bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial functional divergence of the cecropin antibacterial peptide gene family in Musca domestica
Authors: Peng Jian , Wu Zhaoying , Liu Weiwei , Long Huiling , Zhu Guiming , Guo Guo , Wu Jianwei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt has been reported that there are more than ten antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) belonging to the cecropin family inMusca domestica; however, few of them have been identified, and the functions of the other molecules are poorly understood.MethodsSequences of theM. domesticacecropin family of genes were cloned from cDNA template, which was reverse-transcribed from total mRNA isolated from third-instar larvae ofM. domesticathat were challenged with pathogens. Sequence analysis was performed using DNAMAN comprehensive analysis software, and a molecular phylogenetic tree of the cecropin family was constructed using the Neighbour-Joining method in MEGA v.5.0 according to the mature peptide sequences. Antibacterial activity of the syntheticM. domesticacecropin protein was detected and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using broth microdilution techniques. Time-killing assays were performed on the Gram-negative bacteria,Acinetobacter baumannii, at the logarithmic or stabilizing stages of growth, and its morphological changes when treated with Cec4 were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and detection of leakage of 260 nm absorbing material.ResultsEleven cecropin family genes, namelyCec01,Cec02andCec1-9, show homology to the Cec form in a multigene family on the Scaffold18749 ofM. domestica. In comparing the encoded cecropin protein sequences, most of them have the basic characteristics of the cecropin family, containing 19 conservative amino acid residues. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration that most genes in the Cec family are functional. Cec02, Cec1, Cec2, Cec5 and Cec7 have similar antibacterial spectra and antibacterial effects against Gram-negative bacteria, while Cec4 displays a more broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has a very strong effect onA. baumannii. Cec4 eliminatedA. baumanniiin a rapid and concentration-dependent manner, with antibacterial effects within 24 h at 1× MIC and 2× MIC. Furthermore, SEM analysis and the leakage of 260 nm absorbing material detection indicated that Cec4 sterilized the bacteria through the disruption of cell membrane integrity.ConclusionsAlthough there are more than ten cecropin genes related toM. domestica, some of them have no preferred antibacterial activity other than Cec4 againstA. baumannii.
iNOS dependent and independent phases of lymph node expansion in mice with TNF-induced inflammatory-erosive arthritis
Authors: Bell Richard D. , Slattery Pamelia N. , Wu Emily K. , Xing Lianping , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Schwarz Edward M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction
A pivotal effect of lymphatic vessel (LV) function in joint homeostasis was identified in the tumor necrosis factor-transgenic (TNF-Tg) mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specifically, loss of LV contractions is associated with progressive synovitis and erosions. Furthermore, draining lymph node expansion is a biomarker of arthritic progression, and both macrophages and lymphatic endothelial cells express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which disrupts LV contraction and transport of immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. Therefore, to directly assess these relationships, we tested the hypothesis that TNF-Tg mice with global genetic ablation of iNOS (iNOS−/−) will show delayed draining lymph node expansion, maintained LV contractions, and decreased synovitis and erosions.

Method
iNOS−/−× TNF-Tg female and male mice, and control littermates (iNOS−/−, TNF-Tg, and WT), were examined with (1) ultrasound to determine popliteal lymph node (PLN) volume and (2) near-infrared imaging (NIR) to assess popliteal LV contraction frequency, and differences between genotypes were assessed at 3, 4, 5, and 6 months of age. Knees and PLN were harvested at 4 months in females and 6 months in males, to assess synovitis, bone erosions, and cellular accumulation in PLN sinuses via histology.

Results
Initially, an increase in PLN volume was observed for both female and male iNOS−/−× TNF-Tg and TNF-Tg compared to their WT and iNOS−/− counterparts at 2 and 3 months, respectively. Subsequently, TNF-Tg PLNs continue to increase in volume, while iNOS−/−× TNF-Tg did not increase in volume from the initial timepoints. WT and iNOS−/− PLN volume was unchanged throughout the experiment. LV contraction frequency was increased at 4 months in females and 5 months in males, in the iNOS−/−× TNF-Tg mice compared to the TNF-Tg. Synovitis and erosions were moderately reduced in iNOS−/−× TNF-Tg versus TNF-Tg knees in females, while no differences in knee pathology were observed in males.

