. Compared with healthy controls, altered functional connectivity within the cerebellum network, sensorimotor network (SMN), left frontoparietal network (LFPN), and salience network (SN) were found in DCP and SCP groups. Furthermore, the disconnections of the FNC consistently focused on the visual pathway; covariance of the default mode network (DMN) with other networks was observed both in DCP and SCP groups, while the DCP group had a distinct connectivity abnormality in motor pathway and self-referential processing-related connections. Correlations between the functional disconnection and the motor-related clinical measurement in children with CP were also found. These findings indicate functional connectivity impairment and altered integration widely exist in children with CP, suggesting that the abnormal functional connectivity is a pathophysiological mechanism of motor and cognitive dysfunction of CP.
Prolonging the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review of Current Techniques
Authors: Engmann Felicia , Katsriku Ferdinand Apietu , Abdulai Jamal-Deen , Adu-Manu Kofi Sarpong , Banaseka Frank Kataka
Published: August 2018

There has been an increase in research interest in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) as a result of the potential for their widespread use in many different areas like home automation, security, environmental monitoring, and many more. Despite the successes gained, the widespread adoption of WSNs particularly in remote and inaccessible places where their use is most beneficial is hampered by the major challenge of limited energy, being in most instances battery powered. To prolong the lifetime for these energy hungry sensor nodes, energy management schemes have been proposed in the literature to keep the sensor nodes alive making the network more operational and efficient. Currently, emphasis has been placed on energy harvesting, energy transfer, and energy conservation methods as the primary means of maintaining the network lifetime. These energy management techniques are designed to balance the energy in the overall network. The current review presents the state of the art in the energy management schemes, the remaining challenges, and the open issues for future research work.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Premolars in a Saudi Population
Authors: Alqedairi Abdullah , Alfawaz Hussam , Al-Dahman Yousef , Alnassar Faisal , Al-Jebaly Asma , Alsubait Sara
Published: August 2018

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the root canal morphology of maxillary first and second premolars in a Saudi population using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).Methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed CBCT images of 707 Saudi patients. The number of roots and canal configuration were identified based on Vertucci’s classification. Fisher’s exact Chi-square tests were performed to analyze the association between sex and number of roots and sex and root canal configuration.Results. Most teeth had two roots in maxillary first premolars (75.1%) and one root in maxillary second premolars (85.2%). Type IV was the most prevalent canal configuration in maxillary first premolars (69.1%), while Type I was the most in maxillary second premolars (49.4%). All types of canal configurations were observed in maxillary premolars except Type VII for the maxillary second premolar. Chi-square tests showed no significant association between gender and number of roots and sex and root canal configuration in both maxillary first and second premolars although higher number of roots was seen in men (P > 0.05).Conclusion. Most maxillary first premolars had two roots with Type IV being the most predominant canal configuration, while a single root with Type I canal configuration was the most frequently observed morphology in maxillary second premolars. In maxillary first premolars, 21.3% had one canal apically, 75.4% had two canals apically, and 3.3% had three canals apically. In maxillary second premolars, 80.2% had one canal apically, 18.9% had two canals apically, and 0.9% had three canals apically.
Anaerobic Codigestion of Sugarcane Press Mud with Food Waste: Effects on Hydrolysis Stage, Methane Yield, and Synergistic Effects
Authors: Cárdenas-Cleves Lina M. , Marmolejo-Rebellón Luis F. , Torres-Lozada Patricia
Published: August 2018

Sugarcane press mud (SPM) has a high potential to produce renewable energy through anaerobic digestion (AD); however, hydrolysis is the limiting stage of the process due to the presence of slowly biodegradable compounds. An alternative that can improve this deficiency is anaerobic codigestion (AcoD). In this investigation, the monodigestion of SPM and its AcoD with food waste (FW) were evaluated through the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test, and kinetic parameters were analyzed through the analysis of the kinetic models of first order and modified Gompertz. This study showed that the AcoD of SPM with FW improved the hydrolysis stage, increased methane (CH4) yield, improved the stability of the process, and presented synergistic effects. As regards the hydrolysis stage, the hydrolysis constant was increased, and the lag phase was reduced. The monodigestion of SPM (SPM : FW 100 : 0) showed an increase of 9% with the addition of external nutrients solution, while that of AcoD in the SPM : FW 80 : 20 ratio showed the highest CH4 yield, with increments of 12 and 22% in comparison with the monodigestion of SPM under WN and NN conditions, respectively. It is even possible to add up to 40% of FW (SPM : FW 60 : 40) and achieve an increase of 5% compared to the monodigestion of SPM under the NN condition. The synergistic effects obtained in this study showed that the incorporation of FW, in the substrates ratios evaluated, would improve the AD of the SPM without addition of external nutrients solution, which represents economic and environmental benefits of implementing this alternative at full scale.
Macrophage-Derived Neuropilin-2 Exhibits Novel Tumor-Promoting Functions
Authors: Roy Sohini , Bag Arup K. , Dutta Samikshan , Polavaram Navatha Shree , Islam Ridwan , Schellenburg Samuel , Banwait Jasjit , Guda Chittibabu , Ran Sophia , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Singh Rakesh K. , Talmadge James E. , Muders Michael H. , Batra Surinder K. , Datta Kaustubh
Published: August 2018

