bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee training strategies for today’s workforce
Authors: Solis Rafael
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into how effective new learning methods are in today’s workforce. The traditional learning styles are no longer optimal; it is important that companies look ahead and adapt to new training styles.

Design/methodology/approach

The team at Braidio has over 20 years of technical, operations and start-up experience in the internet, wireless and security industries. Over the years they have noticed these shifts in learning technology as it moves from more traditional methods to a more social experience.

Findings

To effectively train existing and new employees, companies must adapt to the technological and generational changes that are impacting the modern workforce. Mobile and social learning are becoming more prominent as these types of media are more easily digested by the growing millennial population.

Originality/value

Braidio is the first company to adapt to this new model of learning and has been able to provide a unique solution that can be built directly into a company's workflow. The modern workforce will continue to evolve, and the companies that are ahead of the curve will end up benefiting the most in the long run.
Wood bonding strength sensitivity estimation and power consumption prediction in wood machining process by artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Jovic Srdjan , Golubovic Zoran , Stojanovic Jovan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present an investigation of wood bonding strength as a very important indicator for effective using in further manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the wood bonding strength sensitivity was estimated based on grain orientation, feed speed, heating time and temperature, temperature and type of adhesive. Artificial intelligence methods were applied for this analysis because it is strongly a nonlinear process.

Findings

It was shown that the artificial intelligence tools could be useful, reliable and effective for the wood bonding strength sensitivity estimation. Afterwards the power consumption in in solid wood machining process is analyzed and estimated by the artificial intelligence tools.

Originality/value

Results shown that the wood bonding strength is the most sensitive for type of adhesive. Thus, the results of the present research can be successfully applied in the wood industry to reduce the time, energy and high experimental costs.
Another Post‐heroic View on Entrepreneurship: The Role of Employees in Networking the Start‐up Process
Authors: Braun Timo , Ferreira Aristides I. , Schmidt Thomas , Sydow Jörg
Published: October 2017

Moving beyond the present post‐heroic perspective known from leadership and entrepreneurship research that emphasizes the importance of external context, we shift the focus from the entrepreneurial luminary and his or her core team to the entrepreneurial firm as an organization with employees. This organizational view captures the vital role of employees, in particular for deepening the external relationships of the firm. Towards this end, the authors investigate how three antecedents increase the organizational innovativeness of start‐ups: (i) the external relationships of the start‐up; (ii) the initiation and maintenance of such relationships through networking by entrepreneurs and employees; and (iii) the differentiation of hierarchical levels in this process. A survey‐based study drawing from the data of 96 entrepreneurs and 228 employees in start‐ups is conducted. To analyse the data, the authors tested the conditional indirect effects through a multilevel moderated mediation analysis. According to the results, interorganizational relationships (IORs) are particularly effective for entrepreneurial innovativeness if networking practices are pursued at the employee level. The collective involvement of employees in fact has a mediation effect compared with the individual efforts developed by the entrepreneur. These findings advance the post‐heroic perspective by emphasizing the distinctive role of employees in the utilization of IORs.
Effects of Early Dual‐Eligible Special Needs Plans on Health Expenditure
Authors: Zhang Yongkang , Diana Mark L.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To examine the effects of the penetration of dual‐eligible special needs plans (D‐SNPs) on health care spending.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Secondary state‐level panel data from Medicare‐Medicaid Linked Enrollee Analytic Data Source (MMLEADS) public use file and Special Needs Plan Comprehensive Reports, Area Health Resource Files, and Medicaid Managed Care Enrollment Report between 2007 and 2011.

Study Design

A difference‐in‐difference strategy that adjusts for dual‐eligibles’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, state health resources, beneficiaries’ health risk factors, Medicare/Medicaid enrollment, and state‐ and year‐fixed effects.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data from MMLEADS were summarized from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)'s Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse, which contains 100 percent of Medicare enrollment data, claims for beneficiaries who are enrolled in the fee‐for‐service (FFS) program, and Medicaid Analytic Extract files. The MMLEADS public use file also includes payment information for managed care. Data in Special Needs Plan Comprehensive Reports were from CMS's Health Plan Management System.

Principal Findings

Results indicate that D‐SNPs penetration was associated with reduced Medicare spending per dual‐eligible beneficiary. Specifically, a 1 percent increase in D‐SNPs penetration was associated with 0.2 percent reduction in Medicare spending per beneficiary. We found no association between D‐SNPs penetration and Medicaid or total spending.

Conclusion

Involving Medicaid services in D‐SNPs may be crucial to improve coordination between Medicare and Medicaid programs and control Medicaid spending among dual‐eligible beneficiaries. Starting from 2013, D‐SNPs were mandated to have contracts with state Medicaid agencies. This change may introduce new effects of D‐SNPs on health care spending. More research is needed to examine the impact of D‐SNPs on dual‐eligible spending.
Clinical benefit and residual kidney function of en bloc nephrectomy for perirenal retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Cho Chan Woo , Lee Kyo Won , Park Hyojun , Kim Hyung Joon , Park Jae Berm , Choi Yoon‐La , Yu Jeong Il , Lee Su Jin , Choi Dong Il , Kim Sung Joo
Published: October 2017

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of en bloc nephrectomy for perirenal retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) with respect to postoperative kidney function and oncological benefits.