Conclusions
Genetic iNOS ablation maintains draining lymph node volume and LV function during TNF-induced inflammatory arthritis and is associated with moderately decreased joint inflammation and damage.
Validation and evaluation of a common biomarker in human cancers sera protein detected by a monoclonal antibody UNIVmAb
Authors: Manjunath D. , Kumaraswamy Sunil B. , Venkatakrishniah Shashidhar Aladhi , Appaiah Hitesh Nidumanda , Thomas Anil , Banerjee Shib D. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective
Management and diagnosis of multiple human cancers remains a challenge and search for a common biomarker is still debatable. In this manuscript we have evaluated the use of monoclonal antibody UNIVmAb, to detect the protein (H11) as a common biomarker for all cancers irrespective of the grade and origin. We have shown by both ELISA and Western Blot that the H11 protein, is a unique hyaluronan binding protein that has not been detected earlier. H11 protein was fractionated in an anion exchange column followed by cibacron blue gel exclusion chromatography. Hyaluronan binding H11 protein reacted with Monoclonal antibody UNIVmAb and b-HA inspite of b-Hyaluronan (biotinylated Hyaluronan) interaction and HA-Oligo (Hyaluronan oligosaccharides) competition from various grades of Human cancers sera.

Results
ELISA, Western blot and b-Hyaluronan interactions clearly showed an over-expression of UNIVmAb reacted H11 protein in all fifty cancer’s sera when compared with seventy normal sera. UNIVmAb reactive H11 protein can be used as a common biomarker. We believe, UNIVmAb detected H11 protein, is a unique hyaluronan binding protein, that can be used as a common biomarker for all cancers.
Exponential stability analysis of nonlinear systems with bounded gain error
Authors: Hu Xingkai , Nie Linru 
Published: November 2019

AbstractConsidering technology limitation or device restriction in practical application, we formulate new nonlinear systems with bounded gain error, which contain switched control and impulsive control. We then investigate the exponential stability of the considered systems. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed criteria is confirmed via an example based on Chua’s oscillator.
Preview tracking control for a class of fractional-order linear systems
Authors: Liao Fucheng , Xie Hao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper studies the preview tracking control of a class of fractional-order linear systems. Firstly, we use the fractional derivative property to take the fractional derivative of both sides of the state equation several times, and we obtain a formal ordinary linear system. An augmented error system is constructed for the transformed ordinary linear system, the appropriate performance index function is introduced and relevant results of the optimal preview control are applied to design the optimal preview controller for the augmented error system when the reference signal is previewable. Based on the relationship between the original system and the augmented error system, the preview tracking controller of the original system can be obtained. It can guarantee the asymptotic tracking of the output of the original closed-loop system to the reference signal. The validity of the theoretical results is verified by numerical simulation.
Hosting spatial justice: Riace model and rhetorics of recognition
Authors: Li Destri Nicosia Giulia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction
The paper investigates the relation between spatial justice and recognition. With this respect, it focuses on rhetorics of recognition, namely discourses, narratives and slogans put in place by actors who produce a territorial identity in order to be recognized in their peculiar and different characters.

Case description
The case-study employed is the Riace model, a worldwide known example of refugees and asylum seekers hosting and welcoming practice in Italy. Fieldnotes, public statements and newspaper articles were used to investigate both narratives through which Riace’s identity was produced and how this identity shaped Riace’s rhetorics of recognition within the context of a conflict between the local administration and the national government.

Discussion and evaluation
The paper shows how claims for recognition may drive towards negative outputs. Specifically, in the case of Riace, claims for diversity re-affirmed path-dependency and conditions of marginalization as a result of a depersonalised place-based approach and logics of exception.