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are causally associated with tumorigenesis as well as regulation of antitumor immune responses and have emerged as potential immunotherapeutic targets. Recent evidence suggests TAM phagocytose apoptotic tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment through efferocytosis in an immunologically silent manner, thus maintaining an immunosuppressed microenvironment. The signal transduction pathways coupling efferocytosis and immunosuppression are not well known. Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a member of the membrane-associated neuropilin family and has been reported in different immune cells but is poorly characterized. In this study, we show that NRP2 is expressed during macrophage differentiation, is induced by tumor cells, and regulates phagocytosis in macrophages. Furthermore, NRP2 in TAM promoted efferocytosis and facilitated tumor growth. Deletion of NRP2 from TAM impaired the clearance of apoptotic tumor cells and increased secondary necrosis within tumors. This resulted in a break in the immune tolerance and reinitiated antitumor immune responses, characterized by robust infiltration of CD8+ T and natural killer cells. This result suggests NRP2 may act as a molecular mediator that connects efferocytosis and immune suppression. Deletion of NRP2 in TAM downregulated several immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting genes and upregulated immunostimulatory genes in the myeloid compartment. Taken together, our study demonstrates that TAM-derived NRP2 plays a crucial role in tumor promotion through efferocytosis, opening the enticing option for the development of effective immunotherapy targeting TAM.

Significance: Neuropilin-2 in macrophages promotes tumor growth by regulating efferocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells and orchestrating immune suppression.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/19/5600/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5600–17. ©2018 AACR.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Increases Sudden Cardiac Death in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kerns Eric S. , Kim Esther D. , Meoni Lucy A. , Sozio Stephen M. , Jaar Bernard G. , Estrella Michelle M. , Parekh Rulan S. , Bourjeily Ghada
Published: August 2018

Background: Mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs predominantly from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by periodic airflow limitation associated with sleep arousal and oxygen desaturation and is prevalent in patients with ESRD. Whether OSA increases the risk for SCD, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among hemodialysis patients remains unknown. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 558 incident hemodialysis patients, we examined the association of OSA with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and SCD using Cox proportional hazards models controlling for traditional CVD risk factors. Results: Sixty-six incident hemodialysis patients (12%) had OSA. Mean age (56 years) and percentage of males (56%) were identical in OSA and no-OSA groups. Fewer African Americans had OSA than non-African Americans (9 vs. 18%, respectively). Participants with OSA had higher body-mass index, Charlson comorbidity score, and left ventricular mass index and greater prevalence of diabetes and coronary artery disease. During 1,080 person-years of follow-up, 104 deaths occurred, 29% of which were cardiovascular. OSA was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.90 [95% CI 1.04–3.46]) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.62 [95% CI 1.36–9.66]) after adjusting for demographics and body-mass index. OSA was associated with a higher risk of SCD after adjusting for demographics (HR 3.28 [95% CI 1.12–9.57]) and multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: Incident hemodialysis patients with OSA are at increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and SCD. Future studies should assess the impact of screening for OSA and OSA-targeted interventions on mortality in ESRD.
Changes in Total Protein Concentration Due to Fluid Removal During and Shortly after Hemodialysis
Authors: Daugirdas John T.
Published: August 2018