Methods

We performed a comparative study of 114 patients undergoing surgery for primary RPS, classifying cases as nephrectomy (NPX, n = 65) versus no nephrectomy (no‐NPX, n = 49). The Δ and % change between preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerulus filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed to compare renal function changes after surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to verify the incidence of local relapse between the two groups.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 29 months, median postoperative GFR of 65 patients in the NPX group decreased to 73.5% of preoperative eGFR. Although 38 patients (58%) in the NPX group experienced a progression in chronic kidney disease stage after nephrectomy, no patients progressed to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In French Federation of Cancer Centers Sarcoma grade 2, the NPX group had statistically significant local control benefits, compared with the no‐NPX group (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Residual renal function after en bloc nephrectomy was stabilized without progression to ESRD. Moreover, en bloc nephrectomy for perirenal RPS might secure a complete resection margin for local tumor control.
Direct medical costs associated with the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection in France
Authors: Cacoub P. , Vautier M. , Desbois A. C. , Saadoun D. , Younossi Z.
Published: October 2017

Background

The economic impact of extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unknown for France.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations ofHCVand the direct medical costs associated with them.

Methods

Estimates of 13 extrahepatic manifestations prevalence were obtained from (1) a retrospective data analysis ofHCV‐infected patients in a specialised centre and the baseline prevalence in the general French population and (2) an international systematic review. Per‐patient‐per‐year costs to treat these manifestations were obtained from the literature, national databases or expert opinion. The impact of achievingHCVcure after anti‐viral therapy was applied to the French healthcare costs.

Results

Using approach (1), increased prevalence rates inHCVpatients compared to the general population were observed for most extrahepatic manifestations. The mean per‐patient‐per‐year cost of these manifestations in the tertiary centre was 3296 € [95%CI1829; 5540]. In France,HCV‐extrahepatic manifestations amounted to a total cost of 215 million (M) € per year [144; 299]. Using approach (2), the mean per‐patient‐per‐year cost was estimated to be 1117 €. The estimated total cost reduction in France associated withHCVcure was 13.9 M€ for diabetes, 8.6 M€ for cryoglobulinemia vasculitis, 6.7 M€ for myocardial infarction, 2.4 M€ for end‐stage renal disease and 1.4 M€ for stroke.

Conclusion

Extrahepatic manifestations ofHCVinfection substantially add to the overall economic burden of the disease in France.HCVcure after anti‐viral therapy is expected to significantly reduce the total costs of managing these manifestations in France.
New insights into cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Grieve David J , Davidson Sean M
Published: October 2017

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc
Inflammatory myopathies and human leukocyte antigen
Authors: Ohnuki Yuko , Suzuki Shigeaki , Shiina Takashi
Published: October 2017

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of subacute, chronic or acute systemic immune‐mediated diseases of the skeletal muscles. Recently, research has shown the utility of adding new classifications of myopathies, mainly based on their pathology and the presence of specific autoantibodies. In addition, developments in genetics have helped reveal the genetic background ofIIM. The human leukocyte antigen genomic region has been consistently shown to be the strongest genetic risk factor forIIM. The present review summarizes the previous and current literature on human leukocyte antigen analysis ofIIM, as well as future directions for research.
Learning adaptivity in support of flipped learning: An ontological problem‐solving approach
Authors: Chi Yu‐Liang , Chen Tsang‐Yao , Hung ChihLi
Published: October 2017

In recent years, flipped learning has received tremendous attention from educational practitioners and researchers. However, this study argues that existing e‐learning systems mainly serve for learning management and content delivery purposes, although they lack support for flipped learning. As an innovative educational approach, flipped learning requires more pedagogical elements, such as integrated instructional design and adaptive content delivery, to achieve effective direct instruction. This study aims to create a learning adaptivity design to support effective learning in the flipped individual learning space in which the teacher is absent. Because teaching involves various pedagogical and content knowledge sources, we propose a conceptual model of teaching as a function of the knowledge triad of Guideline (G), Teaching Activity (T), and Material (M). To realize this conceptualization, an ontological problem‐solving approach is used for knowledge‐based systems development to integrate the relevant knowledge sources. The knowledge model is created using the Protégé platform to develop OWL‐based domain ontology, task ontology, and SWRL‐based semantic rules to enable inference in the GTM triad for learning adaptivity. The case illustration shows that the knowledge‐based system prototype can adaptively guide student learning in the flipped individual learning space with the knowledge sources integrated.
Forecasting the volatility of a combined multi‐country stock index using GWMA algorithms
Authors: Sheu Shey‐Huei , Lin Cheng‐Yi , Lu Shin‐Li , Tsai Hsin‐Nan , Chen Yan‐Chun
Published: October 2017

