bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 2, a Novel E2-Interacting Protein, Promotes the Growth of Classical Swine Fever Virus via Attenuation of the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Jinghan , Chen Shucheng , Liao Yajin , Zhang Enyu , Feng Shuo , Yu Shaoxiong , Li Lian-Feng , He Wen-Rui , Li Yongfeng , Luo Yuzi , Sun Yuan , Zhou Mo , Wang Xiao , Munir Muhammad , Li Su , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: September 2016

The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated kinase (MEK1/2/ERK1/2) cascade is involved in the replication of several members of the
Flaviviridae
family, including hepatitis C virus and dengue virus. The effects of the cascade on the replication of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), a fatal pestivirus of pigs, remain unknown. In this study, MEK2 was identified as a novel binding partner of the E2 protein of CSFV using yeast two-hybrid screening. The E2-MEK2 interaction was confirmed by glutathione
S
-transferase pulldown, coimmunoprecipitation, and laser confocal microscopy assays. The C termini of E2 (amino acids [aa] 890 to 1053) and MEK2 (aa 266 to 400) were mapped to be crucial for the interaction. Overexpression of MEK2 significantly promoted the replication of CSFV, whereas knockdown of MEK2 by lentivirus-mediated small hairpin RNAs dramatically inhibited CSFV replication. In addition, CSFV infection induced a biphasic activation of ERK1/2, the downstream signaling molecules of MEK2. Furthermore, the replication of CSFV was markedly inhibited in PK-15 cells treated with U0126, a specific inhibitor for MEK1/2/ERK1/2, whereas MEK2 did not affect CSFV replication after blocking the interferon-induced Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway by ruxolitinib, a JAK-STAT-specific inhibitor. Taken together, our results indicate that MEK2 positively regulates the replication of CSFV through inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

IMPORTANCE
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MEK2) is a kinase that operates immediately upstream of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and links to Raf and ERK via phosphorylation. Currently, little is known about the role of MEK2 in the replication of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), a devastating porcine pestivirus. Here, we investigated the roles of MEK2 and the MEK2/ERK1/2 cascade in the growth of CSFV for the first time. We show that MEK2 positively regulates CSFV replication. Notably, we demonstrate that MEK2 promotes CSFV replication through inhibiting the interferon-induced JAK-STAT signaling pathway, a key antiviral pathway involved in innate immunity. Our work reveals a novel role of MEK2 in CSFV infection and sheds light on the molecular basis by which pestiviruses interact with the host cell.
Role of LAMP1 Binding and pH Sensing by the Spike Complex of Lassa Virus
Authors: Cohen-Dvashi Hadas , Israeli Hadar , Shani Orly , Katz Aliza , Diskin Ron
Published: September 2016

To effectively infect cells, Lassa virus needs to switch in an endosomal compartment from its primary receptor, α-dystroglycan, to a protein termed LAMP1. A unique histidine triad on the surface of the receptor-binding domain from the glycoprotein spike complex of Lassa virus is important for LAMP1 binding. Here we investigate mutated spikes that have an impaired ability to interact with LAMP1 and show that although LAMP1 is important for efficient infectivity, it is not required for spike-mediated membrane fusion
per se
. Our studies reveal important regulatory roles for histidines from the triad in sensing acidic pH and preventing premature spike triggering. We further show that LAMP1 requires a positively charged His230 residue to engage with the spike complex and that LAMP1 binding promotes membrane fusion. These results elucidate the molecular role of LAMP1 binding during Lassa virus cell entry and provide new insights into how pH is sensed by the spike.

IMPORTANCE
Lassa virus is a devastating disease-causing agent in West Africa, with a significant yearly death toll and severe long-term complications associated with its infection in survivors. In recent years, we learned that Lassa virus needs to switch receptors in a pH-dependent manner to efficiently infect cells, but neither the molecular mechanisms that allow switching nor the actual effects of switching were known. Here we investigate the activity of the viral spike complex after abrogation of its ability to switch receptors. These studies inform us about the role of switching receptors and provide new insights into how the spike senses acidic pH.
Characterization of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pseudotypes Bearing Essential Entry Glycoproteins gB, gD, gH, and gL of Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Rogalin Henry B. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: September 2016

