bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblasts become fat to reduce scarring
Authors: Chan Charles K. F. , Longaker Michael T.
Published: February 2017

Pathologic scarring could be avoided by manipulating fibroblast plasticity
Molecular Epidemiology and Strain Comparison between Hepatitis E Viruses in Human Sera and Pig Livers during 2014 to 2016 in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Martin C. W. , Kwok Kirsty , Hung Tin-Nok , Chan Paul K. S.
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes substantial morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is considered an emerging foodborne pathogen in developed countries in which it was previously not endemic. To investigate genetic association between human HEV infection and HEV-contaminated high-risk food in Hong Kong, we compared local virus strains obtained from hepatitis E patient sera with those surveyed from high-risk food items during 2014 to 2016. Twenty-four cases of laboratory-confirmed human HEV infections were identified from January 2014 to March 2016 in our hospitals. Five types of food items at risk of HEV contamination were purchased on a biweekly basis from April 2014 to March 2016 in two local market settings: supermarkets (lamb, oyster, and pig liver) and wet markets (oyster, pig blood curd, pig large intestine, and pig liver). HEV RNA detection was performed by a real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay. HEV RNA was detected in pig liver, pig intestine, and oyster samples with prevalences of 1.5%, 0.4%, and 0.2%, respectively. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic inference showed that all human and swine HEV strains belonged to genotype 4. HEV subtype distributions in humans and swine were highly comparable: subtype 4b predominated, while subtype 4d was the minority. Local human and swine HEV genotype 4 strains shared over 95% nucleotide identity and were genetically very similar, implicating swine as an important foodborne source of autochthonous human HEV infections in Hong Kong. Action should be taken to raise the awareness among public and health care professionals of hepatitis E as an emerging foodborne disease.
Mutation of the Second Sialic Acid-Binding Site, Resulting in Reduced Neuraminidase Activity, Preceded the Emergence of H7N9 Influenza A Virus
Authors: Dai Meiling , McBride Ryan , Dortmans Jos C. F. M. , Peng Wenjie , Bakkers Mark J. G. , de Groot Raoul J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Paulson James C. , de Vries Erik , de Haan Cornelis A. M.
Published: February 2017

The emergence of the novel influenza A virus (IAV) H7N9 since 2013 has caused concerns about the ability of the virus to spread between humans. Analysis of the receptor-binding properties of the H7 protein of a human isolate revealed modestly increased binding to α2,6 sialosides and reduced, but still dominant, binding to α2,3-linked sialic acids (SIAs) compared to a closely related avian H7N9 virus from 2008. Here, we show that the corresponding N9 neuraminidases (NAs) display equal enzymatic activities on a soluble monovalent substrate and similar substrate specificities on a glycan array. In contrast, solid-phase activity and binding assays demonstrated reduced specific activity and decreased binding of the novel N9 protein. Mutational analysis showed that these differences resulted from substitution T401A in the 2nd SIA-binding site, indicating that substrate binding via this site enhances NA catalytic activity. Substitution T401A in the novel N9 protein appears to functionally mimic the substitutions that are found in the 2nd SIA-binding site of NA proteins of avian-derived IAVs that became human pandemic viruses. Our phylogenetic analyses show that substitution T401A occurred prior to substitutions in hemagglutinin (HA), causing the altered receptor-binding properties mentioned above. Hence, in contrast to the widespread assumption that such changes in NA are obtained only after acquisition of functional changes in HA, our data indicate that mutations in the 2nd SIA-binding site may have enabled and even driven the acquisition of altered HA receptor-binding properties and may have contributed to the spread of the novel H7N9 viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Novel H7N9 IAVs continue to cause human infections and pose an ongoing public health threat. Here, we show that their N9 proteins display reduced binding to and lower enzymatic activity against multivalent substrates, resulting from mutation of the 2nd sialic acid-binding site. This mutation preceded and may have driven the selection of substitutions in H7 that modify H7 receptor-binding properties. Of note, all animal IAVs that managed to cross the host species barrier and became human viruses carry mutated 2nd sialic acid-binding sites. Screening of animal IAVs to monitor their potential to cross the host species barrier should therefore focus not only on the HA protein, but also on the functional properties of NA.
Genotype-Specific Evolution of Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Brayne Adam B. , Dearlove Bethany L. , Lester James S. , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L. , Frost Simon D. W.
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis globally. HEV comprises four genotypes with different geographic distributions and host ranges. We utilize this natural case-control study for investigating the evolution of zoonotic viruses compared to single-host viruses, using 244 near-full-length HEV genomes. Genome-wide estimates of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous evolutionary changes (
dN
/
dS
ratio) located a region of overlapping reading frames, which is subject to positive selection in genotypes 3 and 4. The open reading frames (ORFs) involved have functions related to host-pathogen interaction, so genotype-specific evolution of these regions may reflect their fitness. Bayesian inference of evolutionary rates shows that genotypes 3 and 4 have significantly higher rates than genotype 1 across all ORFs. Reconstruction of the phylogenies of zoonotic genotypes demonstrates significant intermingling of isolates between hosts. We speculate that the genotype-specific differences may result from cyclical adaptation to different hosts in genotypes 3 and 4.

