bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen Activates the Capture of Human Plasminogen by Staphylococcal Fibronectin-Binding Proteins
Authors: Herman-Bausier Philippe , Pietrocola Giampiero , Foster Timothy J. , Speziale Pietro , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: September 2017

Invasive bacterial pathogens can capture host plasminogen (Plg) and allow it to form plasmin. This process is of medical importance as surface-bound plasmin promotes bacterial spread by cleaving tissue components and favors immune evasion by degrading opsonins. In
Staphylococcus aureus
, Plg binding is in part mediated by cell surface fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs), but the underlying molecular mechanism is not known. Here, we use single-cell and single-molecule techniques to demonstrate that FnBPs capture Plg by a sophisticated activation mechanism involving fibrinogen (Fg), another ligand found in the blood. We show that while FnBPs bind to Plg through weak (∼200-pN) molecular bonds, direct interaction of the adhesins with Fg through the high-affinity dock, lock, and latch mechanism dramatically increases the strength of the FnBP-Plg bond (up to ∼2,000 pN). Our results point to a new model in which the binding of Fg triggers major conformational changes in the FnBP protein, resulting in the buried Plg-binding domains being projected and exposed away from the cell surface, thereby promoting strong interactions with Plg. This study demonstrated a previously unidentified role for a ligand-binding interaction by a staphylococcal cell surface protein, i.e., changing the protein orientation to activate a cryptic biological function.

IMPORTANCE
Staphylococcus aureus
captures human plasminogen (Plg) via cell wall fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs), but the underlying molecular mechanism is not known. Here we show that the forces involved in the interaction between Plg and FnBPs on the
S. aureus
surface are weak. However, we discovered that binding of fibrinogen to FnBPs dramatically strengthens the FnBP-Plg bond, therefore revealing an unanticipated role for Fg in the capture of Plg by
S. aureus
. These experiments favor a model where Fg-induced conformational changes in FnBPs promote their interaction with Plg. This work uncovers a previously undescribed activation mechanism for a staphylococcal surface protein, whereby ligand-binding elicits a cryptic biological function.
Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MsrA) and Its Function in Ubiquitin-Like Protein Modification in
Archaea
Authors: Fu Xian , Adams Zachary , Liu Rui , Hepowit Nathaniel L. , Wu Yifei , Bowmann Connor F. , Moskovitz Jackob , Maupin-Furlow Julie A.
Published: September 2017

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant enzyme found in all domains of life that catalyzes the reduction of methionine-
S
-sulfoxide (MSO) to methionine in proteins and free amino acids. We demonstrate that archaeal MsrA has a ubiquitin-like (Ubl) protein modification activity that is distinct from its stereospecific reduction of MSO residues. MsrA catalyzes this Ubl modification activity, with the Ubl-activating E1 UbaA, in the presence of the mild oxidant dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and in the absence of reductant. In contrast, the MSO reductase activity of MsrA is inhibited by DMSO and requires reductant. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis reveals that MsrA-dependent Ubl conjugates are associated with DNA replication, protein remodeling, and oxidative stress and include the Ubl-modified MsrA, Orc3 (Orc1/Cdc6), and Cdc48d (Cdc48/p97 AAA+ ATPase). Overall, we found archaeal MsrA to have opposing MSO reductase and Ubl modifying activities that are associated with oxidative stress responses and controlled by exposure to mild oxidant.

IMPORTANCE
Proteins that are damaged by oxidative stress are often targeted for proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). The mechanisms that control this response are poorly understood, especially under conditions of mild oxidative stress when protein damage is modest. Here, we discovered a novel function of archaeal MsrA in guiding the Ubl modification of target proteins in the presence of mild oxidant. This newly reported activity of MsrA is distinct from its stereospecific reduction of methionine-
S
-sulfoxide to methionine residues. Our results are significant steps forward, first, in elucidating a protein factor that guides Ubl modification in archaea, and second, in providing an insight into oxidative stress responses that can trigger Ubl modification in a cell.
Broad-Host-Range Expression Reveals Native and Host Regulatory Elements That Influence Heterologous Antibiotic Production in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Jia Jia , Tang Xiaoyu , Zhang Michelle , Nguyen Darlene , Moore Bradley S.
Published: September 2017

Heterologous expression has become a powerful tool for studying microbial biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Here, we extend the transformation-associated recombination cloning and heterologous expression platform for microbial BGCs to include Gram-negative proteobacterial expression hosts. Using a broad-host-range expression platform, we test the implicit assumption that biosynthetic pathways are more successfully expressed in more closely related heterologous hosts. Cloning and expression of the violacein BGC from
Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea
2ta16 revealed robust production in two proteobacterial hosts,
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 and
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
LBA4404, but very little production of the antibiotic in various laboratory strains of
Escherichia coli
, despite their closer phylogenetic relationship. We identified a nonclustered LuxR-type quorum-sensing receptor from
P. luteoviolacea
2ta16, PviR, that increases pathway transcription and violacein production in
E. coli
by ∼60-fold independently of acyl-homoserine lactone autoinducers. Although
E. coli
harbors the most similar homolog of PviR identified from all of the hosts tested, overexpression of various
E. coli
transcription factors did not result in a statistically significant increase in violacein production, while overexpression of two
A. tumefaciens
PviR homologs significantly increased production. Thus, this work not only introduces a new genetic platform for the heterologous expression of microbial BGCs, it also challenges the assumption that host phylogeny is an accurate predictor of host compatibility.