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are unusual in that unlike most enveloped viruses, they require at least four entry glycoproteins, gB, gD, gH, and gL, for entry into target cells in addition to a cellular receptor for gD. The dissection of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) entry mechanism is complicated by the presence of more than a dozen proteins on the viral envelope. To investigate HSV-1 entry requirements in a simplified system, we generated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) virions pseudotyped with HSV-1 essential entry glycoproteins gB, gD, gH, and gL but lacking the native VSV fusogen G. These virions, referred to here as VSVΔG-BHLD virions, infected a cell line expressing a gD receptor, demonstrating for the first time that the four essential entry glycoproteins of HSV-1 are not only required but also sufficient for cell entry. To our knowledge, this is the first time the VSV pseudotyping system has been successfully extended beyond two proteins. Entry of pseudotyped virions required a gD receptor and was inhibited by HSV-1 specific anti-gB or anti-gH/gL neutralizing antibodies, which suggests that membrane fusion during the entry of the pseudotyped virions shares common requirements with the membrane fusion involved in HSV-1 entry and HSV-1-mediated syncytium formation. The HSV pseudotyping system established in this study presents a novel tool for systematic exploration of the HSV entry and membrane fusion mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are human pathogens that can cause cold sores, genital herpes, and blindness. No vaccines or preventatives are available. HSV entry into cells—a prerequisite for a successful infection—is a complex process that involves multiple viral and host proteins and occurs by different routes. Detailed mechanistic knowledge of the HSV entry is important for understanding its pathogenesis and would benefit antiviral and vaccine development, yet the presence of more than a dozen proteins on the viral envelope complicates the dissection of the HSV entry mechanisms. In this study, we generated heterologous virions displaying the four essential entry proteins of HSV-1 and showed that they are capable of cell entry and, like HSV-1, require all four entry glycoproteins along with a gD receptor. This HSV pseudotyping system pioneered in this work opens doors for future systematic exploration of the herpesvirus entry mechanisms.
Environmentally Endemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains with Mutations in
lasR
Are Associated with Increased Disease Severity in Corneal Ulcers
Authors: Hammond John H. , Hebert Wesley P. , Naimie Amanda , Ray Kathryn , Van Gelder Rachel D. , DiGiandomenico Antonio , Lalitha Prajna , Srinivasan Muthiah , Acharya Nisha R. , Lietman Thomas , Hogan Deborah A. , Zegans Michael E.
Published: September 2016

The LasR transcription factor is an important regulator of quorum sensing in
P. aeruginosa
and positively controls multiple virulence-associated pathways. The emergence of strains with
lasR
loss-of-function alleles in chronic disease is well described and is thought to represent a specific adaptation to the host environment. However, the prevalence and virulence of these strains in acute infections remain unclear. This report describes observations revealing that
lasR
mutants were common among isolates from a large, multicenter clinical study of keratitis and were associated with worse clinical outcomes than LasR-intact strains despite reduced production of LasR-regulated factors. Additionally, these
lasR
mutants were closely related strains or clones, as determined by molecular analysis. Because bacterial keratitis is community acquired, these data indicate infection by endemic, LasR-deficient strains in the environment. These results suggest that the conventional paradigm regarding the role for LasR-mediated regulation of virulence is more complex than previously appreciated.
Biochemical Characterization of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Helicase
Authors: Adedeji Adeyemi O. , Lazarus Hilary
Published: September 2016

Coronaviruses are known to cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus discovered in 2012 and is responsible for acute respiratory syndrome in humans in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and the United States of America. Helicases are motor proteins that catalyze the processive separation of double-stranded nucleic acids into two single-stranded nucleic acids by utilizing the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. MERS-CoV helicase is one of the most important viral replication enzymes of this coronavirus. Herein, we report the first bacterial expression, enzyme purification, and biochemical characterization of MERS-CoV helicase. The knowledge obtained from this study might be used to identify an inhibitor of MERS-CoV replication, and the helicase might be used as a therapeutic target.
Mediastinal bronchogenic cyst mimicking congenital lobar emphysema
Authors: Arun Sumitha , Kumar Manish , Ross Benjamin Jeyanth
Published: September 2016

Bronchogenic cyst (BC) is a rare congenital malformation of the lung. Most patients remain asymptomatic until adulthood while some are symptomatic in the first few years of life. However, symptoms in newborn period are rare. We report a case of a 3-day-old preterm baby with respiratory distress diagnosed as congenital lobar emphysema on chest X-ray. A CT scan revealed a mediastinal cyst causing obstructive lobar emphysema. The cyst was excised and pathological examination was suggestive of BC.
Exertional rhabdomyolysis: physiological response or manifestation of an underlying myopathy?
Authors: Scalco Renata S , Snoeck Marc , Quinlivan Ros , Treves Susan , Laforét Pascal , Jungbluth Heinz , Voermans Nicol C
Published: September 2016