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as a pathogen that affects both the developing and the developed world. While most often clinically mild, HEV can be severe or fatal in certain demographics, such as expectant mothers. Like many other viral pathogens, HEV has been classified into several distinct genotypes. We show that most of the HEV genome is evolutionarily constrained. One locus of positive selection is unusual in that it encodes two distinct protein products. We are the first to detect positive selection in this overlap region. Genotype 1, which infects humans only, appears to be evolving differently from genotypes 3 and 4, which infect multiple species, possibly because genotypes 3 and 4 are unable to achieve the same fitness due to repeated host jumps.
Maternal Binding and Neutralizing IgG Responses Targeting the C-Terminal Region of the V3 Loop Are Predictive of Reduced Peripartum HIV-1 Transmission Risk
Authors: Martinez David R. , Vandergrift Nathan , Douglas Ayooluwa O. , McGuire Erin , Bainbridge John , Nicely Nathan I. , Montefiori David C. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Fouda Genevieve G. , Permar Sallie R.
Published: February 2017

The development of an effective maternal HIV-1 vaccine that could synergize with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to eliminate pediatric HIV-1 infection will require the characterization of maternal immune responses capable of blocking transmission of autologous HIV to the infant. We previously determined that maternal plasma antibody binding to linear epitopes within the variable loop 3 (V3) region of HIV envelope (Env) and neutralizing responses against easy-to-neutralize tier 1 viruses were associated with reduced risk of peripartum HIV infection in the historic U.S. Woman and Infant Transmission Study (WITS) cohort. Here, we defined the fine specificity and function of the potentially protective maternal V3-specific IgG antibodies associated with reduced peripartum HIV transmission risk in this cohort. The V3-specific IgG binding that predicted low risk of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) was dependent on the C-terminal flank of the V3 crown and particularly on amino acid position 317, a residue that has also been associated with breakthrough transmission in the RV144 vaccine trial. Remarkably, the fine specificity of potentially protective maternal plasma V3-specific tier 1 virus-neutralizing responses was dependent on the same region in the V3 loop. Our findings suggest that MTCT risk is associated with neutralizing maternal IgG that targets amino acid residues in the C-terminal region of the V3 loop crown, suggesting the importance of the region in immunogen design for maternal vaccines to prevent MTCT.

IMPORTANCE
Efforts to curb HIV-1 transmission in pediatric populations by antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been highly successful in both developed and developing countries. However, more than 150,000 infants continue to be infected each year, likely due to a combination of late maternal HIV diagnosis, lack of ART access or adherence, and drug-resistant viral strains. Defining the fine specificity of maternal humoral responses that partially protect against MTCT of HIV is required to inform the development of a maternal HIV vaccine that will enhance these responses during pregnancy. In this study, we identified amino acid residues targeted by potentially protective maternal V3-specific IgG binding and neutralizing responses, localizing the potentially protective response in the C-terminal region of the V3 loop crown. Our findings have important implications for the design of maternal vaccination strategies that could synergize with ART during pregnancy to achieve the elimination of pediatric HIV infections.
Piericidin A1 Blocks
Yersinia
Ysc Type III Secretion System Needle Assembly
Authors: Morgan Jessica M. , Duncan Miles C. , Johnson Kevin S. , Diepold Andreas , Lam Hanh , Dupzyk Allison J. , Martin Lexi R. , Wong Weng Ruh , Armitage Judith P. , Linington Roger G. , Auerbuch Victoria
Published: February 2017

The bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) is widely used by both human and animal pathogens to cause disease yet remains incompletely understood. Deciphering how some natural products, such as the microbial metabolite piericidin, inhibit type III secretion can provide important insight into how the T3SS functions or is regulated. Taking this approach, we investigated the ability of piericidin to block T3SS function in several human pathogens. Surprisingly, piericidin selectively inhibited the Ysc family T3SS in enteropathogenic
Yersinia
but did not affect the function of a different T3SS within the same species. Furthermore, piericidin specifically blocked the formation of T3SS needles on the bacterial surface without altering the localization of several other T3SS components or regulation of T3SS gene expression. These data show that piericidin targets a mechanism important for needle assembly that is unique to the
Yersinia
Ysc T3SS.
Expression of GRK2 and IGF1R in hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathological and prognostic significance
Authors: Lin Song-Bai , Zhou Li , Liang Zhi-Yong , Zhou Wei-Xun , Jin Ye
Published: February 2017

Aim

It has been shown that G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) negatively regulates the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signalling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of GRK2 and IGF1R in HCC.

Methods

Expression of GRK2 and IGF1R was first detected by tissue microarray-based immunohistochemistry in 156 patients with HCC. Staining results, termed the H-score, were then correlated with clinicopathological variables and patient survival. Finally, the prognostic value of GRK2 and IGF1R was validated in the publically available TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) RNA-sequencing database.