IMPORTANCE
Although Gram-positive heterologous hosts such as
Streptomyces
have been developed and optimized to support diverse secondary metabolic reactions, there has been comparatively less work on Gram-negative hosts, some of which grow faster and are easier to work with. This work presents a new genetic platform for direct cloning and broad-host-range heterologous expression of BGCs in Gram-negative proteobacterial expression hosts, and we leverage this platform to uncover regulatory elements that influence violacein expression from
Pseudoalteromonas
. Although it is often assumed that BGCs will be more successfully expressed in more closely related hosts, our work suggests that this may not be a general rule of thumb, as heterologous production of natural products can be influenced by specific host regulatory and/or biosynthetic elements, and the identity and effectiveness of those elements are difficult to predict. We argue for the use of a diverse set of heterologous hosts, which may also provide insights into the BGC biosynthetic mechanism and the biological function of BGCs.
Rotating restricted Schur polynomials
Authors: Bornman Nicholas , de Mello Koch Robert , Tribelhorn Laila
Published: September 2017

Large [Formula: see text] but nonplanar limits of [Formula: see text] super-Yang–Mills theory can be described using restricted Schur polynomials. Previous investigations demonstrate that the action of the one loop dilatation operator on restricted Schur operators, with classical dimension of order [Formula: see text] and belonging to the [Formula: see text] sector, is largely determined by the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] symmetry algebra as well as structural features of perturbative field theory. Studies presented so far have used the form of [Formula: see text] symmetry generators when acting on small perturbations of half-BPS operators. In this paper as a first step towards going beyond small perturbations of the half-BPS operators, we explain how the exact action of symmetry generators on restricted Schur polynomials can be determined.
Public Attitudes toward an Emerging China in Latin America
Authors: CARRERAS MIGUEL
Published: September 2017

In the past two decades, China has substantially increased its economic presence in Latin America. The impressive rate of economic growth in China has resulted in a voracious appetite for Latin American commodities and energy sources. China has also become a major investor in the region, and has loaned billions of dollars to Latin American countries. This paper evaluates how aware Latin American citizens are of this increased economic presence of China, and also studies citizens’ attitudes toward the rising influence of China in Latin America. Public attitudes toward the Chinese economic and political model, and evaluations of the Chinese popular culture are also presented and discussed. The evidence suggests that the image of China is improving in Latin America as a result of its new economic role in the region. However, Chinese soft power faces several limitations in the region. The Chinese political and economic models, and the Chinese popular culture are still not very attractive in Latin America.
Computational Intelligence Approaches for Energy Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sandeli Mohamed , Meshoul Souham
Published: September 2017

Wireless sensor networking is a promising technology that can lead to automatic, intelligent, easier and more secure systems. A wireless sensor network (WSN) consists of small battery powered devices with limited energy resources. One of the major challenges in WSN lies in the energy constraint and computation resources available at the sensor nodes. One way to achieve energy efficiency would be through the use of a clustering technique. In this paper, we propose computational intelligence (CI) approaches to deal with the problem of sensor nodes clustering in a WSN with the ultimate goal to reduce energy expenditures and thus to extend the lifetime of the network. The main motivation is that CI brings about flexibility, autonomous behavior, and robustness against topology changes, communication failures, and scenario changes. The main features of the proposed work span over two aspects. First, four metaheuristics have been adapted to deal with the tackled problem namely genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, particle swarm optimization and artificial bees colony. In this context, a suitable solution representation scheme has been developed and accordingly the algorithms operators, and overall dynamics have been defined. Second, the four developed algorithms are combined with an exhaustive search that is triggered whenever the number of alive sensor nodes drops below a given threshold. The performance of the proposed algorithms has been assessed and compared to the most known state of the art clustering based method namely low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy algorithm (LEACH). The obtained results show that the proposed approaches optimize in an efficient manner the lifetime of WSNs. They also show that the proposed algorithms compete and even outperform LEACH algorithm.
Linking Language and Cognition in Infancy
Authors: Perszyk Danielle R. , Waxman Sandra R.
Published: September 2017