Exertional rhabdomyolysis is characterised by muscle breakdown associated with strenuous exercise or normal exercise under extreme circumstances. Key features are severe muscle pain and sudden transient elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) levels with or without associated myoglobinuria. Mild cases may remain unnoticed or undiagnosed. Exertional rhabdomyolysis is well described among athletes and military personnel, but may occur in anybody exposed to unaccustomed exercise. In contrast, exertional rhabdomyolysis may be the first manifestation of a genetic muscle disease that lowers the exercise threshold for developing muscle breakdown. Repeated episodes of exertional rhabdomyolysis should raise the suspicion of such an underlying disorder, in particular in individuals in whom the severity of the rhabdomyolysis episodes exceeds the expected response to the exercise performed. The present review aims to provide a practical guideline for the acute management and postepisode counselling of patients with exertional rhabdomyolysis, with a particular emphasis on when to suspect an underlying genetic disorder. The pathophysiology and its clinical features are reviewed, emphasising four main stepwise approaches: (1) the clinical significance of an acute episode, (2) risks of renal impairment, (3) clinical indicators of an underlying genetic disorders and (4) when and how to recommence sport activity following an acute episode of rhabdomyolysis. Genetic backgrounds that appear to be associated with both enhanced athletic performance and increased rhabdomyolysis risk are briefly reviewed.
A density functional theory study on the performance of graphene and N-doped graphene supported Au3 cluster catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Zhao Fei , Wang Yang , Kang Lihua
Published: September 2016

Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to investigate the mechanism of Au3 clusters, separately supported on pure graphene (Au3/graphene) and one graphitic N-doped graphene (Au3/N-graphene). These supported Au3 clusters were used to catalyze acetylene hydrochlorination. Results show that the graphene supporter could obviously enhance the adsorption of reactants. Also, N-atom doping could broaden the energy gap between the HOMO of graphene and the LUMO of Au3, leading to the significantly attenuated interaction between the Au3 cluster and graphene by more than 19 kcal/mol (1 cal = 4.184 J). The two catalysts possessed extremely similar reaction mechanisms with activation energy values of 23.26 and 23.89 kcal/mol, respectively. The calculated activation barrier declined in the order of Au3 < Au3/N-graphene < Au3/graphene, suggesting that Au3/N-graphene could be a potential catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis following oral gavage with enrofloxacin
Authors: Zhu Feng-Jiao , Hu Kun , Yang Zong-Ying , Yang Xian-Le
Published: September 2016

Enrofloxacin is an important drug that is widely used in the treatment of the diseased Eriocheir sinensis. This study compared transcriptome differences in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis following oral gavage with enrofloxacin. Our study produced 80 228 728 and 88 888 706 raw reads from control and treatment groups, and after filtering and quality checks of the raw sequence reads, our analysis yielded 78 843 613 and 87 628 922 clean reads with a mean length of 126 bp from control and treatment groups, respectively. A total of 15 797 transcripts were assembled, with 11 975 transcripts annotated. Moreover, 2795 transcripts were judged to be differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology terms “biological process” and “metabolic process” were the most enriched in the oxidation–reduction process, translational initiation, membrane, cytoplasmic part, and hydrolase activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that metabolic and signal transduction pathways were significantly enriched. Furthermore, we found that gshB and the CYP450 enzyme system plays a role in the metabolism of enrofloxacin in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis. This study identified differential transcripts related to transmembrane transport and drug metabolism in E. sinensis that could help develop understanding of the molecular basis of enrofloxacin metabolism in this economically important aquaculture species.
Validation of depth-profiling LA-ICP-MS in otolith applications
Authors: Warburton Manna L. , Reid Malcolm R. , Stirling Claudine H. , Closs Gerry
Published: September 2016

Otolith microchemistry is a widely used technique for elucidating life history patterns in fishes. This typically involves sectioning the otolith and collecting elemental signatures via laser ablation. But this requires time-intensive handling that may influence results. As an alternative to traditional cut–polish–ablate techniques, we tested depth-profiling laser ablation, which offers reduced handling and contamination risk. To validate depth profiling as a robust method for collecting trace element otolith microchemistry data, we constructed composite otoliths using otolith materials from fishes of different origins (fresh water, seawater). Test ablations were conducted on composite diadromous otoliths at a range of spot sizes and pit depths. We measured tailing and fractionation effects in the following elements: Na, Mg, K, Mn, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Ba. Given appropriate instrument parameters, depth profiling can accurately collect elemental concentration data both between and within top and bottom layers of an otolith composite across a range of spot sizes and pit depths. Analytical power and lag effects were dependent on spot size, highlighting the importance of optimizing spot size based on sample morphology and instrument parameters.
A novel method to estimate prey contributions to predator diets
Authors: Moriarty Pamela E. , Essington Timothy E. , Ward Eric J.
Published: September 2016

Stomach content data are frequently used to characterize predator feeding habits, often by describing the proportional contribution by mass or number of each prey type (diet fractions). These data pose several statistical challenges for analysis and estimation that have hindered our ability to create quantitative diet fraction estimates from stomach content data. To address these challenges, we developed a novel, likelihood-based mixture model to quantitatively estimate diet fractions. Simulation testing indicated that estimated diet fractions from the mixture model were more precise than those estimated either from a (stomach mass) weighted mean or the sample mean and were more accurate than a sample mean. Additionally, we applied the mixture model, a weighted mean, and sample mean to stomach content data for multiple types of predators. For three of four of these data sets, the mixture model demonstrated higher precision than and similar accuracy to a weighted mean and similar precision and better accuracy than a sample mean. The mixture model represents an important step in advancing statistical methods to address the challenges of stomach content data.
Study of the secondary electron emission coefficient using disc and conical electrodes
Authors: Radwan Samah I. , El-Khabeary H. , Helal A.G.
Published: September 2016

