bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateral Organization of Influenza Virus Proteins in the Budozone Region of the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Leser George P. , Lamb Robert A.
Published: February 2017

Influenza virus assembles and buds at the plasma membrane of virus-infected cells. The viral proteins assemble at the same site on the plasma membrane for budding to occur. This involves a complex web of interactions among viral proteins. Some proteins, like hemagglutinin (HA), NA, and M2, are integral membrane proteins. M1 is peripherally membrane associated, whereas NP associates with viral RNA to form an RNP complex that associates with the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, HA and NP have been shown to be concentrated in cholesterol-rich membrane raft domains, whereas M2, although containing a cholesterol binding motif, is not raft associated. Here we identify viral proteins in planar sheets of plasma membrane using immunogold staining. The distribution of these proteins was examined individually and pairwise by using the Ripley K function, a type of nearest-neighbor analysis. Individually, HA, NA, M1, M2, and NP were shown to self-associate in or on the plasma membrane. HA and M2 are strongly coclustered in the plasma membrane; however, in the case of NA and M2, clustering depends upon the expression system used. Despite both proteins being raft resident, HA and NA occupy distinct but adjacent membrane domains. M2 and M1 strongly cocluster, but the association of M1 with HA or NA is dependent upon the means of expression. The presence of HA and NP at the site of budding depends upon the coexpression of other viral proteins. Similarly, M2 and NP occupy separate compartments, but an association can be bridged by the coexpression of M1.

IMPORTANCEThe complement of influenza virus proteins necessary for the budding of progeny virions needs to accumulate at budozones. This is complicated by HA and NA residing in lipid raft-like domains, whereas M2, although an integral membrane protein, is not raft associated. Other necessary protein components such as M1 and NP are peripherally associated with the membrane. Our data define spatial relationships between viral proteins in the plasma membrane. Some proteins, such as HA and M2, inherently cocluster within the membrane, although M2 is found mostly at the periphery of regions of HA, consistent with the proposed role of M2 in scission at the end of budding. The association between some pairs of influenza virus proteins, such as M2 and NP, appears to be brokered by additional influenza virus proteins, in this case M1. HA and NA, while raft associated, reside in distinct domains, reflecting their distributions in the viral membrane.
Inhibition of HIV-1 Maturation via Small-Molecule Targeting of the Amino-Terminal Domain in the Viral Capsid Protein
Authors: Wang Weifeng , Zhou Jing , Halambage Upul D. , Jurado Kellie A. , Jamin Augusta V. , Wang Yujie , Engelman Alan N. , Aiken Christopher
Published: February 2017

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid protein is an attractive therapeutic target, owing to its multifunctionality in virus replication and the high fitness cost of amino acid substitutions in capsids to HIV-1 infectivity. To date, small-molecule inhibitors have been identified that inhibit HIV-1 capsid assembly and/or impair its function in target cells. Here, we describe the mechanism of action of the previously reported capsid-targeting HIV-1 inhibitor, Boehringer-Ingelheim compound 1 (C1). We show that C1 acts during HIV-1 maturation to prevent assembly of a mature viral capsid. However, unlike the maturation inhibitor bevirimat, C1 did not significantly affect the kinetics or fidelity of Gag processing. HIV-1 particles produced in the presence of C1 contained unstable capsids that lacked associated electron density and exhibited impairments in early postentry stages of infection, most notably reverse transcription. C1 inhibited assembly of recombinant HIV-1 CA
in vitro
and induced aberrant cross-links in mutant HIV-1 particles capable of spontaneous intersubunit disulfide bonds at the interhexamer interface in the capsid lattice. Resistance to C1 was conferred by a single amino acid substitution within the compound-binding site in the N-terminal domain of the CA protein. Our results demonstrate that the binding site for C1 represents a new pharmacological vulnerability in the capsid assembly stage of the HIV-1 life cycle.