Human language, a signature of our species, derives its power from its links to human cognition. For centuries, scholars have been captivated by this link between language and cognition. In this article, we shift this focus. Adopting a developmental lens, we review recent evidence that sheds light on the origin and developmental unfolding of the link between language and cognition in the first year of life. This evidence, which reveals the joint contributions of infants’ innate capacities and their sensitivity to experience, highlights how a precocious link between language and cognition advances infants beyond their initial perceptual and conceptual capacities. The evidence also identifies the conceptual advantages this link brings to human infants. By tracing the emergence of a language–cognition link in infancy, this article reveals a dynamic developmental cascade in infants’ first year, with each developmental advance providing a foundation for subsequent advances.
The in vitro zebrafish heart as a model to investigate the chronotropic effects of vapor anesthetics
Authors: Stoyek Matthew R. , Schmidt Michael K. , Wilfart Florentin M. , Croll Roger P. , Smith Frank M.
Published: September 2017

In addition to their intended clinical actions, all general anesthetic agents in common use have detrimental intrasurgical and postsurgical side effects on organs and systems, including the heart. The major cardiac side effect of anesthesia is bradycardia, which increases the probability of insufficient systemic perfusion during surgery. These side effects also occur in all vertebrate species so far examined, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. The zebrafish heart is a powerful model for studying cardiac electrophysiology, employing the same pacemaker system and neural control as do mammalian hearts. In this study, isolated zebrafish hearts were significantly bradycardic during exposure to the vapor anesthetics sevoflurane (SEVO), desflurane (DES), and isoflurane (ISO). Bradycardia induced by DES and ISO continued during pharmacological blockade of the intracardiac portion of the autonomic nervous system, but the chronotropic effect of SEVO was eliminated during blockade. Bradycardia evoked by vagosympathetic nerve stimulation was augmented during DES and ISO exposure; nerve stimulation during SEVO exposure had no effect. Together, these results support the hypothesis that the cardiac chronotropic effect of SEVO occurs via a neurally mediated mechanism, while DES and ISO act directly upon cardiac pacemaker cells via an as yet unknown mechanism.
Altered vasopressin and natriuretic peptide levels in a rat model of spinal cord injury: implications for the development of polyuria
Authors: Montgomery Lynnette R. , Hubscher Charles H.
Published: September 2017

Urinary dysfunction is a common complaint following spinal cord injury (SCI) and is a leading issue for individuals with SCI that impacts their quality of life. One urinary complication that has received little attention is SCI-induced polyuria, even though individuals with SCI will significantly restrict their fluid intake to decrease urine production, leading to sequelae of medical complications. Understanding the mechanisms instigating the development of polyuria will allow us to target interventions that may alleviate polyuria symptoms, leading to significant improvements in the quality of life and urinary health of individuals with SCI. In a rat SCI contusion model, an increase in the amount of urine excreted over a 24-h period ( P ≤ 0.001) was found at 2 wk postinjury. The urine excreted was more dilute with decreased urinary creatinine and specific gravity ( P ≤ 0.001). Several factors important in fluid balance regulation, vasopressin (AVP), natriuretic peptides, and corticosterone (CORT), also changed significantly postinjury. AVP levels decreased ( P = 0.042), whereas atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and CORT increased ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.031, respectively) at 2 wk postinjury. There was also a positive correlation between the increase in ANP and urine volume postinjury ( P = 0.033). The changes in AVP, ANP, and CORT are conducive to producing polyuria, and the timing of these changes coincides with the development of SCI-induced polyuria. This study identifies several therapeutic targets that could be used to ameliorate polyuria symptoms and improve quality of life in individuals with SCI.
Anti-TNF-Alpha-Adalimumab Therapy Had Time Lag of Improvement in Synovial Hypertrophy Compared to Rapid Response in Power Doppler Synovial Vascularity
Authors: Chen Ying-Chou , Ko Chi-Hua , Chen Jia-Feng , Hsu Chung-Yuan , Chiu Wen-Chan , Cheng Tien-Tsai
Published: September 2017

Objectives. The quantification of synovitis is of great significance for follow-up in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to validate the use of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) for evaluating synovial vascularity and synovial hypertrophy for synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab.Materials and Methods. The synovial disease activity and vascularity of RA on both wrists (radio-carpal joint) were assessed using GS and PDUS to derive the composite US scores based on abnormal counts and severity. The relationship between each measure was determined.Results. The 71 patients who received adalimumab therapy had significantly decreased DAS28, ESR, and CRP. After one month, PD score decreased and then remained low for 12 months. Synovial hypertrophy did not change until 3–6 months after, when it started to improve (p=0.017). By multivariate analysis, sex, age, BMI, and DAS28 did not lead to any difference between synovial hypertrophy and PDUS changes (p=0.498).Discussion. Composite US markers of synovial hypertrophy correlate significantly to the DAS28 score and ESR/CRP in adult RA. The time needed for synovial hypertrophy to decrease may be up to 3–6 months after adalimumab therapy. Switching to biological therapy before 3–6 months is inappropriate and ineffective.
Measures of Dependence for α-Stable Distributed Processes and Its Application to Diagnostics of Local Damage in Presence of Impulsive Noise
Authors: Żak Grzegorz , Teuerle Marek , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Zimroz Radosław
Published: September 2017