In this work, glow discharge is formed by similar disc and conical electrode shapes from aluminum material at constant anode–cathode gap distance equal to 10 cm. The breakdown voltage and discharge current against the pressure × distance are measured at different pressures. The secondary electron emission coefficient is calculated using Townsend’s secondary ionization coefficient equation. A comparison is made between the breakdown voltage, discharge current, and secondary electron emission coefficient using disc and conical anode–cathode electrodes. Hence with a product of pressure and distance equal to 6 Torr cm, the secondary electron emission coefficient value of conical shape is higher than for the disc shape.
Vacuum quanta and the nature of gravity
Authors: Blanco-Pérez Carlos
Published: September 2016

Based upon the idea of vacuum quanta, the paper proposes a model for the action of the gravitational force. This hypothesis offers a mechanistic theory of the local curvature of space–time and it leads to an explanation of the expansion of the universe.
THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON CO2 EMISSIONS IN CHINA
Authors: SHAHBAZ MUHAMMAD , KHAN SALEHEEN , ALI AMJAD , BHATTACHARYA MITA
Published: September 2016

This paper examines the environmental kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for China in the presence of globalization. We have applied Bayer and Hanck combined cointegration test as well as the auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration by accommodating structural breaks in the series. The causal relationship among the variables is investigated by applying the vector error correction method (VECM) causality framework. The study covers the period of 1970–2012. The results confirm the presence of cointegration among the variables. Furthermore, the EKC hypothesis is valid in China both in short and long runs. Coal consumption increases carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions significantly. The overall index and sub-indices of globalization indicate that globalization in China is decreasing CO2 emissions. The causality results reveal that economic growth causes CO2 emissions confirming the existence of the EKC hypothesis. The feedback effect exists between coal consumption and CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions Granger causes globalization (social, economic and political).
Dimensional regularization is generic
Authors: Fujikawa Kazuo
Published: September 2016

The absence of the quadratic divergence in the Higgs sector of the Standard Model in the dimensional regularization is usually regarded to be an exceptional property of a specific regularization. To understand what is going on in the dimensional regularization, we illustrate how to reproduce the results of the dimensional regularization for the [Formula: see text] theory in the more conventional regularization such as the higher derivative regularization; the basic postulate involved is that the quadratically divergent induced mass, which is independent of the scale change of the physical mass, is kinematical and unphysical. This is consistent with the derivation of the Callan–Symanzik equation, which is a comparison of two theories with slightly different masses, for the [Formula: see text] theory without encountering the quadratic divergence. In this sense the dimensional regularization may be said to be generic in a bottom-up approach starting with a successful low energy theory. We also define a modified version of the mass independent renormalization for a scalar field which leads to the homogeneous renormalization group equation. Implications of the present analysis on the Standard Model at high energies and the presence or absence of SUSY at LHC energies are briefly discussed.
Energy distribution in quantized mesoscopic RLC electric circuit
Authors: Wu Wei-Feng , Fan Hong-Yi
Published: September 2016

Quantum information processing experimentally depends on optical-electronic devices. In this paper, we consider quantized mesoscopic RLC (resistance, inductance and capacitance) electric circuit in stable case as a quantum statistical ensemble, and calculate energy distribution (i.e. the energy stored in inductance and capacitance as well as the energy consumed on the resistance). For this aim, we employ the technique of integration within ordered product (IWOP) of operator to derive the thermo-vacuum state for this mesoscopic system, with which ensemble average energy calculation is replaced by evaluating expected value in pure state. This approach is concise and the result we deduced is physically appealling.
3ω slope comparative method for fluid and powder thermal conductivity measurements
Authors: Zheng X. H. , Qiu L. , Yue P. , Wang G. , Tang D. W.
Published: September 2016

By analyzing the relationship among the heat penetration depth, measurement frequency and detector characteristic parameters, a simple and practical [Formula: see text] slope comparative method has been proposed. The corresponding measurement system for measuring the thermal properties of fluids and powder materials was established and verified using several specimens with known thermophysical parameters, such as alcohol, distilled water, and air. Compared to the two-dimensional model, the data processing of the method is relatively simple and quick. Due to the elimination of errors introduced by the detector parameter measurement, the measurement accuracy of the method is higher than the conventional one-dimensional model. By using an appropriate frequency range, the new method is time saving and convenient for measuring the thermal conductivity of fluids and powders with low thermal conductivity. Based on the analysis, the effective thermal conductivity of nano-SiO2 powder is accurately determined.
On Elastoplastic Buckling Analysis of Cylinders Under Nonproportional Loading by Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Shamass Rabee , Alfano Giulio , Guarracino Federico
Published: September 2016