IMPORTANCE
The HIV-1 capsid protein is an attractive but unexploited target for clinical drug development. Prior studies have identified HIV-1 capsid-targeting compounds that display different mechanisms of action, which in part reflects the requirement for capsid function at both the efferent and afferent phases of viral replication. Here, we show that one such compound, compound 1, interferes with assembly of the conical viral capsid during virion maturation and results in perturbations at a specific protein-protein interface in the capsid lattice. We also identify and characterize a mutation in the capsid protein that confers resistance to the inhibitor. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which a capsid-targeting small molecule can inhibit HIV-1 replication.
Endogenous Brain Lipids Inhibit Prion Amyloid Formation
In Vitro
Authors: Hoover Clare E. , Davenport Kristen A. , Henderson Davin M. , Zabel Mark D. , Hoover Edward A.
Published: February 2017

The normal cellular prion protein (PrP
C
) resides in detergent-resistant outer membrane lipid rafts in which conversion to the pathogenic misfolded form is believed to occur. Once misfolding occurs, the pathogenic isoform polymerizes into highly stable amyloid fibrils.
In vitro
assays have demonstrated an intimate association between prion conversion and lipids, specifically phosphatidylethanolamine, which is a critical cofactor in the formation of synthetic infectious prions. In the current work, we demonstrate an alternative inhibitory function of lipids in the prion conversion process as assessed
in vitro
by real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). Using an alcohol-based extraction technique, we removed the lipid content from chronic wasting disease (CWD)-infected white-tailed deer brain homogenates and found that lipid extraction enabled RT-QuIC detection of CWD prions in a 2-log
10
-greater concentration of brain sample. Conversely, addition of brain-derived lipid extracts to CWD prion brain or lymph node samples inhibited amyloid formation in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequent lipid analysis demonstrated that this inhibitory function was restricted to the polar lipid fraction in brain. We further investigated three phospholipids commonly found in lipid membranes, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol, and found all three similarly inhibited RT-QuIC. These results demonstrating polar-lipid, and specifically phospholipid, inhibition of prion-seeded amyloid formation highlight the diverse roles lipid constituents may play in the prion conversion process.

IMPORTANCE
Prion conversion is likely influenced by lipid interactions, given the location of normal prion protein (PrP
C
) in lipid rafts and lipid cofactors generating infectious prions in
in vitro
models. Here, we use real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to demonstrate that endogenous brain polar lipids can inhibit prion-seeded amyloid formation, suggesting that prion conversion is guided by an environment of proconversion and anticonversion lipids. These experiments also highlight the applicability of RT-QuIC to identify potential therapeutic inhibitors of prion conversion.
Glycosylation Benchmark Profile for HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Production Based on Eleven Env Trimers
Authors: Go Eden P. , Ding Haitao , Zhang Shijian , Ringe Rajesh P. , Nicely Nathan , Hua David , Steinbock Robert T. , Golabek Michael , Alin James , Alam S. Munir , Cupo Albert , Haynes Barton F. , Kappes John C. , Moore John P. , Sodroski Joseph G. , Desaire Heather
Published: February 2017

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) glycosylation is important because individual glycans are components of multiple broadly neutralizing antibody epitopes, while shielding other sites that might otherwise be immunogenic. The glycosylation on Env is influenced by a variety of factors, including the genotype of the protein, the cell line used for its expression, and the details of the construct design. Here, we used a mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach to map the complete glycosylation profile at every site in multiple HIV-1 Env trimers, accomplishing two goals. (i) We determined which glycosylation sites contain conserved glycan profiles across many trimeric Envs. (ii) We identified the variables that impact Env's glycosylation profile at sites with divergent glycosylation. Over half of the gp120 glycosylation sites on 11 different trimeric Envs have a conserved glycan profile, indicating that a native consensus glycosylation profile does indeed exist among trimers. We showed that some soluble gp120s and gp140s exhibit highly divergent glycosylation profiles compared to trimeric Env. We also assessed the impact of several variables on Env glycosylation: truncating the full-length Env; producing Env, instead of the more virologically relevant T lymphocytes, in CHO cells; and purifying Env with different chromatographic platforms, including nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA), 2G12, and PGT151 affinity. This report provides the first consensus glycosylation profile of Env trimers, which should serve as a useful benchmark for HIV-1 vaccine developers. This report also defines the sites where glycosylation may be impacted when Env trimers are truncated or produced in CHO cells.