Local damage detection in rotating machinery is simply searching for cyclic impulsive signal in noisy observation. Such raw signal is mixture of various components with specific properties (deterministic, random, cyclic, impulsive, etc.). The problem appears when the investigated process is based on one of the heavy-tailed distributions. In this case the classical measure can not be considered. Therefore, alternative measures of dependence adequate for such processes should be considered. In this paper we examine the structure of dependence of alpha-stable based systems expressed by means of two measures, namely, codifference and covariation. The reason for using alpha-stable distribution is simple and intuitive: signal of interest is impulsive so its distribution is heavy-tailed. The main goal is to introduce a new technique for estimation of covariation. Due to the complex nature of such vibration signals applying novel methods instead of classical ones is recommended. Classical algorithms usually are based on the assumption that theoretical second moment is finite, which is not true in case of the data acquired on the faulty components. Main advantage of our proposed algorithm is independence from second moment assumption.
Neural Network-Based Coronary Heart Disease Risk Prediction Using Feature Correlation Analysis
Authors: Kim Jae Kwon , Kang Sanggil
Published: September 2017

Background. Of the machine learning techniques used in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD), neural network (NN) is popularly used to improve performance accuracy. Objective. Even though NN-based systems provide meaningful results based on clinical experiments, medical experts are not satisfied with their predictive performances because NN is trained in a “black-box” style. Method. We sought to devise an NN-based prediction of CHD risk using feature correlation analysis (NN-FCA) using two stages. First, the feature selection stage, which makes features acceding to the importance in predicting CHD risk, is ranked, and second, the feature correlation analysis stage, during which one learns about the existence of correlations between feature relations and the data of each NN predictor output, is determined. Result. Of the 4146 individuals in the Korean dataset evaluated, 3031 had low CHD risk and 1115 had CHD high risk. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the proposed model (0.749 ± 0.010) was larger than the Framingham risk score (FRS) (0.393 ± 0.010). Conclusions. The proposed NN-FCA, which utilizes feature correlation analysis, was found to be better than FRS in terms of CHD risk prediction. Furthermore, the proposed model resulted in a larger ROC curve and more accurate predictions of CHD risk in the Korean population than the FRS.
Alteration of Inflammatory Mediators in the Upper and Lower Airways under Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia: Preliminary Animal Study
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Heo Woon , Kim Joo Young , Kim Hyungchul , Kang Min Jung , Kim Bo Ra , Kim Ji Hyun , Park Do Yang , Kim Chang-Hoon , Yoon Joo-Heon , Cho Hyung-Ju
Published: September 2017

Purpose. We hypothesized that CIH may affect the upper airway immune system and aimed to verify whether CIH can induce airway inflammation in a murine obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) model.Methods. C57BL6 male mice were exposed to intermittent hypoxia (CIH group; 5 ~ 21% FiO2, 120 sec cycles, 12 h/d,n=6) or room air (Sham group,n=6) for up to 4 weeks in identical chambers. Nasal and lung tissues and lavage fluid were collected and analyzed by multiplex assay. Lung lavage fluid was also utilized for FACS analysis to determine eosinophil count.Results. We determined the protein level of 24 different cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory mediators. Among various cytokines, levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 were significantly elevated in nose or lung tissue from the CIH group. In addition, MCP-1 and periostin were elevated in nose and lung tissue and lavage fluid from the CIH group.Conclusions. CIH for 4 weeks altered the levels of inflammatory mediators in both the nose and lungs of mouse model. We suggest that the airway immune system may be deteriorated by CIH and allergic inflammation in the upper or lower airway could be worsened by sleep apnea.
The Impact of Frailty on Morbidity and Mortality following Open Emergent Colectomies
Authors: Congiusta Dominick V. , Palvannan Prashanth , Merchant Aziz M.
Published: September 2017

Background. Elderly and frail patients undergo open emergency colectomies and are at greater risk for complications. The relationship between frailty and open emergent colectomies is yet unexplored.Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frailty and outcomes after open emergent colorectal surgery.Design. Using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database, a validated modified frailty index was used, along with logistic regression, to assess the relationship between frailty and outcomes.Main Outcome Measures. Outcomes included mortality (primary), Clavien-Dindo Complication Grade >3, reintubation, ventilator >48 hours, and reoperation (secondary).Results. The rates for 30-day mortality, Clavien-Dindo Grade >3, reintubation, ventilator > 48 hours, and reoperation in our cohort were 16.6%, 36.9%, 8.6%, 23.9%, and 15.0%, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in prevalence of all outcomes with increasing frailty.Limitations. A causal relationship between frailty and complications cannot be established in a retrospective analysis. Also, extrapolation of our data to reflect outcomes beyond 30 days must be done with caution.Conclusions. Frailty is a statistically significant predictor of mortality and morbidity after open emergent colectomies and can be used in an acute care setting.
Convergence of Extreme Value Statistics in a Two-Layer Quasi-Geostrophic Atmospheric Model
Authors: Gálfi Vera Melinda , Bódai Tamás , Lucarini Valerio
Published: September 2017