The paper investigates the elastoplastic buckling of thin circular shells subjected to nonproportional loading consisting of axial tensile stress and external pressure. The governing equations of buckling for cylindrical shells derived by Flugge serve as the basis of analysis. To capture the elastic/plastic behavior, two plasticity theories are considered; the flow theory and the deformation theory of plasticity. Plastic buckling pressures for cylinders with various combinations of boundary conditions are presented for which no analytical solutions are available. The results obtained from the flow and deformation theories confirm that, under over-constrained kinematic assumptions, the deformation theory tends to provide lower values of buckling pressure and the discrepancies in the results from the two plasticity theories increase with increasing thickness-to-radius ratios, tensile stresses, boundary clamping and E/[Formula: see text] ratios. The plastic buckling results obtained by means of the differential quadrature method are compared with carefully conducted FEA results for both the flow and the deformation theory of plasticity. The reasons underlying the apparent plastic buckling paradox are thus investigated for a vast class of boundary conditions and loads.
GAIT DEVIATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH CLASSIC HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM AND LOW-FUNCTIONING AUTISM
Authors: PAUK JOLANTA , ZAWADZKA NINA , WASILEWSKA AGNIESZKA , GODLEWSKI PAWEL
Published: September 2016

The most significant symptoms of autism are abnormal movement patterns that can lead to the decrease of life quality. The purpose of the study was to compare quantitatively the gait strategy of the typical subjects, children with classic high-functioning autism (HFA), and children with low-functioning autism (LFA). Secondly, the comparison and the evaluation of main changes of plantar pressure parameters between groups were presented. The evaluation was carried out on 18 children with HFA, 10 children with LFA, and 30 age-matched children as a control group. A six camera motion capture system, two force plates and a pedobarograph were used to measure gait kinematics, joint kinetics, and pressure distribution under foot during walking. The analysis shows significant differences between children with HFA, LFA, and typical children in velocity, cadence, and magnitude of plantar pressure distribution. The magnitude of plantar pressure was reduced in children with autism under all anatomical masks, which was caused by plano-valgus deformity. Differences were also observed in joint angles and moments during gait cycle. Some of the results can be a source of important information about gait patterns in autistic children. Any exercise treatment prescribed for autistic children should focus on changing the patterns of plantar pressure distribution, which would be similar to patterns of typical children. However, the exercise treatment cannot be generalized due to the high inter-subject variability in children with autism.
Optical, electrochemical and third-order nonlinear optical studies of triphenylamine substituted zinc phthalocyanine
Authors: Krishna Narra Vamsi , Anusha Puliparambil Thilakan , Rao S. Venugopal , Giribabu L.
Published: September 2016

Zinc phthalocyanine possessing triphenylamine at its peripheral position has been synthesized and its optical, emission, electrochemical and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated. Soret band was broadened due to the presence of triphenylamine moiety. Electrochemical properties indicated that both oxidation and reduction processes were ring centered. Emission spectra were recorded in different solvents and the fluorescence yields obtained were in the range of 0.02–0.17 while the time-resolved fluorescence data revealed radiative lifetimes of typically few ns. Third-order NLO properties of this molecule have been examined using the Z-scan technique with picosecond (ps) and femtoseocnd (fs) pulses. Closed and open aperture Z-scan data were recorded with 2 ps/1 50 fs laser pulses at a wavelength of 800 nm and NLO coefficients were extracted from both the data. Our data clearly suggests the potential of this molecule for photonics applications.
The Effect of Relaxation Times on Thermoelastic Damping in a Nanobeam Resonator
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A.
Published: September 2016

In the present work, in accordance with the generalized theory of thermoelasticity with two thermal relaxation times, the vibration of a thick finite nanobeam resonator has been considered. Both the general thermoelasticity and coupled thermoelasticity (CT) theories with only one relaxation time can be deduced from the present model as special cases. Under clamped conditions for beam, the effect of relaxation times in nanobeam resonator has been investigated. Based on the analytical relationships, the beam deflection, temperature change, frequency shift and thermoelastic damping were investigated and the numerical results were graphically obtained. According to the observed results there is a clear difference between the CT theory, Lord and Shulman’s (LS) theory and Green and Lindsay’s (GL) theory.
Enterprise Diagnostics for Evaluation of Enterprise Business Processes
Authors: Kataev M. , Bulysheva L. , Emelyanenko A. , Bi Z.
Published: September 2016

In a dynamic business environment, the performance of enterprise has to be evaluated promptly to adjust business activities and accommodate new changes adequately. To this end, we propose the concept of enterprise diagnostics, which focuses on the assessment of effectiveness of enterprise business processes. In apply enterprise diagnostics, the procedure and methodology have been developed to evaluate the performance of enterprise business processes, and main factors for the assessment include consumed resources, cost, durations of business processes, and information constraints. The proposed methodology has its theoretical and practical values in evaluating the performance of enterprise and assisting in making management decisions with a high level of accountability.
New Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) sauropod remains from the Valtos Formation, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Authors: Clark Neil D. L. , Gavin Patrick
Published: September 2016

