bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies to Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 4 in Double Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Kramer Philippe , Chalk Colin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction in which a clinical diagnosis may be confirmed with serological testing. The most common autoantibodies used to support a diagnosis of MG are anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies. In cases in which both of these autoantibodies are negative (termed double-seronegative [dSNMG]), other autoantibodies such as low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) may be used to aid in diagnosis. Methods: We have undertaken a systematic literature review to identify studies that have assessed the frequency of anti-LRP4 antibodies in dSNMG patients and the characteristics of anti-LRP4+ dSNMG patients (epidemiology, clinical features, electromyographic findings, or management). PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Scopus were searched on January 14, 2017, using the medical subject headings “myasthenia gravis” and “low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4” or “LRP4.” Results: The initial search identified 367 articles. Fourteen publications met the inclusion criteria. There were ten cross-sectional research studies, three were case series, and one was a case report. The majority of studies were limited by small sample sizes of LRP4+ dSNMG. There has been a wide range of frequencies of anti-LRP4 antibodies detected in different MG patient populations, some involving different laboratory techniques. Conclusions: LRP4+ dSNMG is more likely than LRP4– dSNMG to have a younger onset of disease and occur in females. LRP4+ dSNMG most often is mild in severity and often involves isolated ocular weakness. It typically responds well to pyridostigmine or prednisone.
THINKING ABOUT “MINGCHINA” ANEW: THE ETHNOCULTURAL SPACE IN A DIVERSE EMPIRE —WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE “MIAO TERRITORY”
Authors: Jiang Yonglin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBy examining the cultural identity of China's Ming dynasty, this essay challenges two prevalent perceptions of the Ming in existing literature: to presume a monolithic socio-ethno-cultural Chinese empire and to equate the Ming Empire withChina(Zhongguo, the “middle kingdom”). It shows that the Ming constructedChinaas an ethnocultural space rather than a political entity. In essence,Chinawas defined as a Han domain that the Han people inhabited and where Han values were produced, practiced, and preserved in contrast to those of non-Han “barbarians,” be they domestic or foreign. The “Great Ming”—the dynastic title—cannot be confused withChina, the ethnocultural space. For the Ming ruling elite, the “Miao territory” in western Huguang and eastern Guizhou provinces represented a land “beyond the pale of civilization” (huawai), which was outside and different fromChina. The Ming construction of the ethnoculturalChinaconnects the imperial heritage to China's modern identity.
Tribological Properties of Dental Enamel Before and After Orthodontic Bracket Bonding-Debonding by Nano-Scratch Test
Authors: Karimzadeh A. , Ayatollahi M. R. , Hosseinzadeh Nik T. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the effect of bracket bonding-debonding on the tribological properties of human tooth enamel, when two different adhesives are applied. The nano-scratch experiment was performed on the enamel at untreated and under the bracket regions to obtain wear resistance, scratch hardness and friction coefficient. The results indicated that the tribological properties of the enamel vary significantly after bracket bonding-debonding. However, no significant difference exists between the effects of bracket bonding by the nano-composite and the composite adhesives on the tribological properties. Therefore, considering the mechanical and physical properties of the nano-composite adhesive, its bond strength for orthodontic bracket bonding and the influences on the enamel after removing the bracket, the use of nano-composite adhesive is suitable for orthodontic treatments.
Radiocarbon Evidence for the Pace of the M-/L-PPNB Transition in 8th Millennium BC Southwest Asia
Authors: Jacobsson Piotr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe transition from the Middle to Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) happened throughout southwest Asia in the mid-8th millennium cal BC. It entailed the abandonment of a number of sites, rapid growth of others, as well as the wide spread of morphologically domestic caprines. What remains an unknown is how rapid these processes were in real time. Over the period when the transition was taking place, the calibration curve has two shallow sections divided by a sudden drop, which for many of the older dates creates an illusion of a sudden cultural break around 7600–7500 cal BC. Yet a more detailed study presented in this paper suggests that the transition event could have been spread over a more extended period of time. This, however, is still far from certain due to risks of old wood effects and complexities of site formation.