Globalization has increased the volatility of international financial transactions, particularly those related to international stock markets. An increase in the volatility of one country's stock market spreads throughout the globe, affecting other countries' stock markets. In particular, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plays an extremely important role in the international stock market. This paper uses the generally weighted moving average method and data from the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, Japan's Nikkei 225, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, and the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index to predict the performance of the Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index. This paper attempts to find the smallest prediction error using the optimal combination of generally weighted moving average model parameters and combinations of various international stock market data and compares the results to that found using the exponentially weighted moving average model to explore differences between the two types of forecasting models.
Promoting innovation locally: Municipal regulation as barrier or boost?
Authors: Brail Shauna
Published: October 2017

This paper examines a seemingly abrupt series of shifts that have the potential to completely transform cities as a direct result of a rising digital economy. It takes into account the convergence of research from three areas of study: (a) urban concentrations of innovative activities, (b) the platform economy, and (c) municipal regulation. A case study discussion about the role of municipal regulation in ride‐hailing, with particular emphasis on Uber, highlights debates regarding the challenges faced by municipalities amidst the prospect of renewed innovative activities and concomitant economic growth, alongside unknown risks. The paper concludes with a discussion about questions and approaches to understanding innovative activities in light of the emerging platform economy, and reviews key questions regarding the role that municipal regulatory decisions play in shaping the twenty‐first century city.
Exploring the determinants of internal audit: Evidence from ownership structure
Authors: Rönkkö Jaakko , Paananen Mikko , Vakkuri Jarmo
Published: October 2017

The internal audit literature suggests that firms can gain significant added value from internal audit in terms of improving governance processes, reducing audit fees, and detecting fraud. Nonetheless, not all firms use internal audit. A growing literature examining the determinants of internal audit has identified a number of different determinants, such as firm size, strong commitment to risk management, existence of an audit committee, and an independent board chair. This paper contributes to the existing literature by examining the effects of ownership structure on the voluntary use of internal audit. The logistic regression model of this study is based on data from 107 firms listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. It shows that ownership structure is a significant determinant of internal audit. Specifically, the paper shows that foreign ownership, dispersed ownership, and state ownership increase the likelihood of a firm using internal audit.
International briefing 36: training and development in Ecuador
Authors: Ramirez‐Anormaliza Richard , Llinàs‐Audet Xavier , Sabaté Ferran
Published: October 2017

This article examines educational policies in Ecuador. It outlines the main features of the education and training systems, and analyses the impact on productivity and national development. The efforts made by various national authorities to strengthen and encourage education at all levels is evident, as well as efforts to boost productivity by changing the productive mix. In conclusion, much effort has been made to move from an economy of finite resources based on the exploitation of natural resources, to an economy of infinite resources focused on generating knowledge.
Pleistocene climatic fluctuations drive isolation and secondary contact in the red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) in Baja California
Authors: Harrington Sean M. , Hollingsworth Bradford D. , Higham Timothy E. , Reeder Tod W.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Many studies have investigated the phylogeographic history of species on the Baja California Peninsula, and they often show one or more genetic breaks that are spatially concordant among many taxa. These phylogeographic breaks are commonly attributed to vicariance as a result of geological or climatic changes, followed by secondary contact when barriers are no longer present. We use restriction‐site associated DNA sequence data and a phylogeographic model selection approach to explicitly test the secondary contact hypothesis in the red diamond rattlesnake, Crotalus ruber.

Location

Baja California and Southern California.

Methods

We used phylogenetic and population clustering approaches to identify population structure. We then used coalescent methods to simultaneously estimate population parameters and test the fit of phylogeographic models to the data. We used ecological niche models to infer suitable habitat for C. ruber at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Results

Crotalus ruber is composed of distinct northern and southern populations with a boundary near the town of Loreto in Baja California Sur. A model of isolation followed by secondary contact provides the best fit to the data, with both divergence and contact occurring in the Pleistocene. We also identify a genomic signature of northern range expansion in the northern population, consistent with LGM niche models showing that the northern‐most portion of the range of C. ruber was not suitable habitat during the LGM.