Conclusions
Finally, the paper suggests that researchers should avoid considering diversity as a value per se in order to address spatial justice issues. Moreover, it suggests that rhetorics of recognition may help both in case of conflicting rationalities and to formulate situated ethical judgments.
Different aspects of Alzheimer’s disease-related amyloid β-peptide pathology and their relationship to amyloid positron emission tomography imaging and dementia
Authors: Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Ronisz Alicja , Tousseyn Thomas , Rijal Upadhaya Ajeet , Balakrishnan Karthikeyan , Vandenberghe Rik , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Otto Markus , Beach Thomas G. , Lilja Johan , Heurling Kerstin , Chakrabarty Aruna , Ismail Azzam , Buckley Christopher , Smith Adrian P. L. , Kumar Sathish , Farrar Gill , Walter Jochen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD)-related amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) pathology in the form of amyloid plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) spreads in its topographical distribution, increases in quantity, and undergoes qualitative changes in its composition of modified Aβ species throughout the pathogenesis of AD. It is not clear which of these aspects of Aβ pathology contribute to AD progression and to what extent amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) reflects each of these aspects. To address these questions three cohorts of human autopsy cases (in total n = 271) were neuropathologically and biochemically examined for the topographical distribution of Aβ pathology (plaques and CAA), its quantity and its composition. These parameters were compared with neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and neuritic plaque pathology, the degree of dementia and the results from [18F]flutemetamol amyloid PET imaging in cohort 3. All three aspects of Aβ pathology correlated with one another, the estimation of Aβ pathology by [18F]flutemetamol PET, AD-related NFT pathology, neuritic plaques, and with the degree of dementia. These results show that one aspect of Aβ pathology can be used to predict the other two, and correlates well with the development of dementia, advancing NFT and neuritic plaque pathology. Moreover, amyloid PET estimates all three aspects of Aβ pathology in-vivo. Accordingly, amyloid PET-based estimates for staging of amyloid pathology indicate the progression status of amyloid pathology in general and, in doing so, also of AD pathology. Only 7.75% of our cases deviated from this general association.
GNSS brings us back on the ground from ionosphere
Authors: Sun Yang-Yi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBoth solar activities from above and perturbations of Earth’s surface and troposphere from below disturb ionospheric structure and its dynamics. Numerous ionospheric phenomena remain unexplained due to the complicated nature of the solar–terrestrial environment. We do appreciate the ground- and space-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques being around and providing global observations with high resolutions to help us to resolve unexplained phenomena. This paper summarizes recent studies of the effect of solar (geomagnetic storm and total solar eclipse), tropospheric (typhoon, walker circulation, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation), and earthquake/tsunami activities (2010 Chile, 2011 Tohoku, and 2015 Nepal earthquakes) on the ionosphere utilizing the global ground- and space-based GNSS observations.
On the determinants of trade openness in low- and lower–middle-income countries in Africa: how important is economic growth?
Authors: Osei Dennis Boahene , Sare Yakubu Awudu , Ibrahim Muazu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe existing literature highlights the determinants of trade openness with disregard to the income classifications of countries in examining whether the determinants differ given their income levels. This study, therefore, re-examines the drivers of trade openness in Africa relying on panel data with special focus on the role of economic growth. More specifically, we perform a comparative analysis of the factors influencing trade openness for low-income and lower–middle-income countries using the system generalized method of moments. Our findings suggest that, while economic growth robustly enhances openness in low-income countries, in the case of lower–middle-income countries, the impact is not robust and largely negative suggesting that higher growth is associated with less openness. We also find that, economic growth–openness nexus for the lower-income countries exhibits non-linearities and inverted U-shaped relationship in particular. Thus, while increases in real GDP per capita enhance openness, beyond an estimated threshold point, any increases in economic growth dampen openness. We discuss key implications for policy.
Concerted regulation of actin polymerization during constitutive secretion by cortactin and PKD2
Authors: Weeber Florian , Becher Alexander , Seibold Tanja , Seufferlein Thomas , Eiseler Tim 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
Constitutive secretion from the trans-Golgi-network (TGN) is facilitated by a concerted regulation of vesicle biogenesis and fission processes. The protein kinase D family (PKD) has been previously described to enhance vesicle fission by modifying the lipid environment. PKD also phosphorylates the actin regulatory protein cortactin at S298 to impair synergistic actin polymerization. We here report additional functions for PKD2 (also known as PRKD2) and cortactin in the regulation of actin polymerization during the fission of transport carriers from the TGN. Phosphorylation of cortactin at S298 impairs the interaction between WIP (also known as WIPF1) and cortactin. WIP stabilizes the autoinhibited conformation of N-WASP (also known as WASL). This leads to an inhibition of synergistic Arp2/3-complex-dependent actin polymerization at the TGN. PKD2 activity at the TGN is controlled by active CDC42-GTP which directly activates N-WASP, inhibits PKD2 and shifts the balance to non-S298-phosphorylated cortactin, which can in turn sequester WIP from N-WASP. Consequently, synergistic actin polymerization at the TGN and constitutive secretion are enhanced.
Potential for dose reduction in CT emphysema densitometry with post-scan noise reduction: a phantom study
Authors: Wisselink Hendrik Joost , Pelgrim Gert Jan , Rook Mieneke , van den Berge Maarten , Slump Kees , Nagaraj Yeshu , van Ooijen Peter , Oudkerk Matthijs , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn 
Published: November 2019