We search for the signature of universal properties of extreme events, theoretically predicted for Axiom A flows, in a chaotic and high-dimensional dynamical system. We study the convergence of GEV (Generalized Extreme Value) and GP (Generalized Pareto) shape parameter estimates to the theoretical value, which is expressed in terms of the partial information dimensions of the attractor. We consider a two-layer quasi-geostrophic atmospheric model of the mid-latitudes, adopt two levels of forcing, and analyse the extremes of different types of physical observables (local energy, zonally averaged energy, and globally averaged energy). We find good agreement in the shape parameter estimates with the theory only in the case of more intense forcing, corresponding to a strong chaotic behaviour, for some observables (the local energy at every latitude). Due to the limited (though very large) data size and to the presence of serial correlations, it is difficult to obtain robust statistics of extremes in the case of the other observables. In the case of weak forcing, which leads to weaker chaotic conditions with regime behaviour, we find, unsurprisingly, worse agreement with the theory developed for Axiom A flows.
Study of Error Propagation in the Transformations of Dynamic Thermal Models of Buildings
Authors: Raillon Loïc , Ghiaus Christian
Published: September 2017

Dynamic behaviour of a system may be described by models with different forms: thermal (RC) networks, state-space representations, transfer functions, and ARX models. These models, which describe the same process, are used in the design, simulation, optimal predictive control, parameter identification, fault detection and diagnosis, and so on. Since more forms are available, it is interesting to know which one is the most suitable by estimating the sensitivity of the model to transform into a physical model, which is represented by a thermal network. A procedure for the study of error by Monte Carlo simulation and of factor prioritization is exemplified on a simple, but representative, thermal model of a building. The analysis of the propagation of errors and of the influence of the errors on the parameter estimation shows that the transformation from state-space representation to transfer function is more robust than the other way around. Therefore, if only one model is chosen, the state-space representation is preferable.
The Clinical Significance of FilmArray Respiratory Panel in Diagnosing Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Chen Huanzhu , Weng Huilan , Lin Meirui , He Ping , Li Yazhen , Xie Qingdong , Ke Changwen , Jiao Xiaoyang
Published: September 2017

Aim. FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FilmArray RP) test is an emerging diagnostic method in fast detecting multiple respiratory pathogens; the methodology and clinical significance of FilmArray RP in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis were evaluated in this study. Methods. Specimens from 74 patients with CAP were analyzed and compared using FilmArray RP, traditional multiple PCR assay, bacterial (or fungal) culture, and serological detection. Results. FilmArray RP and multiplex PCR showed 100% coincidence rate in detecting coronaviruses 229E, OC43, HKU1, and NL63, human metapneumovirus, influenza A and B, and parainfluenza viruses (PIV1, PIV2, and PIV4). There were 15 viral specimens tested as disagreement positive results. FilmArray RP had higher detection rate in detecting dual viral and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The positive bacteria (or fungi) were found in 25 specimens. Conclusions. This study demonstrated the capability of FilmArray RP for simultaneous detection of broad-spectrum respiratory pathogens and potential use in facilitating better patient care.
Development of a Chemically Defined Medium for Better Yield and Purification of Enterocin Y31 fromEnterococcus faeciumY31
Authors: Liu Wenli , Zhang Lanwei , Yi Huaxi
Published: September 2017

The macro- and micronutrients in traditional medium, such as MRS, used for cultivating lactic acid bacteria, especially for bacteriocin production, have not been defined, preventing the quantitative monitoring of metabolic flux during bacteriocin biosynthesis. To enhance Enterocin Y31 production and simplify steps of separation and purification, we developed a simplified chemically defined medium (SDM) for the growth ofEnterococcus faeciumY31 and production of its bacteriocin, Enterocin Y31. We found that the bacterial growth was unrelated to Enterocin Y31 production in MRS; therefore, both the growth rate and the Enterocin Y31 production were set as the index for investigation. Single omission experiments revealed that 5 g/L NaCl, five vitamins, two nucleic acid bases, MgSO4·7H2O, MnSO4·4H2O, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, CH3COONa, fourteen amino acids, and glucose were essential for the strain’s growth and Enterocin Y31 production. Thus, a novel simplified and defined medium (SDM) was formulated with 30 components in total. Consequently, Enterocin Y31 production yield was higher in SDM as compared to either MRS or CDM. SDM improved the Enterocin Y31 production and simplified the steps of purification (only two steps), which has broad potential applications.
Detection of Plasmodium Aldolase Using a Smartphone and Microfluidic Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Gopal Nikhil S. , Raychaudhuri Ruben
Published: September 2017