IMPORTANCE
A protective HIV-1 vaccine will likely include a recombinant version of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env). Env is highly glycosylated, and yet vaccine developers have lacked guidance on how to assess whether their immunogens have optimal glycosylation. The following important questions are still unanswered. (i) What is the “target” glycosylation profile, when the goal is to generate a natively glycosylated protein? (ii) What variables exert the greatest influence on Env glycosylation? We identified numerous sites on Env where the glycosylation profile does not deviate in 11 different Env trimers, and we investigated the impact on the divergent glycosylation profiles of changing the genotype of the Env sequence, the construct design, the purification method, and the producer cell type. The data presented here give vaccine developers a “glycosylation target” for their immunogens, and they show how protein production variables can impact Env glycosylation.
Regulation of Nitrogen Metabolism by GATA Zinc Finger Transcription Factors in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Pomraning Kyle R. , Bredeweg Erin L. , Baker Scott E.
Published: February 2017

Nitrogen source is commonly used to control lipid production in industrial fungi. Here we identified regulators of nitrogen catabolite repression in the oleaginous yeast
Y. lipolytica
to determine how the nitrogen source regulates lipid metabolism. We show that disruption of both activators and repressors of nitrogen catabolite repression leads to increased lipid accumulation via activation of carbon catabolite repression through an as yet uncharacterized method.
CanWalk: a feasibility study with embedded randomised controlled trial pilot of a walking intervention for people with recurrent or metastatic cancer
Authors: Tsianakas Vicki , Harris Jenny , Ream Emma , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Purushotham Arnie , Mucci Lorelei , Green James S A , Fewster Jacquetta , Armes Jo
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Walking is an adaptable, inexpensive and accessible form of physical activity. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and symptom severity in people with advanced cancer is unknown. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a community-based walking intervention to enhance QoL in people with recurrent/metastatic cancer.

Design

We used a mixed-methods design comprising a 2-centre RCT and nested qualitative interviews.

Participants

Patients with advanced breast, prostate, gynaecological or haematological cancers randomised 1:1 between intervention and usual care.

Intervention

The intervention comprised Macmillan's ‘Move More’ information, a short motivational interview with a recommendation to walk for at least 30 min on alternate days and attend a volunteer-led group walk weekly.

Outcomes

We assessed feasibility and acceptability of the interventionandRCT by evaluating study processes (rates of recruitment, consent, retention, adherence and adverse events), and using end-of-study questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing QoL, activity, fatigue, mood and self-efficacy were completed at baseline and 6, 12 and 24 weeks.

Results

We recruited 42 (38%) eligible participants. Recruitment was lower than anticipated (goal n=60), the most commonly reported reason being unable to commit to walking groups (n=19). Randomisation procedures worked well with groups evenly matched for age, sex and activity. By week 24, there was a 45% attrition rate. Most PROMs while acceptable were not sensitive to change and did not capture key benefits.

Conclusions

The intervention was acceptable, well tolerated and the study design was judged acceptable and feasible. Results are encouraging and demonstrate that exercise was popular and conveyed benefit to participants. Consequently, an effectiveness RCT is warranted, with some modifications to the intervention to include greater tailoring and more appropriate PROMs selected.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN42072606.
Analysis of the actuating effects of triple-layer piezoelectric cantilevers considering electromechanical coupling correction
Authors: Gong Li Jiao , Pan Cheng Liang , Pan Qiao Sheng
Published: February 2017