Differences in skeletal muscle proteolysis in Nellore and Angus cattle might be driven by Calpastatin activity and not the abundance of Calpain/Calpastatin
Authors: MARTINS T. S. , SANGLARD L. M. P. , SILVA W. , CHIZZOTTI M. L. , LADEIRA M. M. , SERÃO N. V. L. , PAULINO P. V. R. , DUARTE M. S. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYThe present study aimed to explore the molecular factors underlying differences in Calpain/Calpastatin proteolytic system in Nellore and Angus cattle. Longissimus muscle samples were collected in Nellore (n= 6; body weight (BW) = 373 ± 37·3 kg) and Angus (n= 6; BW = 383 ± 23·9 kg) cattle at slaughter for analysis of gene and protein expression, and Calpastatin enzyme activity. Additionally, the myofibrillar fragmentation index was used to quantify the extension of proteolysis in longissimus muscle samples. A greater myofibrillar fragmentation was observed in skeletal muscle of Angus compared with Nellore cattle. Conversely, no differences were found between breeds for mRNA expression of Calpain 1 (CAPN1) and Calpastatin (CAST). Similarly, no differences were observed for the abundance of Calpain and Calpastatin proteins between skeletal muscles of Nellore and Angus cattle. Despite the lack of differences in mRNA and protein abundance, a greater activity of Calpastatin was observed in skeletal muscle of Nellore compared with Angus cattle. These data indicate that the greater proteolysis in skeletal muscle of Angus compared with Nellore cattle is mainly driven by a greater Calpastatin activity rather than Calpain or Calpastatin mRNA and protein expression.
Is there enough “interest in and pleasure in” the concept of depression? The development of the Leuven Affect and Pleasure Scale (LAPS)
Authors: Demyttenaere Koen , Mortier Philippe , Kiekens Glenn , Bruffaerts Ronny 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivePresence of negative mood (depressed mood) and anhedonia (lack of interest and pleasure) are considered core symptoms of depression, while absence of positive mood is not taken into account. It is therefore remarkable that the depression scales routinely used to assess changes during antidepressant treatment (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS], Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS]) do not really take into account anhedonia. Several scales were developed to assess positive mood and hedonic tone, but they only partially cover the multidimensional concept. Therefore we developed a new 16-item questionnaire, the Leuven Affect and Pleasure Scale (LAPS), to assess negative affect, positive affect, and hedonic tone.MethodsThis first article on the LAPS questionnaire reports on the correlations between the different items, on the factor analysis, and on the differences found in 3 groups of subjects : healthy college students (N=138), depressed but still functioning college students (N=27), and severely depressed inpatients (N=38). These differences were calculated using univariate general linear models with Bonferroni post-hoc testing, and effect sizes were expressed in η2.ResultsNegative and positive affect were only moderately correlated, and the 4 independent variables (cognitive functioning, overall functioning, meaningful life, and happiness) had stronger correlations with positive affect than with negative affect. The major difference in negative affect was between healthy college students and depressed college students, positive affect was different between the 3 groups, and the major difference for hedonic tone was between depressed college students and depressed inpatients. Affiliative positive affect and the affiliative hedonic function were well preserved, even in depressed inpatients.ConclusionsThis preliminary report suggests that the LAPS offers a comprehensive assessment of negative and positive affect, of hedonic tone, and of independent variables (cognitive functioning, overall functioning, meaningful life, and happiness). Clinically relevant differences in subscores were found in 3 groups of subjects with variable levels of depression (healthy subjects, mildly depressed subjects, and severely depressed inpatients).
Remembering Saladin: The Crusades and the Politics of Heresy in Persian Historiography
Authors: BEBEN DANIEL 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study I examine the presentation of Saladin and the Crusades within the genre of Persian universal histories produced from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. While a number of recent studies have begun to explore the place of the Crusades in the historical memory of the Islamic world, to date little attention has been given to the question of the manner in which the ensuing Mongol conquests affected subsequent Muslim memory of the Crusades. In this article I argue that historiographers of the Mongol and post-Mongol eras largely sought to legitimate the conquests through evocation of heresy and by celebrating the Mongols’ role in combating alleged heretical elements within Muslim society, most notably the Ismāʿīlīs. While Saladin is universally remembered today first and foremost for his re-conquest of Jerusalem from the Crusaders, within the context of the agenda of Persian historiography of the post-Mongol era the locus of his significance was shifted to his overthrow of the Ismāʿīlī Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, to the almost complete exclusion of his role in the Crusades. This article challenges long-standing assumptions that the figure of Saladin was largely forgotten within the Muslim world until the colonial era, and instead presents an alternative explanation for the supposed amnesia in the Muslim world regarding the Crusades in the pre-modern era.