Background. Malaria control efforts are limited in rural areas. A low-cost system to monitor response without the use of electricity is needed. Plasmodium aldolase is a malaria biomarker measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. A three-part system using ELISA was developed consisting of a microfluidic chip, hand crank centrifuge, and a smartphone. Methods. A circular microfluidic chip was fabricated using clear acrylic and a CO2 laser. A series of passive valves released reagents at precise times based upon centrifugal force. Color change was measured via smartphone camera using an application programmed in Java. The microchip was compared to a standard 96-well sandwich ELISA. Results. Results from standard ELISA were compared to microchip at varying concentrations (1–10 ng/mL). Over 15 different microfluidic patterns were tested, and a final prototype of the chip was created. The prototype microchip was compared to standard sandwich ELISA (n=20) using samples of recombinant aldolase. Color readings of standard ELISA and microfluidic microchip showed similar results. Conclusion. A low-cost microfluidic system could detect and follow therapeutic outcomes in rural areas and identify resistant strains.
A Radiomics Nomogram for the Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wu Shaoxu , Zheng Junjiong , Li Yong , Yu Hao , Shi Siya , Xie Weibin , Liu Hao , Su Yangfan , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in bladder cancer.

Experimental Design: A total of 118 eligible bladder cancer patients were divided into a training set (n = 80) and a validation set (n = 38). Radiomics features were extracted from arterial-phase CT images of each patient. A radiomics signature was then constructed with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm in the training set. Combined with independent risk factors, a radiomics nomogram was built with a multivariate logistic regression model. Nomogram performance was assessed in the training set and validated in the validation set. Finally, decision curve analysis was performed with the combined training and validation set to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomogram.

Results: The radiomics signature, consisting of nine LN status–related features, achieved favorable prediction efficacy. The radiomics nomogram, which incorporated the radiomics signature and CT-reported LN status, also showed good calibration and discrimination in the training set [AUC, 0.9262; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8657–0.9868] and the validation set (AUC, 0.8986; 95% CI, 0.7613–0.9901). The decision curve indicated the clinical usefulness of our nomogram. Encouragingly, the nomogram also showed favorable discriminatory ability in the CT-reported LN-negative (cN0) subgroup (AUC, 0.8810; 95% CI, 0.8021–0.9598).

Conclusions: The presented radiomics nomogram, a noninvasive preoperative prediction tool that incorporates the radiomics signature and CT-reported LN status, shows favorable predictive accuracy for LN metastasis in patients with bladder cancer. Multicenter validation is needed to acquire high-level evidence for its clinical application. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6904–11. ©2017 AACR.
MAS1 Receptor Trafficking Involves ERK1/2 Activation Through a β-Arrestin2–Dependent Pathway
Authors: Cerniello Flavia M. , Carretero Oscar A. , Longo Carbajosa Nadia A. , Cerrato Bruno D. , Santos Robson A. , Grecco Hernán E. , Gironacci Mariela M.
Published: September 2017

The MAS1 receptor (R) exerts protective effects in the brain, heart, vessels, and kidney. R trafficking plays a critical function in signal termination and propagation and in R resensitization. We examined MAS1R internalization and trafficking on agonist stimulation and the role of β-arrestin2 in the activation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and Akt after MAS1R stimulation. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transfected with the coding sequence for MAS1R-YFP (MAS1R fused to yellow fluorescent protein). MAS1R internalization was evaluated by measuring the MAS1R present in the plasma membrane after agonist stimulation using a ligand-binding assay. MAS1R trafficking was evaluated by its colocalization with trafficking markers. MAS1R internalization was blocked in the presence of shRNAcaveolin-1 and with dominant negatives for Eps15 (a protein involved in endocytosed Rs by clathrin-coated pits) and for dynamin. After stimulation, MAS1R colocalized with Rab11—a slow recycling vesicle marker—and not with Rab4—a fast recycling vesicle marker—or LysoTracker—a lysosome marker. Cells transfected with MAS1R showed an increase in Akt and ERK1/2 activation on angiotensin-(1–7) stimulation, which was blocked when the clathrin-coated pits pathway was blocked. Suppression of β-arrestin2 by shRNA reduced the angiotensin-(1–7)–induced ERK1/2 activation, whereas Akt activation was not modified. We conclude that on agonist stimulation, MAS1R is internalized through clathrin-coated pits and caveolae in a dynamin-dependent manner and is then slowly recycled back to the plasma membrane. MAS1R induced Akt and ERK1/2 activation from early endosomes, and the activation of ERK1/2 was mediated by β-arrestin2. Thus, MAS1R activity and density may be tightly controlled by the cell.
Intercultural Ritual Transgression as a Catalyst for Early Christian Theological Reflection — A Consideration of 1 Corinthians 8
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: September 2017

What led to the issues that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 8? This paper argues that the missionary expansion of the early community led to a renegotiation of its ritual boundaries, in particular concerning question of ritual participation. Theory concerning ‘ritual failure’ is used in order to analyse the dynamics involved.
Resistance to Anglican Missionary (umca) Activities in Southern Malawi in 1861
Authors: Mbaya Henry
Published: September 2017