Objective:
The aim of this phantom study was to investigate the effect of scan parameters and noise suppression techniques on the minimum radiation dose for acceptable image quality for CT emphysema densitometry.

Methods:
The COPDGene phantom was scanned on a third generation dual-source CT system with 16 scan setups (CTDIvol 0.035–10.680 mGy). Images were reconstructed at 1.0/0.7 mm slice thickness/increment, with three kernels (one soft, two hard), filtered backprojection and three grades of third-generation iterative reconstruction (IR). Additionally, deep learning-based noise suppression software was applied. Main outcomes: overlap in area of the normalized histograms of CT density for the emphysema insert and lung material, and the radiation dose required for a maximum of 4.3% overlap (defined as acceptable image quality).

Results:
In total, 384 scan reconstructions were analyzed. Decreasing radiation dose resulted in an exponential increase of the overlap in normalized histograms of CT density. The overlap was 11–91% for the lowest dose setting (CTDIvol 0.035mGy). The soft kernel reconstruction showed less histogram overlap than hard filter kernels. IR and noise suppression also reduced overlap. Using intermediate grade IR plus noise suppression software allowed for 85% radiation dose reduction while maintaining acceptable image quality.

Conclusion:
CT density histogram overlap can quantify the degree of discernibility of emphysema and healthy lung tissue. Noise suppression software, IR, and soft reconstruction kernels substantially decrease the dose required for acceptable image quality.

Advances in knowledge:
Noise suppression software, IR, and soft reconstruction kernels allow radiation dose reduction by 85% while still allowing differentiation between emphysema and normal lung tissue.
Panoramic versus CBCT used to reduce inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia after third molar extractions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Del Lhano Nathalia Calzavara , Ribeiro Rosangela Almeida , Martins Carolina Castro , Assis Neuza Maria Souza Picorelli , Devito Karina Lopes 
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to verify whether CBCT in comparison with panoramic radiography reduced the cases of temporary paresthesias of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) associated with third molar extractions. Methods: The literature search included five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, SciELO), in addition to gray literature and hand search of reference list of included studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts, and full texts according to eligibility criteria, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias through Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB 2.0). Data were meta-analyzed by comparing CBCT versus panoramic radiographs for number of events (temporary paresthesia after third molar surgery). Fixed effect model was used for non-significant heterogeneity; relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were calculated. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in meta-analysis, and for the majority of domains they presented low risk of bias. RR was 1.23 (95% IC: 0.75–2.02; I2: 0%; p = 0.43) favouring panoramic radiography, but without significant effect, and with moderate certainty of evidence. Conclusions: We concluded that both interventions had a similar ability to reduce temporary paresthesia of the IAN after third molar surgery with moderate certainty of evidence.
Optimization of extraction of genomic DNA from archived dried blood spot (DBS): potential application in epidemiological research & bio banking
Authors: Kumar Abhinendra , Mhatre Sharayu , Godbole Sheela , Jha Prabhat , Dikshit Rajesh 
Published: November 2019