The discovery of a sauropod tooth and a single sauropod footprint from the Valtos Formation supplements our knowledge of these dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic of the Isle of Skye. Although the family cannot be determined from this single tooth, it is thought that it represents a primitive eusauropod and may belong to a similar sauropod to that previously described from limited isolated osteological evidence (caudal vertebra, damaged humerus and a rib). The characteristics that suggest this affinity include evidence of denticles on one edge of the tooth, wrinkling and granulation of the enamel, wear suggesting crown-to-crown occlusion, and the spatulate tooth shape. The single sauropod footprint is the oldest record of a sauropod footprint from the Middle Jurassic of Skye.

Supplementary material:
Surface models of the sauropod footprint from the Valtos Formation produced using Agisoft Photoscan software in obj, ply and stl formats are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3435984
Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Brennan Caitlin A. , Garrett Wendy S.
Published: September 2016

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While cancer is largely considered to be a disease of genetic and environmental factors, increasing evidence has demonstrated a role for the microbiota (the microorganisms associated with the human body) in shaping inflammatory environments and promoting tumor growth and spread. Herein, we discuss both human data from meta'omics analyses and data from mechanistic studies in cell culture and animal models that support specific bacterial agents as potentiators of tumorigenesis—including Fusobacterium nucleatum, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and colibactin-producing Escherichia coli. Further, we consider how microbes can be used in diagnosing colorectal cancer and manipulating the tumor environment to encourage better patient outcomes in response to immunotherapy treatments.
Autophagy Evasion and Endoplasmic Reticulum Subversion: The Yin and Yang ofLegionellaIntracellular Infection
Authors: Sherwood Racquel Kim , Roy Craig R.
Published: September 2016

The gram-negative bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila creates a novel organelle inside of eukaryotic host cells that supports intracellular replication. The L. pneumophila–containing vacuole evades fusion with lysosomes and interacts intimately with the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although the natural hosts for L. pneumophila are free-living protozoa that reside in freshwater environments, the mechanisms that enable this pathogen to replicate intracellularly also function when mammalian macrophages phagocytose aerosolized bacteria, and infection of humans by L. pneumophila can result in a severe pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. A bacterial type IVB secretion system called Dot/Icm is essential for intracellular replication of L. pneumophila. The Dot/Icm apparatus delivers over 300 different bacterial proteins into host cells during infection. These bacterial proteins have biochemical activities that target evolutionarily conserved host factors that control membrane transport processes, which results in the formation of the ER-derived vacuole that supports L. pneumophila replication. This review highlights research discoveries that have defined interactions between vacuoles containing L. pneumophila and the host ER. These studies reveal how L. pneumophila creates a vacuole that supports intracellular replication by subverting host proteins that control biogenesis and fusion of early secretory vesicles that exit the ER and host proteins that regulate the shape and dynamics of the ER. In addition to recruiting ER-derived membranes for biogenesis of the vacuole in which L. pneumophila replicates, these studies have revealed that this pathogen has a remarkable ability to interfere with the host's cellular process of autophagy, which is an ancient cell autonomous defense pathway that utilizes ER-derived membranes to target intracellular pathogens for destruction. Thus, this intracellular pathogen has evolved multiple mechanisms to control membrane transport processes that center on the involvement of the host ER.
Tuning the proteasome to brighten the end of the journey
Authors: Mayor Thibault , Sharon Michal , Glickman Michael H.
Published: September 2016

Degradation by the proteasome is the fate for a large portion of cellular proteins, and it plays a major role in maintaining protein homeostasis, as well as in regulating many cellular processes like cell cycle progression. A decrease in proteasome activity has been linked to aging and several age-related neurodegenerative pathologies and highlights the importance of the ubiquitin proteasome system regulation. While the proteasome has been traditionally viewed as a constitutive element of proteolysis, major studies have highlighted how different regulatory mechanisms can impact its activity. Importantly, alterations of proteasomal activity may have major impacts for its function and in therapeutics. On one hand, increasing proteasome activity could be beneficial to prevent the age-related downfall of protein homeostasis, whereas inhibiting or reducing its activity can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.
Genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical aspects of nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Oliveira Ben , Kleta Robert , Bockenhauer Detlef , Walsh Stephen B.
Published: September 2016

Nephrocalcinosis describes the ectopic deposition of calcium salts in the kidney parenchyma. Nephrocalcinosis can result from a number of acquired causes but also an even greater number of genetic diseases, predominantly renal but also extrarenal. Here we provide a review of the genetic causes of nephrocalcinosis, along with putative mechanisms, illustrated by human and animal data.
Healthy aging does not compromise the augmentation of cardiac function during heat stress
Authors: Gagnon Daniel , Romero Steven A. , Ngo Hai , Sarma Satyam , Cornwell William K. , Poh Paula Y. S. , Stoller Douglas , Levine Benjamin D. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: September 2016