Background: Changes in plasma volume during hemodialysis are complex and have been shown to depend on the rate of fluid removal and the degree of fluid overload. We examined changes in total protein concentration during and shortly after a dialysis treatment in archived data from the HEMO study. Methods: During follow-up months 4 and 36 of the HEMO study, additional blood samples were obtained during a typical dialysis session at 30 and 60 min after dialysis. In 315 studies from 282 patients where complete data were available, we calculated the concentration change in total protein and compared it to the modeled change in both total body water and extracellular fluid space as derived from 2-pool urea kinetic modeling. Results: The mean postdialysis modeled urea volume (V) was 31.1 ± 6.18 L. Mean fluid removal was 2.76 ± 1.27 kg, over a session length of 207 ± 28 min. The ratio of predialysis V to postdialysis V averaged 1.090 ± 0.040. The mean TP ratios (post/pre) at 0, 30, and 60 min postdialysis averaged 1.121 ± 0.070 (SD), 1.091 ± 0.090, and 1.091 ± 0.086. The dialysate to serum sodium gradient, studied in a different group of treatments where this information was available, had no impact on these findings, nor did the length of the interdialytic interval. Conclusions: On average, after equilibration, the change in plasma volume due to fluid removal is similar to the modeled change in total body water (urea space), irrespective of dialysate to serum sodium gradient. This supports previous observations that during dialysis with ultrafiltration, plasma volume contracts to a lesser degree than the interstitial volume and that some fluid may be removed from spaces other than the extracellular fluid.
When to Stop Eculizumab in Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Authors: Olson Sven R. , Lu Eric , Sulpizio Emilio , Shatzel Joseph J. , Rueda Jose F. , DeLoughery Thomas G.
Published: August 2018

The terminal complement-inhibitor eculizumab has dramatically changed the management of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and has also shown promise for treating certain forms of secondary HUS (sHUS), including that caused by drugs and solid-organ/hematopoietic stem cell transplant. While effective, eculizumab is costly and inconvenient. In this review, we evaluate the literature on eculizumab cessation in these diseases to better inform clinicians who consider stopping therapy. Reported relapse rates in aHUS after stopping eculizumab are as high as 30%, suggesting indefinite therapy is reasonable and that patients who choose to stop should be closely monitored. In sHUS, relapse is rare, justifying short courses of eculizumab.
Kidney Protection Effect of Ginsenoside Re and Its Underlying Mechanisms on Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury
Authors: Wang Zi , Li Yan-fei , Han Xin-yue , Sun Yin-shi , Zhang Lian-xue , Liu Wei , Liu Xiang-xiang , Li Wei , Liu Ying-ying
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Cisplatin (CDDP) was the first platinum-containing anti-cancer drug. However, CDDP causes nephrotoxicity as a side effect, which limits its clinic application. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effect of ginsenoside Re (G-Re) in a murine model of CDDP-induced acute kidney injury. Methods: Male ICR mice were divided into 4 groups. G-Re was administered to the mice by oral gavage once a day at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 10 days. On the 7th day, a single injection of CDDP (25 mg/kg) was given at 1 h after G-Re treatment. Results: CDDP administration resulted in renal dysfunction, as evidenced by an increase in the serum levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen. Oxidative stress in the CDDP group was reflected by an increase of malondialdehyde and a depletion of reduced glutathione and catalase in renal tissue. These findings were supported by increased 4-hydroxynonenal expression, which was significantly reduced by G-Re. Simultaneously, the overexpression of cytochrome P450 E1 was inhibited. G-Re inhibited the inflammatory response by the reduction of the protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, CDDP increased the expression of Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression in renal tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin, Hoechst 33258, and TUNEL staining also confirmed the presence of acute tubular necrosis and apoptosis. G-Re significantly decreased the levels of indicators of renal dysfunction, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and malondialdehyde in the kidney and also significantly attenuated the histopathological changes associated with acute renal failure. Conclusions: Collectively, the results of this study suggest that the nephroprotective potential of G-Re may, in part, be related to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
Let’s Break the Law: Transaction Costs and Advance Rent Deposits in Ghana’s Housing Market
Authors: Kufuor Kofi Oteng
Published: August 2018

A feature of the Ghana private rental accommodation market is that landlords usually demand advance rent of, in some instances, up to 5 years before signing a tenancy agreement. This is in violation of the 1963 Rent Act and recent initiatives are in the direction of curing this problem in the interest of protecting prospective tenants. However while advance rent is a financial burden this is offset by transaction costs in the housing market. Hence, in this paper and influenced by New Institutional Economics, I argue that it is possible for tenants and landlords to continue to bargain outside the shadow of the law to secure mutually beneficial tenancy agreements.
Taxonomic review of Epicadinus Simon, 1895 (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: PRADO ANDRÉ WANDERLEY DO , BAPTISTA RENNER LUIZ CERQUEIRA , MACHADO MIGUEL
Published: August 2018