Background:Limited infrastructure is available to collect, store and transport venous blood in field epidemiological studies. Dried blood spot (DBS) is a robust potential alternative sample source for epidemiological studies & bio banking. A stable source of genomic DNA (gDNA) is required for long term storage in bio bank for its downstream applications. Our objective is to optimize the methods of gDNA extraction from stored DBS and with the aim of revealing its utility in large scale epidemiological studies. Methods:The purpose of this study was to extract the maximum amount of gDNA from DBS on Whatman 903 protein saver card. gDNA was extracted through column (Qiagen) & magnetic bead based (Invitrogen) methods. Quantification of extracted gDNA was performed with a spectrophotometer, fluorometer, and integrity analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Result:Large variation was observed in quantity & purity (260/280 ratio, 1.8-2.9) of the extracted gDNA. The intact gDNA bands on the electrophoresis gel reflect the robustness of DBS for gDNA even after prolonged storage time. The extracted gDNA amount 2.16 – 24 ng/µl is sufficient for its PCR based downstream application, but unfortunately it can’t be used for whole genome sequencing or genotyping from extracted gDNA. Sequencing or genotyping can be achieved by after increasing template copy number through whole genome amplification of extracted gDNA. The obtained results create a base for future research to develop high-throughput research and extraction methods from blood samples.Conclusion:The above results reveal, DBS can be utilized as a potential and robust sample source for bio banking in field epidemiological studies.
Interventions to improve linear growth during complementary feeding period for children aged 6-24 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Park Jay J. H. , Harari Ofir , Siden Ellie , Dron Louis , Zannat Noor-E , Singer Joel , Lester Richard T. , Thorlund Kristian , Mills Edward J. 
Published: November 2019

Background:Optimizing linear growth in children during complementary feeding period (CFP) (6-24 months) are critical for their development. Several interventions, such as micronutrient and food supplements, deworming, maternal education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), could potentially be provided to prevent stunting, but their comparative effectiveness is currently unclear. In this study, we evaluated comparative effectiveness of interventions under these domains on child linear growth outcomes of height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and stunting (HAZ <-2SD)Methods:For this study, we searched for low- and middle-income country (LMIC)-based randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of aforementioned interventions provided to children during CFP. We searched for reports published until September 17, 2019 and hand-searched bibliographies of existing reviews. We performed random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) for HAZ and stunting.Results:The evidence base for our NMA was based on 79 RCTs (96 papers) involving 81,786 children. Among the micronutrients, compared to standard-of-care, iron + folic acid (IFA) (mean difference =0.08; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.01, 0.15) and multiple micronutrients (MMN) (mean difference =0.06; 95%CrI: 0.01, 0.11) showed improvements for HAZ; MMN also reduced the risks for stunting (RR=0.86; 95%Crl: 0.73, 0.98), whereas IFA did not (RR=0.92; 95%Crl: 0.64, 1.23). For food supplements, flour in the caloric range of 270-340 kcal (RR=0.73; 95%Crl: 0.51, 1.00) and fortified lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing 220-285 kcal (RR=0.80; 95%Crl: 0.66, 0.97) decreased the risk of stunting compared to standard-of-care, but these interventions and other food supplements did not show improvements for HAZ. Deworming, maternal education, and WASH interventions did not show improvements for HAZ nor stunting.Conclusion:While we found micronutrient and food supplements to be effective for HAZ and/or stunting, the evidence base for other domains in this life stage was limited, highlighting the need for more investigation.Registration:PROSPEROCRD42018110449; registered on 17 October 2018.