During heat stress, stroke volume is maintained in young adults despite reductions in cardiac filling pressures. This is achieved by a general augmentation of cardiac function, highlighted by a left and upward shift of the Frank-Starling relation. In contrast, healthy aged adults are unable to maintain stroke volume during heat stress. We hypothesized that this would be associated with a lack of shift in the Frank-Starling relation. Frank-Starling relations were examined in 11 aged [69 ± 4 (SD) yr, 4 men/7 women] and 12 young (26 ± 5 yr, 6 men/6 women) adults during normothermic and heat stress (1.5°C increase in core temperature) conditions. During heat stress, increases in cardiac output were attenuated in aged adults (+2.5 ± 0.3 (95% CI) vs. young: +4.5 ± 0.5 l/min, P < 0.01) because of an attenuated chronotropic response (+30 ± 4 vs. young: +42 ± 5 beats/min, P < 0.01). In contrast to our hypothesis, a leftward shift of the Frank-Starling relation maintained stroke volume during heat stress in aged adults (76 ± 8 vs. normothermic: 74 ± 8 ml, P = 0.38) despite reductions in cardiac filling pressure (6.6 ± 1.0 vs. normothermic: 8.9 ± 1.1 mmHg, P < 0.01). In a subset of participants, volume loading was used to return cardiac filling pressure during heat stress to normothermic values, which resulted in a greater stroke volume for a given cardiac filling pressure in both groups. These results demonstrate that the Frank-Starling relation shifts during heat stress in healthy young and aged adults, thereby preserving stroke volume despite reductions in cardiac filling pressures.
Maximal intermittent contractions of the first dorsal interosseous inhibits voluntary activation of the contralateral homologous muscle
Authors: Kavanagh Justin J. , Feldman Matthew R. , Simmonds Michael J.
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate how maximal intermittent contractions for a hand muscle influence cortical and reflex activity, as well as the ability to voluntarily activate the homologous muscle in the opposite limb. Twelve healthy subjects (age 24 ± 3 yr, all right-hand dominant) performed maximal contractions of the dominant limb first dorsal interosseous (FDI), and activity of the contralateral FDI was examined in a series of experiments. Index finger abduction force, FDI electromyography (EMG), motor evoked potentials, and heteronomous reflexes were obtained from the contralateral limb during brief, nonfatiguing contractions. The same measures, as well as the ability to voluntarily activate the contralateral FDI, were then assessed in an extended intermittent contraction protocol that elicited fatigue. Brief contractions under nonfatigued conditions increased index finger abduction force, FDI EMG, and motor evoked potential amplitude of the contralateral limb. However, when intermittent maximal contractions were continued until fatigue, there was an inability to produce maximal force with the contralateral limb (∼30%), which was coupled to a decrease in the level of voluntary activation (∼20%). These declines were present without changes in reflex activity and regardless of whether cortical or motor point stimulation was used to assess voluntary activation. It is concluded that performing maximal intermittent contractions with a single limb causes an inability of the central nervous system to maximally drive the homologous muscle of the contralateral limb. This is, in part, mediated by mechanisms that involve the motor cortex ipsilateral to the contracting limb.
Effect of informational content of noise on speech representation in the aging midbrain and cortex
Authors: Presacco Alessandro , Simon Jonathan Z. , Anderson Samira
Published: September 2016

The ability to understand speech is significantly degraded by aging, particularly in noisy environments. One way that older adults cope with this hearing difficulty is through the use of contextual cues. Several behavioral studies have shown that older adults are better at following a conversation when the target speech signal has high contextual content or when the background distractor is not meaningful. Specifically, older adults gain significant benefit in focusing on and understanding speech if the background is spoken by a talker in a language that is not comprehensible to them (i.e., a foreign language). To understand better the neural mechanisms underlying this benefit in older adults, we investigated aging effects on midbrain and cortical encoding of speech when in the presence of a single competing talker speaking in a language that is meaningful or meaningless to the listener (i.e., English vs. Dutch). Our results suggest that neural processing is strongly affected by the informational content of noise. Specifically, older listeners' cortical responses to the attended speech signal are less deteriorated when the competing speech signal is an incomprehensible language rather than when it is their native language. Conversely, temporal processing in the midbrain is affected by different backgrounds only during rapid changes in speech and only in younger listeners. Additionally, we found that cognitive decline is associated with an increase in cortical envelope tracking, suggesting an age-related over (or inefficient) use of cognitive resources that may explain their difficulty in processing speech targets while trying to ignore interfering noise.
An Analysis of Robustness Approaches for the Airport Baggage Sorting Station Assignment Problem
Authors: Ascó Amadeo
Published: September 2016