The genus Epicadinus Simon, 1895 can easily be distinguished from the other Neotropical Stephanopines by their abundant and robust setiferous tubercles, topped by elongated macrosetae, which cover most of the tegument. Additionally, the genus can be recognized by a pair of conical ocular mounds above the ALE, the anterior eye row very recurved, posterior one slightly procurved; carapace flattened and without tubercles, and opisthosoma with three conical projections (“tubercles”) of variable size and shape. This work is a taxonomic review of the 12 valid species of Epicadinus as listed in version 19 of the World Spider Catalogue (2018), whose hitherto known distribution included few records from Brazil, French Guiana, Bolivia and Peru, and only one from Mexico. Four valid species are recognized: Epicadinus biocellatus Mello-Leitão, 1929; E. trispinosus (Taczanowski, 1872) [with two junior synonyms E. trifidus (Pickard-Cambridge, 1893) syn. nov. and E. cornutus (Taczanowski, 1872) syn. nov.]; E. spinipes (Blackwall, 1862) [with two junior synonyms E. albimaculatus Mello-Leitão, 1929 syn. nov. and E. gavensis Soares, 1946 syn. nov]; and E. villosus [with two junior synonyms E. helenae Piza, 1936 syn. nov. and E. marmoratus Mello-Leitão, 1947 syn. nov.]. Epicadinus polyophthalmus Mello-Leitão, 1929 and Epicadinus tuberculatus Petrunkevitch, 1910 are transferred to Epicadus. Epicadus polyophthalmus (Mello-Leitão, 1929) comb. nov. is considered a nomen dubium. Epicadus tuberculatus (Petrunkevitch, 1910) comb. nov. is a senior synonym of Epicadus pustulosus (Mello-Leitão, 1929) syn. nov.
Gaidropsarus mauli a new species of three-bearded rockling (Gadiformes, Gadidae) from the Lucky Strike hydrothermal vent field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) and the Biscay Slope (Northeastern Atlantic)
Authors: BISCOITO MANUEL , SALDANHA LUIZ
Published: August 2018

Gaidropsarus mauli, new species, is described from the Lucky Strike Hydrothermal vent site (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) and from the Bay of Biscay. It is distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters such as the number of vertebrae, the size of the first dorsal-fin ray, the profile of the head and the shape of the snout, in dorsal view, the size and the position of the eyes, the length of the pelvic fins, the shape of the pectoral fins, and the length of the lateral line. A comparison with the other 13 valid species of the genus is presented.
Genus Camptocercus (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) in North America
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y.
Published: August 2018

Genus Camptocercus is represented in North America by four species. Camptocercus rotundus Herrick, 1882 is proved to be a valid species and is redescribed here. C. rotundus differs from its sibling species, neotropical C. dadayi Stingelin, 1913, in morphology of the postabdominal claw, presence of posteroventral denticles on valves, and morphology of the male postabdomen. C. rotundus is distributed in South Canada and North USA from Pacific to Atlantic coast, whereas C. dadayi is found in Mexico and South-East USA. C. oklahomensis Mackin, 1930 is found in Central USA. C. streletskaye Smirnov, 1998, previously known from Chukotka and Magadan Area of Russia, was found in Alaska for the first time.
F.L. de Castelnau’s Norman River fishes housed in the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , RUSSELL BARRY C. , NELSON GARY
Published: August 2018

Type specimens were located in the Macleay Museum for five species described by F.L. de Castelnau: Kurtus gulliveri (syntype), Pseudoambassis macleayi (lectotype and two paralectotypes), Pseudoambassis elongatus (lectotype and paralectotype), Acanthoperca gulliveri (syntype) and Engraulis nasutus (syntypes). The last-named is shown to be a senior subjective synonym of Anchovia aestuaria Ogibly 1910, and is referred to the genus Thryssa Cuvier 1829.
Fitting an Optical Fiber Background with a Weighted Savitzky–Golay Smoothing Filter for Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Jie , Shi Tielin , Gong Bo , Li Xiaoping , Liao Guanglan , Tang Zirong
Published: August 2018