Results

The H-score of GRK2 staining (which was significantly lower in tumour than non-tumour tissue) was negatively associated with that of IGF1R with a reverse trend. No clinicopathological significance of the proteins was found except for a relationship between tumoral IGF1R expression and tumour–node–metastasis stage. In univariate analysis, high IGF1R expression predicted poor overall and disease-free survival, whereas GRK2 was not prognostic. In multivariate analysis, IGF1R was significant for overall survival. Furthermore, IGF1R was also of prognostic value in the TCGA database.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that GRK2 and IGF1R show a negative correlation in HCC. IGF1R could be a potential marker of poor prognosis for this malignancy.
Evaluation of a complex healthcare intervention to increase smoking cessation in pregnant women: interrupted time series analysis with economic evaluation
Authors: Bell Ruth , Glinianaia Svetlana V , Waal Zelda van der , Close Andrew , Moloney Eoin , Jones Susan , Araújo-Soares Vera , Hamilton Sharon , Milne Eugene MG , Shucksmith Janet , Vale Luke , Willmore Martyn , White Martin , Rushton Steven
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention to improve referral and treatment of pregnant smokers in routine practice, and to assess the incremental costs to the National Health Service (NHS) per additional woman quitting smoking.

Design

Interrupted time series analysis of routine data before and after introducing the intervention, within-study economic evaluation.

Setting

Eight acute NHS hospital trusts and 12 local authority areas in North East England.

Participants

37 726 records of singleton delivery including 10 594 to mothers classified as smoking during pregnancy.

Interventions

A package of measures implemented in trusts and smoking cessation services, aimed at increasing the proportion of pregnant smokers quitting during pregnancy, comprising skills training for healthcare and smoking cessation staff; universal carbon monoxide monitoring with routine opt-out referral for smoking cessation support; provision of carbon monoxide monitors and supporting materials; and an explicit referral pathway and follow-up protocol.

Main outcome measures

Referrals to smoking cessation services; probability of quitting smoking during pregnancy; additional costs to health services; incremental cost per additional woman quitting.

Results

After introduction of the intervention, the referral rate increased more than twofold (incidence rate ratio=2.47, 95% CI 2.16 to 2.81) and the probability of quitting by delivery increased (adjusted OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.12). The additional cost per delivery was £31 and the incremental cost per additional quit was £952; 31 pregnant women needed to be treated for each additional quitter.

Conclusions

The implementation of a system-wide complex healthcare intervention was associated with significant increase in rates of quitting by delivery.
Isotopic yield in the cold ternary fission of even–even 250–260Cf isotopes with 14C as light charged particle
Authors: Santhosh K.P. , Krishnan Sreejith
Published: February 2017

Within the unified ternary fission model (UTFM), the 14C accompanied cold ternary fission of even–even 250–260Cf isotopes has been studied, in which the interacting potential barrier is taken as the sum of Coulomb and proximity potential. In the 14C accompanied ternary fission of even–even 250–260Cf isotopes, the highest yield is obtained for the fragment combination with doubly magic nuclei 132Sn (N = 82, Z = 50) as the heavier fragment. The presence of doubly magic nuclei 132Sn plays a crucial role for the most favorable splitting in the ternary fission process of even–even 250–260Cf isotopes. It should be noted that the most favorable fragment combinations obtained using UTFM in the ternary fragmentation of 252Cf are found to be the same as that obtained using the triple gamma coincidence technique at the Gammasphere facility. For example, the relative yield found for the fragment combinations like 98Sr + 140Xe + 14C, 100Sr + 138Xe + 14C, 102Zr + 136Te + 14C, 104Zr + 134Te + 14C, 106Mo + 132Sn + 14C, and 108Mo + 130Sn + 14C. We would also like to mention that the fragment combination 106Mo + 132Sn + 14C, which possesses the highest yield obtained using our formalism, is found to be in agreement with that observed in the experiment using the triple gamma coincidence technique at the Gammasphere facility.
Performance of a multipurpose piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Fan Kangqi , Wang Liansong , Zhu Yingmin , Liu Zhaohui , Yu Bo
Published: February 2017

Harvesting energy from the surrounding environment through piezoelectric conversion is a promising method for implementing self-sustained low-power devices. To date, most piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) developed can only scavenge energy from the unidirectional mechanical vibration. This deficiency severely limits the adaptability of PEHs because the real-world excitations may involve different mechanical motions and the mechanical vibration may come from various directions. To tackle this issue, we proposed a multipurpose PEH, which is composed of a ferromagnetic ball, a cylindrical track and four piezoelectric cantilever beams. In this paper, theoretical and experimental studies were carried out to examine the performance of the multipurpose PEH. The experimental results indicate that, under the vibrations that are perpendicular to the ground, the maximum peak voltage is increased by 3.2 V and the bandwidth of the voltage above 4 V is expanded by more than 4 Hz by the proposed PEH as compared to its linear counterpart; the maximum power output of 0.8 mW is attained when the PEH is excited at 39.5 Hz. Under the sway motion around different directions on the horizontal plane, significant power outputs, varying from 0.05 mW to 0.18 mW, are also generated by the multipurpose PEH when the sway angle is larger than 5[Formula: see text] and the sway frequency is smaller than 2.8 Hz. In addition, the multipurpose PEH demonstrates the capacity of collecting energy from the rotation motion, and approximately 0.14 mW power output is achieved when the rotation frequency is 1 Hz.
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Deans Victoria M. , Naqui Zafar , Muir Lindsay T.S.W.
Published: February 2017

Background: The management of scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) joint osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. This systematic review aims to review the evidence for surgical interventions specific to STT OA.