Main conclusions

We provide the first explicitly model‐based test of the secondary contact model in Baja California and show that populations of C. ruber were isolated before coming back into contact near Loreto, a region that shows phylogeographic breaks for other taxa. Given the timing of divergence and contact, we suggest that climatic fluctuations have driven the observed phylogeographic structure observed in C. ruber and that they may have driven similar patterns in other taxa.
Aquaporin‐1 inhibition reduces metastatic formation in a mouse model of melanoma
Authors: Simone Laura , Gargano Concetta Domenica , Pisani Francesco , Cibelli Antonio , Mola Maria Grazia , Frigeri Antonio , Svelto Maria , Nicchia Grazia Paola
Published: October 2017

Aquaporin‐1 (AQP1) is a proangiogenic water channel protein promoting endothelial cell migration. We previously reported that AQP1 silencing by RNA interference reduces angiogenesis‐dependent primary tumour growth in a mouse model of melanoma. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AQP1 inhibition also affects animal survival and lung nodule formation. Melanoma was induced by injecting B16F10 cells into the back of C57BL6J mice. Intratumoural injection of AQP1 siRNA and CTRL siRNA was performed 10 days after tumour cell implantation. Lung nodule formation was analysed after the death of the mice. Western blot was used to quantify HIF‐1α, caspase‐3 (CASP3) and metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) protein levels. We found that AQP1 knock‐down (KD) strongly inhibited metastatic lung nodule formation. Moreover, AQP1 siRNA‐treated mice showed a twofold survival advantage compared to mice receiving CTRL siRNAs. The reduced AQP1‐dependent tumour angiogenesis caused a hypoxic condition, evaluated by HIF‐1α significant increase, in turn causing an increased level of apoptosis in AQP1 KD tumours, assessed by CASP3 quantification and DNA fragmentation. Importantly, a decreased level of MMP2 after AQP1 KD indicated a decreased activity against extracellular matrix associated with reduced vascularization and metastatic formation. In conclusion, these findings highlight an additional role for AQP1 as an important determinant of tumour dissemination by facilitating tumour cell extravasation and metastatic formation. This study adds knowledge on the role played by AQP1 in tumour biology and supports the view of AQP1 as a potential drug target for cancer therapy.
Fracture Resistance of Monolithic Glass‐Ceramics Versus Bilayered Zirconia‐Based Restorations
Authors: Hamza Tamer A. , Sherif Rana M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To compare the fracture resistance of monolithic reinforced glass‐ceramic restorations with bilayer zirconia‐based restorations.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen ceramic crowns were fabricated on epoxy dies duplicated from a stainless steel master die. They were divided into 3 equal groups (n = 5) according to the type of ceramic material used: group I, monolithic lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD), group V, monolithic zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity), and group B (bilayered zirconia substructure with veneering ceramic). All specimens were cemented on epoxy dies with a self‐adhesive resin cement (Rely X Unicem), subjected to a chewing simulator, and then loaded until fracture in a universal testing machine. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA to compare among the 3 materials. The Bonferroni post hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons when the ANOVA test was significant.

Results

Zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity) crowns showed the highest statistically significant (p < 0.05) mean fracture resistance values (1742.9 ± 102.7 N), followed by lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) (1565.2 ± 89.7 N). Bilayered zirconia‐based crowns showed the lowest statistically significantly mean fracture resistance values (1267.8 ± 86.1 N).

Conclusions

Monolithic reinforced glass‐ceramics (lithium disilicate and zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate) have better fracture resistance than bilayered zirconia‐based ceramics. Clinical implications: The use of monolithic reinforced ceramic restorations (lithium disilicate and zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate) is preferred to bilayered zirconia‐based restorations to avoid chipping of the ceramic veneer.
Bundle sheath lignification mediates the linkage of leaf hydraulics and venation
Authors: Ohtsuka Akihiro , Sack Lawren , Taneda Haruhiko
Published: October 2017

The lignification of the leaf vein bundle sheath (BS) has been observed in many species and would reduce conductance from xylem to mesophyll. We hypothesized that lignification of the BS in lower‐order veins would provide benefits for water delivery through the vein hierarchy but that the lignification of higher‐order veins would limit transport capacity from xylem to mesophyll and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf). We further hypothesized that BS lignification would mediate the relationship of Kleaf to vein length per area. We analysed the dependence of Kleaf, and its light response, on the lignification of the BS across vein orders for 11 angiosperm tree species. Eight of 11 species had lignin deposits in the BS of the midrib, and two species additionally only in their secondary veins, and for six species up to their minor veins. Species with lignification of minor veins had a lower hydraulic conductance of xylem and outside‐xylem pathways and lower Kleaf. Kleaf could be strongly predicted by vein length per area and highest lignified vein order (R2 = .69). The light‐response of Kleaf was statistically independent of BS lignification. The lignification of the BS is an important determinant of species variation in leaf and thus whole plant water transport.
Competency assessment form to improve feedback
Authors: Hauer Karen E , Nishimura Holly , Dubon Diego , Teherani Arianne , Boscardin Christy
Published: October 2017

Background

In‐training evaluation reports are a commonly used assessment method for clinical learners that can characterise the development of competence in essential domains of practice. Strategies to increase the usefulness and specificity of written narrative comments about learner performance in these reports are needed to guide their learning. Soliciting narrative comments by competency domain from supervising doctors on in‐training evaluation reports could improve the quality of written feedback to students.