Underweight among rural Indian adults: burden, and predictors of incidence and recovery
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Fawzi Wafaie Wahib , Bromage Sabri , Barik Anamitra , Chowdhury Abhijit 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo study the magnitude and predictors of underweight, incident underweight and recovery from underweight among rural Indian adults.DesignProspective cohort study. Each participant’s BMI was measured in 2008 and 2012 and categorized as underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2), normal (BMI=18·5–22·9 kg/m2) or overweight/obese (BMI ≥23·0 kg/m2). Incident underweight was defined as a transition from normal weight or overweight/obese in 2008 to underweight in 2012, and recovery from underweight as a transition from underweight in 2008 to normal weight in 2012. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed.SettingThe Birbhum Health and Demographic Surveillance System, West Bengal, India.SubjectsPredominantly rural individuals (n 6732) aged ≥18 years enrolled in 2008 were followed up in 2012.ResultsIn 2008, the prevalence of underweight was 46·5 %. From 2008 to 2012, 25·8 % of underweight persons transitioned to normal BMI, 12·9 % of normal-weight persons became underweight and 0·1 % of overweight/obese persons became underweight. Multivariable models reveal that people aged 25–49 years, educated and wealthier people, and non-smokers had lower odds of underweight in 2008 and lower odds of incident underweight. Odds of recovery from underweight were lower among people aged ≥36 years and higher among educated (Grade 6 or higher) individuals.ConclusionsThe current study highlights a high incidence of underweight and important risk factors and modifiable predictors of underweight in rural India, which may inform the design of local nutrition interventions.
Introduction to the Special Issue on colonial institutions and African development
Authors: PARENT ANTOINE 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis special issue, devoted to the analysis of colonial institutions in the economic performance of countries both pre- and post-colonialism Africa, aims to be a contribution, in the vein of North (2005), to the field of colonial studies in comparative institutional perspective. The papers in this issue combine the history of economic thought, econometrics, economic history, cliometrics and the analysis of colonial institutions. These approaches shed a new light on the question of path-dependence and historical dynamics. They suggest that as former African colonial countries move away from the colonial period, the shadow of colonial institutions is less marked and is now rivalled in importance by the extent of democracy, which now plays a crucial role in their economic development.
Selbstwertkontingenz im Studium
Authors: Opelt Felicitas , Schwinger Malte 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Selbstwertkontingenz beschreibt die Abhängigkeit des Selbstwerts von äußeren Faktoren ( Crocker & Wolfe, 2001 ; Kernis, 2003 ). Das Ausmaß, in dem Studierende ihren Selbstwert von äußeren Faktoren wie z. B. Anerkennung durch andere, akademische Kompetenz oder Wettbewerb abhängig machen, sollte mit ihrem Lern- und Leistungsverhalten, und hierbei insbesondere mit der Nutzung bestimmter Lernstrategien, assoziiert sein. Theoretisch sind diesbezüglich sowohl Zusammenhänge der Selbstwertkontingenz mit der ressourcenbezogenen Lernstrategie Anstrengungsbereitschaft als auch mit verschiedenen weiteren Lernstrategien denkbar. Welche selbstregulierten Lernstrategien mit der Selbstwertkontingenz von Studierenden assoziiert sind und inwiefern diese die Beziehung zwischen der Selbstwertkontingenz und der resultierenden Studienleistung mediieren, wurde bislang kaum untersucht. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden daher bei N = 614 Studierenden die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Selbstwertkontingenz, verschiedenen selbstregulierten Lernstrategien sowie den später erfassten Studienleistungen analysiert. Pfadanalysen zeigten, dass die Selbstwertkontingenz mit der Anstrengungsbereitschaft sowie mit oberflächenorientierten Lernstrategien signifikant positiv zusammenhing, während sich keine signifikanten Zusammenhänge zwischen der Selbstwertkontingenz und tiefenorientierten Lernstrategien nachweisen ließen. Außerdem zeigte sich eine signifikante indirekte Beziehung zwischen der Selbstwertkontingenz und den Noten, welche durch die ressourcenbezogene Lernstrategie Anstrengungsbereitschaft mediiert wurde. Die überwiegend erwartungskonformen Ergebnisse blieben auch bei Kontrolle der Selbstwerthöhe robust und unterstreichen insgesamt die Relevanz der Selbstwertkontingenz für das Lern- und Leistungsverhalten im Studium.