Methods: Medline and Embase libraries were searched using a pre-defined search strategy in October 2014. All study designs and languages were included and evaluated by two reviewers (VMD and LM) against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study eligibility criteria included papers discussing surgical treatment of STT OA, and the review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: 295 unique results were identified from the search strategy after duplicates were filtered. 21 articles met the eligibility criteria.

Conclusions: Trapezial excision and partial trapezoidal excision is an effective treatment with low morbidity and complications, although can lead to weakness of the thumb. Distal scaphoid excision remains an effective pain relief treatment with improved grip and pinch strengths post-operatively. The procedure is technically less demanding than arthrodesis, does not carry the risks of non-union and complication rate of STT joint arthrodesis, and has a shorter immobilisation requirement. It produces reliable results, but is contraindicated if there is either scapholunocapitate pathology or midcarpal instability. STT joint fusion has a place, typically producing 75% range of movement of the non-operated wrist. However it has a higher associated complication rate, and simultaneous radial styloidectomy is recommended to reduce ongoing pain from impingement. Implant arthroplasty using a graphite-coated pyrocarbon implant has been used more recently. The patients gained significant pain relief, although there have been reports of implant dislocation secondary to surgical errors. A reduction in post-operative wrist extension and radial deviation has been noted. From this systematic review, we have composed a treatment algorithm for the surgical management of STT joint OA.
Biomechanics of Internal Fixation Modalities for Middle Phalangeal Base Fracture Dislocation
Authors: Foo Gen-Lin , Ramruttun Amit K. , Cheah Andre Eujin , Chong Alphonsus Kin-Sze , Foo Tun-Lin
Published: February 2017

Background: Internal fixation modalities of unstable (>50 percent articular involvement) middle phalangeal volar lip fracture-dislocations include interfragmentary screw and volar buttress plating. This study investigates the mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and stiffness) of interfragmentary screw (IS), simple buttress plating (BP) and buttress plating with subchondral screw (BP+S).

Methods: Fifteen cadaveric digits (5 index, 5 middle, and 5 ring) were prepared by excising its skin envelope and flexor tendons while preserving the structures around the proximal interphalangeal joint. An oblique osteotomy involving 50 percent of the articular surface was performed, and this was fixed with based on its study group: interfragmentary screw (IS), simple buttress plating (BP) and buttress plating with subchondral screw (BP+S). These specimens were then loaded to failure.

Results: Yield strength was as follows: BP+S (33.5±9.76 N), IS (13.6±5.46 N), and BP (8.1±3.84 N). Ultimate tensile strength was as follows: BP+S (49.1±21.4 N), IS (15.6±5.19 N), and BP (8.86±3.99 N). Stiffness was as follows: BP+S (4.77±1.32 N/mm), IS (2.44±0.86 N/mm), and BP (1.84±0.71 N/mm).

Conclusions: A buttress plate and screw construct confers significantly more stability than either interfragmentary screw or buttress plate only fixation in an experimental model.
Plate Fixation versus Percutaneous Pinning for Unstable Metacarpal Fractures: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Melamed Eitan , Joo LiJin , Lin Edward , Perretta Donato , Capo John T.
Published: February 2017

Background: Whether percutaneous pinning or plate fixation is more appropriate for metacarpal fractures is still open to debate. Our study purpose was to review the current literature in an attempt to determine the optimal treatment modality for metacarpal fractures on the basis of functional outcomes, radiographic outcome and rates of complications.

Methods: We selected Pubmed, Cochrane library, EMBASE and the relevant English orthopedic journals and pooled data from eligible trials including four comparative studies and one retrospective review. Overall, the studies contained 222 patients with 231 fractures, 143 treated with pinning and 88 treated with plates and screws. Mean follow up was 7.5 months (4-12 months). Data were analyzed and the fixed effects are assumed for meta-analysis.