Methods

This is a pre–post study examining narrative comments derived from assessments of core clerkship students by faculty members and resident supervisors in seven clerkships using two assessment forms in academic years 2013/14 (pre; two comments fields – summative, constructive) and 2014/15 (post; seven comments fields – six competency domains, constructive comments). Using a purposive sample of 60 students based on overall clerkship performance, we conducted content analysis of written comments to compare comment quality based on word count, competencies addressed and reinforcing or constructive content. Differences between the two forms across these three components of quality were compared using Student's t‐tests.

Results

The revised form elicited more narrative comments in all seven clerkships, with more competencies addressed. The revised form led to a decrease in the proportion of constructive comments about the students’ performances.

In‐training evaluation reports are a commonly used assessment method for clinical learners

Discussion

Structural changes to a medical student assessment form to elicit narrative comments by competency improved some measures of the quality of narrative comments provided by faculty members and residents. Additional study is needed to determine how learners use this information to improve their clinical practice.
On the degree correlation of urban road networks
Authors: Tian Jing , Fang Huaqiang , Wang Yiheng , Ren Chang
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in network science and the development of volunteered geographic information (VGI) have created new research opportunities in the topological analysis of road networks. The degree correlation of road networks is rarely studied. This study applied four measures, including the average degree of nearest neighbor, correlation profile, Newman's assortativity coefficient, and Litvak–Hofstad's assortativity coefficient, to measure the degree correlations of road networks represented as dual graphs of strokes, axial lines, and named roads. After investigating 100 road networks worldwide obtained from OpenStreetMap, it has been found that road networks are mostly disassortative or uncorrelated in stroke and named road representations, but assortative when represented as axial lines. Inconsistency in different measures persists regardless of method of representation; therefore, qualitative dichotomy or trichotomy is insufficient to describe the actual connection pattern in road networks. A taxonomy of road network assortativity is proposed. Two of the proposed disassortative types are associated with the absence of a grid pattern and are less robust than the typical disassortative type.
A multimechanistic antibody targeting the receptor binding site potently cross-protects against influenza B viruses
Authors: Shen Chenguang , Chen Junyu , Li Rui , Zhang Mengya , Wang Guosong , Stegalkina Svetlana , Zhang Limin , Chen Jing , Cao Jianli , Bi Xingjian , Anderson Stephen F. , Alefantis Timothy , Zhang Minwei , Cai Xiaoyang , Yang Kunyu , Zheng Qingbing , Fang Mujing , Yu Hai , Luo Wenxin , Zheng Zizheng , Yuan Quan , Zhang Jun , Wai-Kuo Shih James , Kleanthous Harry , Chen Honglin , Chen Yixin , Xia Ningshao
Published: October 2017

A cross-lineage therapeutic antibody potently targets the receptor binding site of influenza B virus via multiple mechanisms.
ALK is a therapeutic target for lethal sepsis
Authors: Zeng Ling , Kang Rui , Zhu Shan , Wang Xiao , Cao Lizhi , Wang Haichao , Billiar Timothy R. , Jiang Jianxin , Tang Daolin
Published: October 2017

FDA-approved ALK-inhibiting drugs protect mice against sepsis through attenuating STING signaling activation in innate immune cells.
Immune Regulation of
Plasmodium
Is
Anopheles
Species Specific and Infection Intensity Dependent
Authors: Simões Maria L. , Mlambo Godfree , Tripathi Abhai , Dong Yuemei , Dimopoulos George
Published: October 2017

Malaria parasite ookinetes must traverse the vector mosquito midgut epithelium to transform into sporozoite-producing oocysts. The
Anopheles
innate immune system is a key regulator of this process, thereby determining vector competence and disease transmission. The role of
Anopheles
innate immunity factors as agonists or antagonists of malaria parasite infection has been previously determined using specific single
Anopheles
-
Plasmodium
species combinations. Here we show that the two C-type lectins CTL4 and CTLMA2 exert differential agonistic and antagonistic regulation of parasite killing in African and South American
Anopheles
species. The C-type lectins regulate both parasite melanization and lysis through independent mechanisms, and their implication in parasite melanization is dependent on infection intensity rather than mosquito-parasite species combination. We show that the leucine-rich repeat protein LRIM1 acts as an antagonist on the development of
Plasmodium
ookinetes and as a regulator of oocyst size and sporozoite production in the South American mosquito
Anopheles albimanus
. Our findings explain the rare observation of human
Plasmodium falciparum
melanization and define a key factor mediating the poor vector competence of
Anopheles albimanus
for
Plasmodium berghei
and
Plasmodium falciparum
.