This paper recounts the encounter that occurred between the Anglican missionaries of the Universities Mission to Central Africa (umca) and the local Mang’anja people at Magomero, in Southern Malawi in 1861. It situates the encounter in the context of slave trade and local conflicts, and war between the Mang’anja and the Yao people in which the missionaries themselves were embroiled. The paper argues that, centred on the differences in perceptions, interpretations of issues that related to land, culture and religious worldviews, the encounter entailed some acts of resistance by the local Mang’anja people.
Non-invasive wood identification of historical musical bows
Authors: Fioravanti Marco , Di Giulio Giuseppina , Signorini Giovanni , Rognoni Gabriele Rossi , Sodini Nicola , Tromba Giuliana , Zanini Franco
Published: September 2017

We identified the wood of the sticks of eight bows in the historical collection of musical instruments in the Galleria dell’ Accademia in Florence. Wood identification was carried out non-invasively (i.e., without sampling wood from the original objects), because the removal of samples from fine musical instruments will affect their aesthetic integrity and/or functional quality. Identification attempts using reflected light microscopy of wood surfaces, gave only partial results due to the poor quality of the surfaces and the particular geometry of the sticks that does not have any transverse surface. Application of Synchrotron light X-ray microtomography (µCT) in phase-contrast mode to the whole sticks allowed us to obtain stacks of transverse-sectional images that, processed as virtual volumes, revealed several anatomical features. With µCT it was possible to identify three bows as Brosimum guianense (Moraceae), one bow as Caesalpinia echinata (Caesalpiniaceae), and four bows as Manilkara sp. (Sapotaceae).
On the affinity of Isocypridinae and Herpetocypridinae, with redescriptions of four species of Ilyodromus Sars, 1894 (Crustacea, Ostracoda)
Authors: SHEARN RYLAN , KOENDERS ANNETTE , SCHÖN ISA , HALSE STUART , MARTENS KOEN
Published: September 2017

In previous studies, the high degree of similarity of some species of Ilyodromus Sars, 1894 (Herpetocypridinae) to species of another subfamily (Isocypridinae) was noted, calling for a revision of their systematic placement. Here, the systematics of Ilyodromus Sars, 1894 are revised within this context by redescribing four species and comparing these to other genera of Herpetocypridinae and Isocypridinae. Material for the four redescribed species (I. amplicolis De Deckker, 1981, I. dikrus De Deckker, 1981, I. candonites De Deckker, 1981, and I. williamsi (McKenzie, 1966)) was obtained from Museum Victoria and recollected topotypes. It was found that most genera within Isocypridinae share morphological characters that are diagnostic of the subfamily Herpetocypridinae. On these grounds, the transfer of Isocypridinae to the rank of Tribe Isocypridini Rome, 1965 of subfamily Herpetocypridinae Kaufmann, 1900 is proposed here to account for the present understanding of morphological similarity.
Resolution of the types, diagnostic features, and distribution of two easily confused Sand Lizards, Pedioplanis laticeps (Smith, 1845) and P. burchelli (Duméril & Bibron, 1839) (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Authors: KIRCHHOF SEBASTIAN , PENNER JOHANNES , RÖDEL MARK-OLIVER , MÜLLER JOHANNES
Published: September 2017

Within the genus Pedioplanis the two basal species P. laticeps and P. burchelli are phenotypically similar. In this study we examine material of both species to determine diagnostic characters and we revise the distribution of Pedioplanis laticeps. For this we used data from museum collections, literature records, as well as results from our own surveys. Careful examination of the type material of P. laticeps and P. burchelli, as well as additional specimens, confirmed several morphological characters that distinguish between the two species. A reconstruction of the taxonomic history of the species revealed that P. laticeps was described in 1845, and not in 1844 or 1849 as commonly attributed. We designate a holotype for P. burchelli, a lectotype and two paralectotypes for P. laticeps, re-describe the types of P. laticeps and P. burchelli and correct previous misidentifications. Recent literature considers P. laticeps endemic to South Africa. However, 40-year-old museum records contain specimens sampled in Namibia. Surveys in Namibia confirmed at least one extant population of P. laticeps north of the Orange River, close to an area where they were previously collected. Natural history data is very scarce for both species and a comprehensive genetic analysis, covering the entire ranges of both taxa, is urgently needed to shed light on the evolutionary history of the two sister species.
Review of the Oriental leafhopper genus Parafagocyba Kuoh & Hu (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Typhlocybini), with descriptions of three new species from China
Authors: YAN BIN , YANG MAO-FA
Published: September 2017

The genus Parafagocyba is reviewed. Three new species are described and illustrated: P. membrana sp. nov., P. longa sp. nov. and P. striata sp. nov.. Illustrations, a key and checklist of species are provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
Safety and effectiveness of mass drug administration to accelerate elimination of artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria: A pilot trial in four villages of Eastern Myanmar
Authors: Landier Jordi , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Thwin May Myo , Parker Daniel M. , Chaumeau Victor , Wiladphaingern Jacher , Imwong Mallika , Miotto Olivo , Patumrat Krittaya , Duanguppama Jureeporn , Cerqueira Dominique , Malleret Benoit , Rénia Laurent , Nosten Suphak , von Seidlein Lorenz , Ling Clare , Proux Stéphane , Corbel Vincent , Simpson Julie A. , Dondorp Arjen M. , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François H.
Published: September 2017

Background: Artemisinin and partner drug-resistant falciparum malaria is expanding over the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Eliminating falciparum malaria in the GMS while drugs still retain enough efficacy could prevent global spread of antimalarial resistance. Eliminating malaria rapidly requires targeting the reservoir of asymptomatic parasite carriers.