Results: Patients undergoing pinning for metacarpal fractures have higher motion scores when compared to open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws. Functional scores, grip strength, radiographic parameters, time to union and complications were found not to be significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: There is evidence to support the use of pins over ORIF with plates and screws in the treatment of metacarpal fractures. This may have practical advantages, including minimal dissection, easier insertion and availability of the pins. The limitations of this study include the small number of eligible studies, lack of reporting of standard deviation value, and the lack of DASH score assessments at follow up. Further randomized controlled trials that include a larger patient numbers with longer follow up are needed to substantiate the superiority of one fixation method over another.
Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (Masson’s Tumor) of the Hand
Authors: Feintisch Adam M. , Marano Andrew A. , Borah Gregory L.
Published: February 2017

A nonspecific soft tissue mass of the hand can be difficult to diagnose due to the multitude of possible etiologies. In this case, we discuss our experience in diagnosing and treating intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia, or Masson’s tumor, of the hand. The wide range of differential diagnoses and the morphological resemblance to angiosarcoma make Masson’s tumor an important clinical entity to understand. The purpose of this study is to familiarize the reader with the appropriate diagnostic and treatment modalities that allow the clinician to recognize Masson’s tumor, differentiate it from similar clinical entities, and institute the appropriate management regimen.
Factorization of Generalized Theta Functions Revisited
Authors: Sun Xiaotao
Published: February 2017

This survey is based on my lectures given in the last few years. As a reference, constructions of moduli spaces of parabolic sheaves and generalized parabolic sheaves are provided. By a refinement of the proof of vanishing theorems, we show, without using vanishing theorems, a new observation that [Formula: see text] is independent of all of the choices for any smooth curves. The estimate of various codimensions and computation of canonical line bundle of moduli space of generalized parabolic sheaves on a reducible curve are provided in Section 6, which is completely new.
The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems
Authors: Petter Stacie , Stafford Tom
Published: February 2017

It is a new year and a new editorial team. We are pleased to introduce ourselves as the new editors-in-chief for The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems: Stacie Petter and Tom Stafford.

The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems has been in continuous publication since 1969, marking it as one of the longest-published research publications in the field of information systems. In two short years, we will celebrate our 50th year of publication, and we are pleased to begin our editorial term with initiatives intended to move The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems toward an even more impactful performance and notable presence in the world of information systems scholarship than ever before as we approach this important milestone.

A hallmark of our editorial tenure shall be the broad and inclusive promotion of this publication toward the end of drawing submissions and readership from greatly expanded audiences world-wide. To that end, you will see us exhibiting The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems at leading information systems conferences around the world in the coming months and years. Come greet us when we do! Further, we look to you to lend your voice and presence to the promotion of our emerging editorial agenda for growth and impact.
Mindful Engagement in Emerging IT Innovations
Authors: Häckel Björn Steven , Lindermeir Andreas , Moser Florian , Pfosser Stefan
Published: February 2017

Companies regularly have to decide whether, when, and to what extent to invest in IT innovations with different maturities. Together with mature IT innovations, companies should incorporate emerging IT innovations in their investment strategy. Emerging IT innovations have not yet been widely accepted. Thus, they are characterized by higher uncertainty about their future evolution but have potentially high long-term returns. To enable mindfulness in these decision-making processes, the literature emphasizes organizational learning through continuous engagement in IT innovations to enhance a company?s ability to understand, successfully adopt, and implement emerging IT innovations. IT innovation literature so far has focused on qualitative work, but lacks of quantitative models for the analysis of ex-ante investment decisions. Therefore, we develop a dynamic optimization model that determines the optimal allocation of an IT innovation budget to mature and emerging IT innovations, considering the impact of organizational learning. Based on our model, we examine relevant causal relationships by analyzing the influence of uncertainty, a company?s initial individual innovativeness, and the market?s average investment share on the optimal engagement. We find that companies should always invest at least a small portion of their budget in emerging IT innovations, regardless of their actual innovativeness. Our results offer new insights into the crucial determinants of investment decisions and provide the basis for future quantitative research on emerging IT innovations.
Examining the Impact and Detection of the "Urban Legend" of Common Method Bias
Authors: Schwarz Andrew , Rizzuto Tracey , Carraher-Wolverton Colleen , Roldán José L. , Barrera-Barrera Ramón
Published: February 2017

Common Method Bias (CMB) represents one of the most frequently cited concerns among Information System (IS) and social science researchers. Despite the broad number of commentaries lamenting the importance of CMB, most empirical studies have relied upon Monte Carlo simulations, assuming that all of the sources of bias are homogenous in their impact. Comparatively analyzing field-based data, we address the following questions: (1) What is the impact of different sources of CMB on measurement and structural models? (2) Do the most commonly utilized approaches for detecting CMB produce similar estimates? Our results provide empirical evidence that the sources of CMB have differential impacts on measurement and structural models, and that many of the detection techniques commonly utilized within the IS field demonstrate inconsistent accuracy in discerning these differences.
Report on the Joint Workshop on Bibliometric-enhanced Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing for Digital Libraries (BIRNDL 2016)
Authors: Cabanac Guillaume , Chandrasekaran Muthu Kumar , Frommholz Ingo , Jaidka Kokil , Kan Min-Yen , Mayr Philipp , Wolfram Dietmar
Published: February 2017