IMPORTANCE
Malaria, one of the world’s deadliest diseases, is caused by
Plasmodium
parasites that are vectored to humans by the bite of
Anopheles
mosquitoes. The mosquito’s innate immune system is actively engaged in suppressing
Plasmodium
infection. Studies on mosquito immunity revealed multiple factors that act as either facilitators or inhibitors of
Plasmodium
infection, but these findings were mostly based on single
Anopheles
-
Plasmodium
species combinations, not taking into account the diversity of mosquito and parasite species. We show that the functions of CTL4 and CTLMA2 have diverged in different vector species and can be both agonistic and antagonistic for
Plasmodium
infection. Their protection against parasite melanization in
Anopheles gambiae
is dependent on infection intensity, rather than the mosquito-parasite combination. Importantly, we describe for the first time how LRIM1 plays an essential role in
Plasmodium
infection of
Anopheles albimanus
, suggesting it is a key regulator of the poor vector competence of this species.
Unintended Laboratory-Driven Evolution Reveals Genetic Requirements for Biofilm Formation by
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough
Authors: De León Kara B. , Zane Grant M. , Trotter Valentine V. , Krantz Gregory P. , Arkin Adam P. , Butland Gareth P. , Walian Peter J. , Fields Matthew W. , Wall Judy D.
Published: October 2017

Biofilms of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are of particular interest as members of this group are culprits in corrosion of industrial metal and concrete pipelines as well as being key players in subsurface metal cycling. Yet the mechanism of biofilm formation by these bacteria has not been determined. Here we show that two supposedly identical wild-type cultures of the SRB
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough maintained in different laboratories have diverged in biofilm formation. From genome resequencing and subsequent mutant analyses, we discovered that a single nucleotide change within DVU1017, the ABC transporter of a type I secretion system (T1SS), was sufficient to eliminate biofilm formation in
D. vulgaris
Hildenborough. Two T1SS cargo proteins were identified as likely biofilm structural proteins, and the presence of at least one (with either being sufficient) was shown to be required for biofilm formation. Antibodies specific to these biofilm structural proteins confirmed that DVU1017, and thus the T1SS, is essential for localization of these adhesion proteins on the cell surface. We propose that DVU1017 is a member of the
lapB
category of microbial surface proteins because of its phenotypic similarity to the adhesin export system described for biofilm formation in the environmental pseudomonads. These findings have led to the identification of two functions required for biofilm formation in
D. vulgaris
Hildenborough and focus attention on the importance of monitoring laboratory-driven evolution, as phenotypes as fundamental as biofilm formation can be altered.

IMPORTANCE
The growth of bacteria attached to a surface (i.e., biofilm), specifically biofilms of sulfate-reducing bacteria, has a profound impact on the economy of developed nations due to steel and concrete corrosion in industrial pipelines and processing facilities. Furthermore, the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria in oil wells causes oil souring from sulfide production, resulting in product loss, a health hazard to workers, and ultimately abandonment of wells. Identification of the required genes is a critical step for determining the mechanism of biofilm formation by sulfate reducers. Here, the transporter by which putative biofilm structural proteins are exported from sulfate-reducing
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough cells was discovered, and a single nucleotide change within the gene coding for this transporter was found to be sufficient to completely stop formation of biofilm.
Social health insurance coverage and financial protection among rural-to-urban internal migrants in China: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Wen , Zhang Qi , Renzaho Andre M N , Zhou Fangjing , Zhang Hui , Ling Li
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Migrants are a vulnerable population and could experience various challenges and barriers to accessing health insurance. Health insurance coverage protects migrants from financial loss related to illness and death. We assessed social health insurance (SHI) coverage and its financial protection effect among rural-to-urban internal migrants (IMs) in China.

Methods

Data from the ‘2014 National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey’ were used. We categorised 170 904 rural-to-urban IMs according to their SHI status, namely uninsured by SHI, insured by the rural SHI scheme (new rural cooperative medical scheme (NCMS)) or the urban SHI schemes (urban employee-based basic medical insurance (UEBMI)/urban resident-based basic medical insurance (URBMI)), and doubly insured (enrolled in both rural and urban schemes). Financial protection was defined as ‘the percentage of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for the latest inpatient service during the past 12 months in the total household expenditure’.

Results

The uninsured rate of SHI and the NCMS, UEBMI/URBMI and double insurance coverage in rural-to-urban IMs was 17.3% (95% CI 16.9% to 17.7%), 66.6% (66.0% to 67.1%), 22.6% (22.2% to 23.0%) and 5.5% (5.3% to 5.7%), respectively. On average, financial protection indicator among uninsured, only NCMS insured, only URBMI/UEBMI insured and doubly insured participants was 13.3%, 9.2%, 6.2% and 5.8%, respectively (p=0.004). After controlling for confounding factors and adjusting the protection effect of private health insurance, compared with no SHI, the UEBMI/URBMI, the NCMS and double insurance could reduce the average percentage share of OOP payments by 33.9% (95% CI 25.5% to 41.4%), 14.1% (6.6% to 20.9%) and 26.8% (11.0% to 39.7%), respectively.