The Raman background arising from optical fiber materials poses a critical problem for fiber optic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A novel filter is developed to fit the optical fiber background from the measured SERS spectrum of the target sample. The general model of the filter is built by incorporating a weighted term of matching the similarity between the estimated background spectrum and the measured background spectrum into the classic Savitzky–Golay (SG) smoothing filter model. Through respectively selecting Euclidean cosine coefficient (ECos) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCor) as the similarity index, two different models of the weighted SG smoothing filter are derived and named as SG-ECos and SG-PCor accordingly. Furthermore, the algorithm is presented, implemented, successfully applied to experimentally measured SERS spectra of rhodamine 6G and crystal violet, and validated with mathematically simulated Raman spectra. Experimental and simulation results show that the SG-ECos filter is effective, fast, flexible, and of certain anti-noise capability in background fitting. It is suggested that the proposed filter may be also applicable for other Raman spectra measurements to remove spectral contaminants originated from sampling substrates such as glass slides.
Coupling integrin dynamics to cellular adhesion behaviors
Authors: Galbraith Catherine G. , Davidson Michael W. , Galbraith James A.
Published: August 2018

Visualizing fluorescent proteins is essential for understanding cellular function. While advances in microscopy can now resolve individual molecules, determining whether the labeled molecules report native behaviors and how the measured behaviors can be coupled to cellular outputs remains challenging. Here, we used integrin alpha-beta heterodimers – which connect extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton – to quantify the mobility and conformation of labeled integrins. We found that while unlabeled and labeled integrins all localized to adhesions and support anchorage-dependent cell function, integrin mobility decreased when the beta rather than the alpha subunit was labeled. In contrast to unlabeled and alpha labeled subunits, beta labeled subunits changed cellular behavior; decreasing protrusive activity and increasing adhesion size and the extent of cell spreading. Labeling the beta subunit changed the integrin conformation, extending the molecule and exposing an epitope that is revealed by activation with Mn2+ treatment. Our findings indicate labeling induced changes in dynamic integrin behavior alter molecular conformation as well as cellular adhesion-dependent function to demonstrate a coupling between molecular inputs and distinct cellular outputs.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
RARγ is required for mesodermal gene expression prior to gastrulation in Xenopus
Authors: Janesick Amanda , Tang Weiyi , Shioda Toshi , Blumberg Bruce
Published: August 2018

The developing vertebrate embryo is exquisitely sensitive to retinoic acid (RA) concentration, particularly during anteroposterior patterning. In contrast to Nodal and Wnt signaling, RA was not previously considered to be an instructive signal in mesoderm formation during gastrulation. Here, we show in Xenopus that RARγ is indispensable for the expression of early mesoderm markers and is, therefore, an obligatory factor in mesodermal competence and/or maintenance. We identified several novel targets upregulated by RA receptor signaling in the early gastrula that are expressed in the circumblastoporal ring and linked to mesodermal development. Despite overlapping expression patterns of the genes encoding the RA-synthesizing enzyme Aldh1a2 and the RA-degrading enzyme Cyp26a1, RARγ1 functions as a transcriptional activator in early mesoderm development, suggesting that RA ligand is available to the embryo earlier than previously appreciated. RARγ1 is required for cellular adhesion, as revealed by spontaneous dissociation and depletion of ncam1 mRNA in animal caps harvested from RARγ1 knockdown embryos. RARγ1 knockdown obliterates somite boundaries, and causes loss of Myod protein in the presomitic mesoderm, but ectopic, persistent expression of Myod protein in the trunk. Thus, RARγ1 is required for stabilizing the mesodermal fate, myogenic commitment, somite boundary formation, and terminal skeletal muscle differentiation.
Coupling of apical-basal polarity and planar cell polarity to interpret the Wnt signaling gradient in feather development
Authors: Lin Jianqiong , Yue Zhicao
Published: August 2018

Sensing a global directional cue to orient cell growth is crucial in tissue morphogenesis. An anterior-posterior gradient of Wnt signaling controls the helical growth of feather branches (barbs), and thus the formation of bilateral feathers. However, it remains unclear how the keratinocytes sense this gradient and orient barb growth. Here, we show that in chicken, owing to feather branching, the global Wnt gradient is subdivided into periodic barbs. Within each barb, the anterior barbule plate cells tilt before the posterior cells. The core planar cell polarity gene Prickle1 is involved, as knockdown of its expression resulted in no cell shape change and no barb tilting. Furthermore, perturbation of the Wnt gradient leads to diffusive Prickle1 expression and loss of barb orientation. Finally, the asymmetric distribution of Wnt6/Fzd10 is coordinated by the apical-basal polarity of the barbule plate keratinocytes, which is in turn regulated by the Par3/aPKC machinery. Our data elucidate a new mechanism through which the global Wnt signaling gradient is interpreted locally to construct complex spatial forms.
Human lung development: recent progress and new challenges
Authors: Nikolić Marko Z. , Sun Dawei , Rawlins Emma L.
Published: August 2018