The large scale of scholarly publications poses a challenge for scholars in information seeking and sensemaking. Bibliometric, information retrieval (IR), text mining, and NLP techniques could help in these activities, but are not yet widely used in digital libraries. The BIRNDL workshop was held at the Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL 2016) in Newark, NJ. It intended to stimulate IR researchers and digital library professionals to elaborate on new approaches in natural language processing, information retrieval, scientometric, and recommendation techniques that can advance the state-of-the-art in scholarly document understanding, analysis, and retrieval at scale. The workshop incorporated three paper sessions and the 2nd edition of the CL-SciSumm Shared Task.
Targeted Search Engines for Children
Authors: Gossen Tatiana
Published: February 2017

Children are a fast growing user group on the Internet. Among different online activities, children use web search engines in order to gather information related to their personal interests and school activities. Children's knowledge, cognitive abilities and fine motor skills are different from those of adults. Therefore, they may experience difficulties with search engines that are built using standard information retrieval algorithms and search interfaces for adults. Special or targeted search engines for children are essential in order to better support children in their search tasks. Therefore, the goal of this thesis is to design appropriate search engines for children with a focus on the search user interface. However, this is not an easy task to accomplish. Not only are children's abilities different from the abilities of adults, children also undergo relatively fast changes in their abilities.

The specific and dynamically changing characteristics of young users pose a great challenge. In order to address this challenge, first, the specifics of information retrieval for young users are analysed. Second, open issues are identified in user studies with children using logfile analysis and eye-tracking. The conceptual challenges in the design of user interfaces regarding search engines for children are derived based on the findings of one's own and previous user studies as well as theories of human development. Third, user interfaces of search engines that address these conceptual challenges are designed, prototypically implemented and evaluated in user studies with children following a user-centered design. Specifically, the proposed user interfaces of the search engine address the changing characteristics of the users by providing a means of adaptation. Furthermore, a novel type of search result visualisation for children with cartoon style characters is developed which takes the children's preference for visual information into account. Both approaches were very positively received by children during evaluation. Children rated different user interface aspects of the search user interface prototypes as good, e.g., the adaptation of the search user interface towards user wishes and the helpfulness of the cartoon style characters during search. Finally, this thesis provides criteria and guidelines on how to design user interfaces of search engines for children.
Role of SHP2 protein tyrosine phosphatase in SERT inhibition by enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)
Authors: Singhal Megha , Manzella Christopher , Soni Vinay , Alrefai Waddah A. , Saksena Seema , Hecht Gail A. , Dudeja Pradeep K. , Gill Ravinder K.
Published: February 2017

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), one of the diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes, is among the most important food-borne pathogens infecting children worldwide. Inhibition of serotonin transporter (SERT), which regulates extracellular availability of serotonin (5-HT), has been implicated previously in EPEC-associated diarrhea. EPEC was shown to inhibit SERT via activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase), albeit the specific PTPase involved is not known. Current studies aimed to identify EPEC-activated PTPase and its role in SERT inhibition. Infection of Caco-2 monolayers with EPEC strain E2348/69 for 30 min increased the activity of Src-homology-2 domain containing PTPase (SHP2) but not SHP1 or PTPase 1B. Similarly, Western blot studies showed increased tyrosine phosphorylation of (p-tyrosine) SHP2, indicative of its activation. Concomitantly, EPEC infection decreased SERT p-tyrosine levels. This was associated with increased interaction of SHP2 with SERT, as evidenced by coimmunoprecipitation studies. To examine whether SHP2 directly influences SERT phosphorylation status or function, SHP2 cDNA plasmid constructs (wild type, constitutively active, or dominant negative) were overexpressed in Caco-2 cells by Amaxa electroporation. In the cells overexpressing constitutively active SHP2, SERT polypeptide showed complete loss of p-tyrosine. In addition, there was a decrease in SERT function, as measured by Na+Cl−-sensitive [3H]5-HT uptake, and an increase in association of SERT with SHP2 in Caco-2 cells expressing constitutively active SHP2 compared with dominant-negative SHP2. Our data demonstrate that intestinal SERT is a target of SHP2 and reveal a novel mechanism by which a common food-borne pathogen uses cellular SHP2 to inhibit SERT.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The data presented in the current study reveal that intestinal serotonin transporter (SERT) is a target of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 and show a novel mechanism by which a common diarrheagenic pathogen, EPEC, activates cellular SHP2 to inhibit SERT function. These studies highlight host-pathogen interactions, which may be of therapeutic relevance in the management of diarrhea associated with enteric infections.
Potassium Homeostasis: The Knowns, the Unknowns, and the Health Benefits
Authors: McDonough Alicia A. , Youn Jang H.
Published: February 2017

Potassium homeostasis has a very high priority because of its importance for membrane potential. Although extracellular K+is only 2% of total body K+, our physiology was evolutionarily tuned for a high-K+, low-Na+diet. We review how multiple systems interface to accomplish fine K+balance and the consequences for health and disease.
Neoteny, Prolongation of Youth: From Naked Mole Rats to “Naked Apes” (Humans)
Authors: Skulachev Vladimir P. , Holtze Susanne , Vyssokikh Mikhail Y. , Bakeeva Lora E. , Skulachev Maxim V. , Markov Alexander V. , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Sadovnichii Viktor A.
Published: February 2017