Conclusion

Although rural-to-urban IMs face barriers to accessing SHI schemes, our findings confirm the positive financial protection effect of SHI. Improving availability and portability of health insurance would promote financial protection for IMs, and further facilitate achieving universal health coverage in China and other countries that face migration-related obstacles to achieve universal coverage.
The modification of the ketogenic diet mitigates its stunting effects in rodents
Authors: Liśkiewicz Arkadiusz Damian , Kasprowska-Liśkiewicz Daniela , Sługocka Anna , Nowacka-Chmielewska Marta Maria , Wiaderkiewicz Jan , Jędrzejowska-Szypułka Halina , Barski Jarosław Jerzy , Lewin-Kowalik Joanna
Published: October 2017

The high-fat and low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (HFKD) is extensively studied within the fields of numerous diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Since most studies incorporate animal models, ensuring the quality of ketogenic rodent diets is important, both in the context of laboratory animal welfare as well as for the accuracy of the obtained results. In this study we implemented a modification to a commonly used ketogenic rodent chow by replacing non-resorbable cellulose with wheat bran. We assessed the effects of month-long treatment with either the unmodified or the modified HFKD on the growth and development of young male rats. Daily body weight, functional performance, and brain morphometric parameters were assessed to evaluate the influence of both applied diets on rodent development. Our results revealed that the unmodified ketogenic chow induced strong side effects that included weakness, emaciation, and brain undergrowth concomitant to growth inhibition. However, application of the ketogenic chow supplemented with wheat bran suppressed these adverse side effects, which was associated with the restoration of insulin-like growth factor 1 and a decrease in corticosterone levels. We have also shown that the advantageous results of the modified HFKD are not species- or sex-specific. Our data indicate that the proposed HFKD modification even allows for its application in young animals, without causing detrimental side effects.
Brans–Dicke type teleparallel scalar–tensor theory
Authors: Salti Mustafa , Aydogdu Oktay , Yanar Hilmi , Binbay Figen
Published: October 2017

The teleparallel alternative of general relativity which is based on torsion instead of curvature is considered as the gravitational sector to explore the dark universe. Inspired from the well-known Brans–Dicke gravity, here, we introduce a new proposal for the galactic dark energy effect. The new model includes a scalar field with self-interacting potential and a non-minimal coupling between the gravity and scalar field. Additionally, we analyze the idea via the Noether symmetry approach and thermodynamics.
Adsorption properties of chloroform molecule on graphene: Experimental and first-principles calculations
Authors: Tian Y. L. , Hua H. L. , Yue W. W. , Chen M. N. , Hu G. C. , Ren J. F. , Yuan X. B.
Published: October 2017

Adsorption properties of chloroform molecule (CHCl3) on graphene surface are studied experimentally and theoretically. Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, effects of different adsorption configurations and different adsorption distances on the system’s conductivity properties are discussed, and the comparisons with the experimental results are made. It is found that band gap appears when the adsorption distance is 1.0 Å, which is about 0.32 eV near the Fermi level. However, the band gap is nearly zero when the adsorption distance is increased to 1.5 Å, so the conductivity of the system will be increased with the increasing of the adsorption distances. The density of states, the adsorption energy and the effective masses are also calculated and the analyses are consistent with the experimental results. Our results reveal that graphene could be used to build sensors or as a catalyst for molecular adsorption.
A simple all-time model for the birth, big bang, and death of the universe
Authors: Fischer Arthur E.
Published: October 2017

We model the standard [Formula: see text]CDM model of the universe by the spatially flat FLRW line element [Formula: see text] which we extend for all time [Formula: see text]. Although there is a cosmological singularity at the big bang [Formula: see text], since the spatial part of the metric collapses to zero, nevertheless, this line element is defined for all time [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], is [Formula: see text] differentiable at [Formula: see text], and is non-degenerate and solves Friedmann’s equation for all [Formula: see text]. Thus, we can use this extended line element to model the universe from its past-asymptotic initial state [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text], through the big bang at [Formula: see text], and onward to its future-asymptotic final state [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. Since in this model the universe existed before the big bang, we conclude that (1) the universe was not created de novo at the big bang and (2) cosmological singularities such as black holes or the big bang itself need not be an end to spacetime. Our model shows that the universe was asymptotically created de novo out of nothing at [Formula: see text] from an unstable vacuum negative half de Sitter [Formula: see text] initial state and then dies asymptotically at [Formula: see text] as the stable positive half de Sitter [Formula: see text] final state. Since the de Sitter states are vacuum matter states, our model shows that the universe was created from nothing at [Formula: see text] and dies at [Formula: see text] to nothing.
RANDOM WALKS WITH A TRAP IN SCALE-FREE FRACTAL HIERARCHICAL LATTICES
Authors: XING CHANGMING , YANG LIN , GUO LEI
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we study two kinds of random walks with a trap in a class of scale-free fractal hierarchical lattices. One is standard random walks belonging to unbiased random walks, while the other one named mixed random walks is biased. The structural properties of these hierarchical lattices are controlled by a parameter [Formula: see text]. We derive exact solutions of the average trapping time (ATT) for the two trapping issue, respectively. The results show that in large networks, both of the ATT grow asymptotically as a power-law function of network size with the exponent related to the parameter [Formula: see text]. It indicates that network structure has a substantial effect on the efficiency of trapping processes performed in scale-free networks. Comparing the results obtained for the two different random walks, we find that changes of the walking rule have no effect on the leading exponent of the ATT, but could modify the coefficient of the formula for the ATT. The findings are helpful for better understanding the influence factor of random walks in complex systems.
Three-Dimensional Elastic Analysis of a Structure with Holes Using Accelerated Coupling-Matrix-Free Iterative s-Version FEM
Authors: Yusa Yasunori , Okada Hiroshi , Yumoto Yosuke
Published: October 2017