Recent studies have revealed biologically significant differences between human and mouse lung development, and have reported new in vitro systems that allow experimental manipulation of human lung models. At the same time, emerging clinical data suggest that the origins of some adult lung diseases are found in embryonic development and childhood. The convergence of these research themes has fuelled a resurgence of interest in human lung developmental biology. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of human lung development, which has been profoundly influenced by studies in mice and, more recently, by experiments using in vitro human lung developmental models and RNA sequencing of human foetal lung tissue. Together, these approaches are helping to shed light on the mechanisms underlying human lung development and disease, and may help pave the way for new therapies.
Nodal signaling has dual roles in fate specification and directed migration during germ layer segregation in zebrafish
Authors: Liu Zairan , Woo Stephanie , Weiner Orion D.
Published: August 2018

During gastrulation, endodermal cells actively migrate to the interior of the embryo, but the signals that initiate and coordinate this migration are poorly understood. By transplanting ectopically induced endodermal cells far from the normal location of endoderm specification, we identified the inputs that drive internalization without the confounding influences of fate specification and global morphogenic movements. We find that Nodal signaling triggers an autocrine circuit for initiating endodermal internalization. Activation of the Nodal receptor directs endodermal specification through sox32 and also induces expression of more Nodal ligands. These ligands act in an autocrine fashion to initiate endodermal cell sorting. Our work defines an ‘AND’ gate consisting of sox32-dependent endodermal specification and Nodal ligand reception controlling endodermal cell sorting to the inner layer of the embryo at the onset of gastrulation.
Enpp1 inhibits ectopic joint calcification and maintains articular chondrocytes by repressing hedgehog signaling
Authors: Jin Yunyun , Cong Qian , Gvozdenovic-Jeremic Jelena , Hu Jiajie , Zhang Yiqun , Terkeltaub Robert , Yang Yingzi
Published: August 2018

The differentiated phenotype of articular chondrocytes of synovial joints needs to be maintained throughout life. Disruption of the articular cartilage, frequently associated with chondrocyte hypertrophy and calcification, is a central feature in osteoarthritis (OA). However, the molecular mechanisms whereby phenotypes of articular chondrocytes are maintained and pathological calcification is inhibited remain poorly understood. Recently, the ecto-enzyme Enpp1, a suppressor of pathological calcification, was reported to be decreased in joint cartilage with OA in both human and mouse, and Enpp1 deficiency causes joint calcification. Here, we found that hedgehog (Hh) signaling activation contributes to ectopic joint calcification in the Enpp1−/− mice. In the Enpp1−/− joints, Hh signaling was upregulated. Further activation of Hh signaling by removing the patched 1 gene in the Enpp1−/− mice enhanced ectopic joint calcification, whereas removing Gli2 partially rescued the ectopic calcification phenotype. In addition, reduction of Gαs in the Enpp1−/− mice enhanced joint calcification, suggesting that Enpp1 inhibits Hh signaling and chondrocyte hypertrophy by activating Gαs-PKA signaling. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying Enpp1 regulation of joint integrity.
Rab6 promotes insulin receptor and cathepsin trafficking to regulate autophagy induction and activity in Drosophila
Authors: Ayala Carlos I. , Kim Jung , Neufeld Thomas P.
Published: August 2018

The self-degradative process of autophagy is important for energy homeostasis and cytoplasmic renewal. This lysosome-mediated pathway is negatively regulated by the target of rapamycin kinase (TOR) under basal conditions, and requires the vesicle trafficking machinery regulated by Rab GTPases. However, the interactions between autophagy, TOR and Rab proteins remain incompletely understood in vivo. Here, we identify Rab6 as a critical regulator of the balance between TOR signaling and autolysosome function. Loss of Rab6 causes an accumulation of enlarged autophagic vesicles resulting in part from a failure to deliver lysosomal hydrolases, rendering autolysosomes with a reduced degradative capacity and impaired turnover. Additionally, Rab6-deficient cells are reduced in size and display defective insulin–TOR signaling as a result of mis-sorting and internalization of the insulin receptor. Our findings suggest that Rab6 acts to maintain the reciprocal regulation between autophagy and TOR activity during distinct nutrient states, thereby balancing autophagosome production and turnover to avoid autophagic stress.