It has been suggested that highly social mammals, such as naked mole rats and humans, are long-lived due to neoteny (the prolongation of youth). In both species, aging cannot operate as a mechanism facilitating natural selection because the pressure of this selection is strongly reduced due to 1) a specific social structure where only the “queen” and her “husband(s)” are involved in reproduction (naked mole rats) or 2) substituting fast technological progress for slow biological evolution (humans). Lists of numerous traits of youth that do not disappear with age in naked mole rats and humans are presented and discussed. A high resistance of naked mole rats to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and brain diseases, and many infections explains why their mortality rate is very low and almost age-independent and why their lifespan is more than 30 years, versus 3 years in mice. In young humans, curves of mortality versus age start at extremely low values. However, in the elderly, human mortality strongly increases. High mortality rates in other primates are observed at much younger ages than in humans. The inhibition of the aging process in humans by specific drugs seems to be a promising approach to prolong our healthspan. This might be a way to retard aging, which is already partially accomplished via the natural physiological phenomenon neoteny.
A Comparison of Colorimetric Assessment of Vaginal pH with Nugent Score for the Detection of Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Hoffman Matthew K. , Bellad Mrutyunjaya B. , Charantimath Umesh S. , Kavi Avinash , Nagmoti Jyoti M. , Nagmoti Mahantesh B. , Mallapur Ashalata A. , Katageri Geetanjali M. , Ramadurg Umesh Y. , Bannale Sheshidhar G. , Revankar Amit P. , Ganachari M. S. , Derman Richard J. , Goudar Shivaprasad S.
Published: February 2017

Background. A Nugent score > 7 has been defined as the gold standard for the diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis (BV), though it is resource intensive and impractical as point of care testing. We sought to determine if colorimetric assessment of vaginal pH can accurately predict the occurrence of BV.Methods. We performed a planned subanalysis of 1,216 pregnant women between 13 0/7 and 19 6/7 weeks who underwent vaginal examination as part of a randomized controlled trial. Using a standardized technique, specimens were obtained for colorimetric assessment and two separate slides for Gram staining. These slides were subsequently evaluated by two independent blinded microbiologists for Nugent scoring.Results. Interrater reliability of the interpretation of the Nugent score was excellent (intraclass correlation-individual 0.93 (95 CI 0.92 to 0.94) and average 0.96 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.97)). The sensitivity of an elevated pH > 5 for a Nugent score > 7 was 21.9% while the specificity was 84.5%. The positive predictive value in our population was 33.7% with a negative predictive value of 75.0%.Conclusion. Though the Nugent score is internally accurate, the prediction of BV using vaginal pH alone has poor sensitivity and specificity.
(1→3)-α-d-Glucan from Fruiting Body and Mycelium ofCerrena unicolor(Bull.) Murrill: Structural Characterization and Use as a Novel Inducer of Mutanase
Authors: Osińska-Jaroszuk Monika , Wiater Adrian , Choma Adam , Pleszczyńska Małgorzata , Jaszek Magdalena , Janusz Grzegorz , Skowronek Marcin , Szczodrak Janusz
Published: February 2017

Water-insoluble, alkali-soluble polysaccharide (marked as ASP) was extracted from the vegetative mycelium and fruiting body ofCerrena unicolorstrain. Monosaccharide examination of ASP demonstrated that the isolated biopolymer was composed mainly of glucose, xylose, and mannose monomers. The methylation investigation of studied polymers indicated that (1→3)-linkedα-D-Glcpis the major chain constituent (92.2% for glucans isolated from fruiting body and 90.1% from mycelium).1H NMR, FT-IR, and immunofluorescent labelling determinations confirmed that the polysaccharides isolated from both fruiting body and mycelium ofC. unicolorare (1→3)-α-d-glucans. The obtained (1→3)-α-d-glucans showed differences in viscosity and similar characteristics in optical rotations. (1→3)-α-d-Glucans extracted from mycelium and fruiting body ofC. unicolorwere also used as potential and specific inducers of mutanase synthesis byTrichoderma harzianum. The highest mutanase activity (0.38 U/mL) was obtained after induction of enzyme by (1→3)-α-d-glucan isolated from the mycelium ofC. unicolor, and this biopolymer has been suggested as a new alternative to streptococcal mutan for the mutanase induction inT. harzianum. (1→3)-α-d-Glucan-induced mutanase showed high hydrolysis potential in reaction with dextranase-pretreated mutan, where maximal degree of saccharification and solubilization of this bacterial homoglucan (83.1% and 78.4%, resp.) was reached in 3 h at 45°C.
Short Latency Gray Matter Changes in Voxel-Based Morphometry following High Frequent Visual Stimulation
Authors: Naegel Steffen , Hagenacker Tim , Theysohn Nina , Diener Hans-Christoph , Katsarava Zaza , Obermann Mark , Holle Dagny
Published: February 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging studies using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) detected structural changes in the human brain within periods of months or weeks. The underlying molecular mechanisms of VBM findings remain unresolved. We showed that simple visual stimulation by an alternating checkerboard leads to instant, short-lasting alterations of the primary and secondary visual cortex detected by VBM. The rapidness of occurrence (i.e., within 10 minutes) rather excludes most of the proposed physiological mechanism such as neural or glial cell genesis/degeneration or synapse turnover. We therefore favour cerebral fluid shifts to be the underlying correlate of the here observed VBM gray matter changes. Fast onset gray matter changes might be one important explanation for the inconsistency of VBM study results that often raise concern in regard to the validity of presented data. This study shows that changes detectable by VBM may occur within a few minutes after physiological stimulation and must be considered in future VBM experiments to avoid misinterpretation of results.
Occupational Neurobrucellosis Mimicking a Brain Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Algahtani Hussein , Shirah Bader , Abdulghani Dina , Farhan Roiya , Algahtani Raghad
Published: February 2017