Some improvements of the coupling-matrix-free iterative s-version finite element method (FEM) to shorten its computational time are proposed. Then, the proposed method is applied to three-dimensional stress concentration problems. For sufficiently small computational time for practical use, two key techniques are introduced. First, the iteration is accelerated drastically by using the proposed convergence acceleration techniques. Secondly, stress transfers between global and local meshes are accelerated considerably by a bucket search algorithm. The proposed method was more than one hundred times faster than the straightforward algorithm of the coupling-matrix-free iterative s-version FEM.
Identification of UT-A1- and AQP2-interacting proteins in rat inner medullary collecting duct
Authors: Chou Chung-Lin , Hwang Gloria , Hageman Daniel J. , Han Lichy , Agrawal Prashasti , Pisitkun Trairak , Knepper Mark A.
Published: October 2017

The urea channel UT-A1 and the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) mediate vasopressin-regulated transport in the renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). To identify the proteins that interact with UT-A1 and AQP2 in native rat IMCD cells, we carried out chemical cross-linking followed by detergent solubilization, immunoprecipitation, and LC-MS/MS analysis of the immunoprecipitated material. The analyses revealed 133 UT-A1-interacting proteins and 139 AQP2-interacting proteins, each identified in multiple replicates. Fifty-three proteins that were present in both the UT-A1 and the AQP2 interactomes can be considered as mediators of housekeeping interactions, likely common to all plasma membrane proteins. Among proteins unique to the UT-A1 list were those involved in posttranslational modifications: phosphorylation (protein kinases Cdc42bpb, Phkb, Camk2d, and Mtor), ubiquitylation/deubiquitylation (Uba1, Usp9x), and neddylation (Nae1 and Uba3). Among the proteins unique to the AQP2 list were several Rab proteins (Rab1a, Rab2a, Rab5b, Rab5c, Rab7a, Rab11a, Rab11b, Rab14, Rab17) involved in membrane trafficking. UT-A1 was found to interact with UT-A3, although quantitative proteomics revealed that most UT-A1 molecules in the cell are not bound to UT-A3. In vitro incubation of UT-A1 peptides with the protein kinases identified in the UT-A1 interactome revealed that all except Mtor were capable of phosphorylating known sites in UT-A1. Overall, the UT-A1 and AQP2 interactomes provide a snapshot of a dynamic process in which UT-A1 and AQP2 are produced in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, processed through the Golgi apparatus, delivered to endosomes that move into and out of the plasma membrane, and are regulated in the plasma membrane.
Local Ca2+ coupling between mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum following depolarization in guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yamamura Hisao , Kawasaki Keisuke , Inagaki Sou , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Imaizumi Yuji
Published: October 2017

Spatiotemporal changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) trigger a number of physiological functions in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We previously imaged Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release following membrane depolarization as local Ca2+ transients, Ca2+ hotspots, in subplasmalemmal regions. In this study, the physiological significance of mitochondria on local Ca2+ signaling was examined. Cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ images following depolarization or action potentials were recorded in single SMCs from the guinea pig urinary bladder using a fast-scanning confocal fluorescent microscope. Depolarization- and action potential-induced [Ca2+]c transients occurred at several discrete sites in subplasmalemmal regions, peaked within 30 ms, and then spread throughout the whole-cell. In contrast, Ca2+ concentration in the mitochondria matrix ([Ca2+]m) increased after a delay of ~50 ms from the start of depolarization, and then peaked within 500 ms. Following repolarization, [Ca2+]c returned to the resting level with a half-decay time of ~500 ms, while [Ca2+]m recovered more slowly (∼1.5 s). Carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone, a mitochondrial uncoupler, abolished depolarization-induced [Ca2+]m elevations and slowed [Ca2+]c changes. Importantly, short depolarization-induced changes in [Ca2+]m and transmembrane potential in mitochondria coupled to Ca2+ hotspots were significantly larger than those in other mitochondria. Total internal reflection fluorescence imaging revealed that a subset of mitochondria closely localized with ryanodine receptors and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. These results indicate that particular mitochondria are functionally coupled to ion channels and sarcoplasmic reticulum fragments within the local Ca2+ microdomain, and thus, strongly contribute to [Ca2+]c regulation in SMCs.