In the Airport Baggage Sorting Station Assignment Problem (ABSSAP), the Baggage Sorting Stations (BSSs) are assigned to flights for the period of time necessary to perform their service for a given flights’ schedule. But the flights schedule may change on the day of operation which may deem the original assignment of some flights to BSSs infeasible. These changes may create conflicts between those flights whose schedules have changed and may not be restricted to those flights but propagating to the other flights for different reasons. Conflicts depend on the original assignments for the real arrival and departure flight times on the day of operation. It is therefore desirable to consider potential delays on the day of operation when generating the original flight assignments to BSSs, such that the final flight assignments differ little or do not differ at all from the original assignments on the day of operation. The term robustness is here used to give an indication of the degree to which this has been achieved. Some existing approaches originally presented in the Airport Gate Assignment Problem (AGAP) are adapted to the ABSSAP, other approaches are suggested for generating assignments which take account of potential perturbations on the day of operation for the ABSSAP, and all of them are then compared. It is shown that the suggested approaches by themselves do not perform better than the other considered approaches but when combined they enhance the result further compared to when each approach is used alone.
A Case of Successful Foraminotomy for Severe Bilateral C5 Palsy following Posterior Decompression and Fusion Surgery for Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Authors: Kudo Yoshifumi , Toyone Tomoaki , Shirahata Toshiyuki , Ozawa Tomoyuki , Matsuoka Akira , Jin Yoichi , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: September 2016

We report a very rare (5~7%) case of bilateral C5 palsy after cervical surgery. A 71-year-old male patient with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with foraminal stenosis at bilateral C4/5 underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery. After surgery, muscle weakness in his both deltoid and biceps was detected and gradually deteriorated to complete paralysis. Postoperative MRI showed sufficient decompression of the spinal cord and posterior shifting. Subsequently, an additional bilateral foraminotomy at C4/5 was performed, with a suspicion that bilateral foraminal stenosis at C4/5 may have been the cause of the paresis. After foraminotomy, muscular contraction was seen in both deltoid and biceps. Finally, complete motor recovery was achieved in a year. Although the gold standard procedure for the prevention and treatment of postoperative C5 palsy has not yet been established, an additional foraminotomy may be recommended for severe C5 palsy in cases of foraminal stenosis even after the occurrence of palsy.
An Unusual Case of Abdominal Leiomyoma Presenting as a Free Lying Intraperitoneal Mass in an Elderly Gentleman
Authors: Nasta Amrit , Nandy Kunal , Bansod Yogesh
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Leiomyomas are common benign tumours of female reproductive tract and are rarely seen in extrauterine location.Case Report. We report an interesting case of a free lying abdominal leiomyoma presenting as a painless abdominal lump in an elderly gentleman.Discussion. Primary abdominal leiomyomas are uncommon and require surgical removal if symptomatic.
Effects of Brazilian Propolis on Dental Plaque and Gingiva in Patients with Oral Cleft Malformation Treated with Multibracket and Removable Appliances: A Comparative Study
Authors: Machorowska-Pieniążek Agnieszka , Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata , Mertas Anna , Tanasiewicz Marta , Niedzielska Iwona , Morawiec Tadeusz , Baron Stefan
Published: September 2016

Orthodontic appliances modify the local environment of the oral cavity, increase the accumulation of dental plaque, and affect the condition of the gingiva. The aim of this study is assessment of Brazilian propolis toothpaste’s effect on plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) in patients with CL/CLP treated using orthodontic appliances in the 35‐day study period. The study population included 96 patients of an Orthodontic Outpatient Clinic, ACSiMS in Bytom. All the patients participated in the active phase of orthodontic treatment using buccal multibracket appliances or removable appliances. During the first examination, each patient was randomly qualified to the propolis group or control group. A statistically significant decrease in GI and PLI in the entire propolis group (P < 0.01) was shown during repeated examination. Insignificant change in GI was in the entire control group during the repeated examination compared to the baseline. Similar result was obtained in patients treated with multibracket and removable appliances. The orthodontic appliance type did not affect the final dental plaque amount and gingival condition in patients using the propolis toothpaste. These results may be clinically useful to improve prevention and control oral infectious diseases during orthodontic treatment patients with oral cleft.
Adaptive Complex-Valued Independent Component Analysis Based on Second-Order Statistics
Authors: Jia Yanfei , Yang Xiaodong
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a two-stage fast convergence adaptive complex-valued independent component analysis based on second-order statistics of complex-valued source signals. The first stage constructs a cost function by extending the real-valued whiten cost function to a complex-valued domain and optimizes the cost function using a complex-valued gradient. The second stage uses the restriction that the pseudocovariance matrix of the separated signal is a diagonal matrix to construct the cost function and the geodesic method is used to optimize the cost function. Compared with other adaptive complex-valued independent component analysis, the proposed method shows a faster convergence rate and smaller error. Computer simulations were performed on synthesized signals and communications signals. The simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.