This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the acceptability, safety, feasibility and effectiveness of mass-drug administration (MDA) in reducing malaria in four villages in Eastern Myanmar.

Methods: Villages with ≥30% malaria prevalence were selected. Long-lasting insecticidal bednets (LLINs) and access to malaria early diagnosis and treatment (EDT) were provided. Two villages received MDA immediately and two were followed for nine months pre-MDA. MDA consisted of a 3-day supervised course of  dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and single low-dose primaquine administered monthly for three months. Adverse events (AE) were monitored by interviews and consultations. Malaria prevalence was assessed by ultrasensitive PCR quarterly for 24 months. Symptomatic malaria incidence,entomological indices, and antimalarial resistance markers were monitored.

Results: MDA was well tolerated. There were no serious AE and mild to moderate AE were reported in 5.6%(212/3931) interviews. In the smaller villages, participation to three MDA courses was 61% and 57%, compared to 28% and 29% in the larger villages. Baseline prevalence was higher in intervention than in control villages (18.7% (95%CI=16.1-21.6) versus 6.8%(5.2-8.7), p<0.0001) whereas three months after starting MDA, prevalence was lower in intervention villages (0.4%(0.04-1.3) versus 2.7%(1.7-4.1), p=0.0014). After nine months the difference was no longer significant (2.0%(1.0-3.5) versus 0.9%(0.04-1.8), p=0.10). M0-M9 symptomatic falciparum incidence was similar between intervention and control. Before/after MDA comparisons showed that asymptomatic P. falciparum carriage and anopheline vector positivity decreased significantly whereas prevalence of the artemisinin-resistance molecular marker remained stable.

Conclusions: This MDA was safe and feasible, and, could accelerate elimination of P. falciparum in addition to EDT and LLINs when community participation was sufficient.
Moni or monta? The collective vs. distributive opposition between two forms of the quantifier ‘many’ in Finnish
Authors: Huumo Tuomas
Published: September 2017

In this work I explore the semantics of two case forms of the Finnish quantifier moni ‘many’: the regular nominative moni and the regular partitive monta [mon-ta many-PARTITIVE], which however has taken on a function similar to that of the nominative of numerals and is thus not a functional partitive anymore. This development has apparently motivated the rise of the pleonastic montaa [mon-ta-a many-PARTITIVE-PARTITIVE] to unambiguously mark the partitive. I argue that an important difference between moni and monta is the opposition between a distributive and a collective meaning: in ambiguous contexts, moni is clearly distributive and monta collective. I compare the two with the nominative form of the near-synonymous quantifier usea ‘several; a number of’ which in similar contexts displays ambiguity between the distributive and collective readings. The analysis sheds new light to the division of labor between the two (functional) nominative forms of moni, showing that they divide the functions of the nominative in an idiosyncratic way.Kokkuvõte. Tuomas Huumo: Moni või monta? Distributiivse ja kollektiivse tähenduse vastandus soome keele kvantori moni ‘mitu’ kahe käändevormi vahel. Artikkel käsitleb soome keele kvantori moni ‘mitu’ kahe käändevormi tähenduserinevusi. Võrdlusobjektideks on reeglipärane nominatiiv moni ning reeglipäraselt moodustatud partitiivivorm monta [mon-ta mitu-PARTITIIV ‘mitut’], millel siiski on tekkinud arvsõnade nominatiivile sarnane funktsioon ning mis seetõttu ei ole enam funktsionaalne partitiiv. See areng on tõenäoliselt motiveerinud ka pleonastilise, kahe partitiivilõpuga vormi mon-ta-a [mitu-PARTITIIV-PARTITIIV] teket, mis väljendab ühetähenduslikult partitiivi funktsioone. Artikli põhiväide on, et oluline erinevus vormide moni ja monta vahel on distributiivse ja kollektiivse tähenduse vastandamine: mitmetitõlgendatavates kontekstides annab moni edasi distributiivset, monta aga kollektiivset tähendust. Artiklis võrreldakse nimetatud kaht vormi lisaks ka semantiliselt lähedase kvantori usea ‘mitu; arvukas’ nominatiivivormiga. Usea on sarnastes kontekstides mitmetähenduslik ning võib edasi anda nii distributiivset kui ka kollektiivset tähendust. Kokkuvõttes valgustab analüüs seni käsitlemata vaatenurgast kvantori moni kahe (funktsionaalses mõttes nominatiivi-)vormi tööjaotust, mis on üsnagi idiosünkraatiline.Võtmesõnad: kvantor; kääne; partitiiv; kollektiivne vs. distributiivne tähendus; soome keel