FBXO32 promotes microenvironment underlying epithelial-mesenchymal transition via CtBP1 during tumour metastasis and brain development
Authors: Sahu Sanjeeb Kumar , Tiwari Neha , Pataskar Abhijeet , Zhuang Yuan , Borisova Marina , Diken Mustafa , Strand Susanne , Beli Petra , Tiwari Vijay K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe set of events that convert adherent epithelial cells into migratory cells are collectively known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is involved during development, for example, in triggering neural crest migration, and in pathogenesis such as metastasis. Here we discover FBXO32, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to be critical for hallmark gene expression and phenotypic changes underlying EMT. Interestingly, FBXO32 directly ubiquitinates CtBP1, which is required for its stability and nuclear retention. This is essential for epigenetic remodeling and transcriptional induction of CtBP1 target genes, which create a suitable microenvironment for EMT progression. FBXO32 is also amplified in metastatic cancers and its depletion in a NSG mouse xenograft model inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, FBXO32 is essential for neuronal EMT during brain development. Together, these findings establish that FBXO32 acts as an upstream regulator of EMT by governing the gene expression program underlying this process during development and disease.
Phage display and selection of lanthipeptides on the carboxy-terminus of the gene-3 minor coat protein
Authors: Urban Johannes H. , Moosmeier Markus A. , Aumüller Tobias , Thein Marcus , Bosma Tjibbe , Rink Rick , Groth Katharina , Zulley Moritz , Siegers Katja , Tissot Kathrin , Moll Gert N. , Prassler Josef 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRibosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are an emerging class of natural products with drug-like properties. To fully exploit the potential of RiPPs as peptide drug candidates, tools for their systematic engineering are required. Here we report the engineering of lanthipeptides, a subclass of RiPPs characterized by multiple thioether cycles that are enzymatically introduced in a regio- and stereospecific manner, by phage display. This was achieved by heterologous co-expression of linear lanthipeptide precursors fused to the widely neglected C-terminus of the bacteriophage M13 minor coat protein pIII, rather than the conventionally used N-terminus, along with the modifying enzymes from distantly related bacteria. We observe that C-terminal precursor peptide fusions to pIII are enzymatically modified in the cytoplasm of the producing cell and subsequently displayed as mature cyclic peptides on the phage surface. Biopanning of large C-terminal display libraries readily identifies artificial lanthipeptide ligands specific to urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and streptavidin.
PTEN is a protein phosphatase that targets active PTK6 and inhibits PTK6 oncogenic signaling in prostate cancer
Authors: Wozniak Darren J. , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre , Macias Virgilia , Ball-Kell Susan , Zenner Morgan L. , Bie Wenjun , Tyner Angela L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPTEN activity is often lost in prostate cancer. We show that the tyrosine kinase PTK6 (BRK) is a PTEN substrate. Phosphorylation of PTK6 tyrosine 342 (PY342) promotes activation, while phosphorylation of tyrosine 447 (PY447) regulates auto-inhibition. Introduction of PTEN into a PTEN null prostate cancer cell line leads to dephosphorylation of PY342 but not PY447 and PTK6 inhibition. Conversely, PTEN knockdown promotes PTK6 activation in PTEN positive cells. Using a variety of PTEN mutant constructs, we show that protein phosphatase activity of PTEN targets PTK6, with efficiency similar to PTP1B, a phosphatase that directly dephosphorylates PTK6 Y342. Conditional disruption of Pten in the mouse prostate leads to tumorigenesis and increased phosphorylation of PTK6 Y342, and disruption of Ptk6 impairs tumorigenesis. In human prostate tumor tissue microarrays, loss of PTEN correlates with increased PTK6 PY342 and poor outcome. These data suggest PTK6 activation promotes invasive prostate cancer induced by PTEN loss.