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection which is transmitted to humans from infected animals and is endemic in many parts of the world including Saudi Arabia. In this article, we report a case of occupational neurobrucellosis that presented with a space-occupying lesion mimicking a brain tumor. We stress on the importance of obtaining detailed social history including occupation to reach the diagnosis in several conditions including brucellosis. We also stress on taking universal precautions when handling any specimens. It may be advisable that manipulation of all unknown specimens arriving at the laboratory should occur in biological safety cabinet until a highly infectious organism is ruled out. Neurobrucellosis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with solitary mass lesion mimicking brain tumor especially in endemic areas or high occupational risk group.
Involvement of Toll Like Receptor 2 Signaling in Secondary Injury during Experimental Diffuse Axonal Injury in Rats
Authors: Zhao Yonglin , Zhao Junjie , Zhang Ming , Zhao Yahui , Li Jiaxi , Ma Xudong , Huang Tingqin , Pang Honggang , Wang Bo , Song Jinning
Published: February 2017

Treatment of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) remains challenging in clinical practice due to the unclear pathophysiological mechanism. Uncontrolled, excessive inflammation is one of the most recognized mechanisms that contribute to the secondary injury after DAI. Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) is highlighted for the initiation of a vicious self-propagating inflammatory circle. However, the role and detailed mechanism of TLR2 in secondary injury is yet mostly unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the expression of TLR2 levels in cortex, corpus callosum, and internal capsule and the localization of TLR2 in neurons and glial cells in rat DAI models. Intracerebral knockdown of TLR2 significantly downregulated TLR2 expression, attenuated cortical apoptosis, lessened glial response, and reduced the secondary axonal and neuronal injury in the cortex by inhibiting phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) including Erk, JNK, and p38, translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and decreasing levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. On the contrary, administration of TLR2 agonist to DAI rats achieved an opposite effect. Collectively, we demonstrated that TLR2 was involved in mediating secondary injury after DAI by inducing inflammation via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
Influence of Normo- and Hypogonadal Condition, Hyperuricemia, and High-Fructose Diet on Renal Changes in Male Rats
Authors: Soutelo Jimena , Alejandra Samaniego Yanina , Zotta Elsa , Cecilia Fornari María , Reyes Toso Carlos , Juan Ponzo Osvaldo
Published: February 2017

Background. There is a gender disparity in the incidence, prevalence, and progression of renal disease. The object of this paper is to evaluate the presence and type of renal lesion in normogonadic and hypogonadic male rats in a mild hyperuricemia induced condition and exposed to a high-fructose diet. Methods. 56 adult male Wistar rats were used. Animals were divided into two groups, one normogonadic (NGN) and one hypogonadic (HGN), and each group was divided into four subgroups in accordance with the treatment: control with only water (C), fructose (F), oxonic acid (OA), and fructose + oxonic acid (FOA). Renal changes were evaluated by measuring glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, and arteriolar media/lumen (M/L) ratio.Results. The OA and FOA groups presented significantly hypertension (p<0.001). The OA group significantly increased (p<0.05) the percentage of glomerulosclerosis as well as the FOA group (p<0.001). When comparing NGN versus HGN, we observed a trend to a lower glomerulosclerosis in the latter. A higher arteriolar M/L ratio was observed in the OA (p<0.05) and FOA (p<0.001). Conclusion. Hyperuricemia conditions and a high-fructose diet favor blood pressure increase together with changes in the arteriolar media/lumen ratio and renal glomerular damage. These changes were more apparent in normogonadic animals.
Hematemesis as Initial Presentation in a 10-Week-Old Infant with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
Authors: Shetty Varun , Daniel Kayla E. , Kesavan Anil
Published: February 2017

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare condition characterized by eosinophilic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. There is currently a dearth of information on this topic in the pediatric literature, as very few cases have been reported. In this report, we present a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in a 10-week-old patient with initial presenting symptom of hematemesis. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case reported in the literature and is unique in its initial presentation.