Observation of replica symmetry breaking in disordered nonlinear wave propagation
Authors: Pierangeli Davide , Tavani Andrea , Di Mei Fabrizio , Agranat Aharon J. , Conti Claudio , DelRe Eugenio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA landmark of statistical mechanics, spin-glass theory describes critical phenomena in disordered systems that range from condensed matter to biophysics and social dynamics. The most fascinating concept is the breaking of replica symmetry: identical copies of the randomly interacting system that manifest completely different dynamics. Replica symmetry breaking has been predicted in nonlinear wave propagation, including Bose-Einstein condensates and optics, but it has never been observed. Here, we report the experimental evidence of replica symmetry breaking in optical wave propagation, a phenomenon that emerges from the interplay of disorder and nonlinearity. When mode interaction dominates light dynamics in a disordered optical waveguide, different experimental realizations are found to have an anomalous overlap intensity distribution that signals a transition to an optical glassy phase. The findings demonstrate that nonlinear propagation can manifest features typical of spin-glasses and provide a novel platform for testing so-far unexplored fundamental physical theories for complex systems.
Ca2+ signals initiate at immobile IP3 receptors adjacent to ER-plasma membrane junctions
Authors: Thillaiappan Nagendra Babu , Chavda Alap P. , Tovey Stephen C. , Prole David L. , Taylor Colin W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIP3 receptors (IP3Rs) release Ca2+ from the ER when they bind IP3 and Ca2+. The spatial organization of IP3Rs determines both the propagation of Ca2+ signals between IP3Rs and the selective regulation of cellular responses. Here we use gene editing to fluorescently tag endogenous IP3Rs, and super-resolution microscopy to determine the geography of IP3Rs and Ca2+ signals within living cells. We show that native IP3Rs cluster within ER membranes. Most IP3R clusters are mobile, moved by diffusion and microtubule motors. Ca2+ signals are generated by a small population of immobile IP3Rs. These IP3Rs are licensed to respond, but they do not readily mix with mobile IP3Rs. The licensed IP3Rs reside alongside ER-plasma membrane junctions where STIM1, which regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry, accumulates after depletion of Ca2+ stores. IP3Rs tethered close to ER-plasma membrane junctions are licensed to respond and optimally placed to be activated by endogenous IP3 and to regulate Ca2+ entry.
Structural basis of adaptor-mediated protein degradation by the tail-specific PDZ-protease Prc
Authors: Su Ming-Yuan , Som Nilanjan , Wu Chia-Yun , Su Shih-Chieh , Kuo Yi-Ting , Ke Lu-Chu , Ho Meng-Ru , Tzeng Shiou-Ru , Teng Ching-Hao , Mengin-Lecreulx Dominique , Reddy Manjula , Chang Chung-I 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPeptidoglycan (PG) is a highly cross-linked, protective mesh-like sacculus that surrounds the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Expansion of PG is tightly coupled to growth of a bacterial cell and requires hydrolases to cleave the cross-links for insertion of nascent PG material. In Escherichia coli, a proteolytic system comprising the periplasmic PDZ-protease Prc and the lipoprotein adaptor NlpI contributes to PG enlargement by regulating cellular levels of MepS, a cross-link-specific hydrolase. Here, we demonstrate how NlpI binds Prc to facilitate the degradation of its substrate MepS by structural and mutational analyses. An NlpI homodimer binds two molecules of Prc and forms three-sided MepS-docking cradles using its tetratricopeptide repeats. Prc forms a monomeric bowl-shaped structure with a lid-like PDZ domain connected by a substrate-sensing hinge that recognizes the bound C terminus of the substrate. In summary, our study reveals mechanistic details of protein degradation by the PDZ-protease Prc bound to its cognate adaptor protein.