A dynamic analytical model is developed to predict the performance of a triple-layer piezoelectric cantilever as actuators in relation to materials with large piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling (EMC) coefficients under axial stress and plane strain conditions. The dynamic electromechanical behavior of a symmetrical triple-layer piezoelectric cantilever (STLPC) actuator is investigated. The analytical model of STLPC based on electromechanical coupling correction coefficient (EMCC) is established in one-dimensional (1D) form and applied to 1D and 2D deformations. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of the EMCC model is critically evaluated and compared with the simulations using a finite element method (FEM). Results show that the EMCC model can be accurately applied to analyze the actuation performance of STLPC. Analyzed results show that the proposed model is accurately applied to large and small piezoelectric coupling conditions. The piezoelectric cantilever with large piezoelectric and EMC coefficients can be accurately analyzed by the proposed model accounted for small EMC condition in a traditional model. Design optimization based on actuators is also discussed. Optimal thickness ratios between elastic and piezoelectric layers are effectively calculated and obtained.
Kaon regeneration in perturbation theory
Authors: Nazaruk V. I.
Published: February 2017

[Formula: see text] transitions in a medium followed by decay and regeneration of [Formula: see text]-component are considered by means of perturbation theory. It is shown that in the previous calculations the problem different from regeneration is solved.
DYNAMICS OF EPIDEMIC SPREADING MODEL WITH DISTRIBUTED DELAY ON HETEROGENEOUS NETWORK
Authors: LIU QIMING , SUN MEICI
Published: February 2017

A novel [Formula: see text] epidemic spreading model with distributed delay on complex heterogeneous network is presented. The formula of the basic reproductive number is presented to the model. It is proven that the disease dies out if the basic reproductive number is less than unity, while if the basic reproductive number is more than unity, the disease is uniformly persistent. The results enrich the previous results.
A Comparison of Two Monofilament Suture Materials for Repair of Partial Flexor Tendon Lacerations: A Controlled In-vitro Study
Authors: Gulihar Abhinav , Whitehead-Clarke Thomas , Hajipour Ladan , Dias Joseph J.
Published: February 2017

Background: Surgical repair is advocated for flexor tendon lacerations deeper than 70%. Repair can be undertaken with different suturing techniques and using different materials. Different materials used for tendon repair will have a different gliding resistance (GR) at the joint. Previous studies have compared strength of repair and gliding resistance for various braided suture materials and for 100% laceration of flexor tendons. We directly compare the GR of two monofilament sutures when used for a peripheral running suture repair of partially lacerated tendons.

Methods: Sixteen flexor tendons and A2 pulleys were harvested from Turkey feet. They were prepared, partially lacerated to 50% depth, and then repaired with a core suture (modified Kessler technique with 4-0 Ethibond) as well as an additional superficial running suture of either 6-0 Prolene or Nylon (half randomised to each). Gliding resistance was measured for all tendons before and after repair, at different flexion angles (40 and 60 degrees) and for different loads (2N and 4N).

Results: After surgical repair, gliding resistance was increased for all tendons (P < 0.01). The tendons repaired with Prolene had a higher mean gliding resistance than those repaired with Nylon (P = 0.02). Increased flexion angle and load amplified the gliding resistance (both P < 0.01).

Conclusions: 6-0 Nylon was associated with a lower gliding resistance than 6-0 Prolene but the minor differences bare unknown clinical significance.
Valgus Instability of the Elbow Due to Medial Epicondyle Nonunion: Treatment by Fragment Excision and Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kaneshiro Yasunori , Hidaka Noriaki , Yano Koichi , Fukuda Makoto , Sakanaka Hideki
Published: February 2017

Background: The medial epicondyle nonunion becomes symptomatic valgus instability with medial elbow pain and joint instability due to dysfunction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), thus requiring surgical treatment. The purpose of the present study is to report the clinical result of the fragment excision and ligament reconstruction by free tendon graft in the treatment of symptomatic medial epicondyle nonunion.

Methods: A retrospective study of five consecutive patients was performed. All five patients had signs and symptoms of valgus instability of the elbow. The mean period of nonunion was 25 years, and their injuries progressed asymptomatically until symptoms developed in adulthood after a second injury.

Results: All patients were treated by fragment excision and MCL reconstruction. At the final follow-up, no patients exhibited pain or instability. The mean joint range of motion was 0o of extension and 138o of flexion, with an MEPS of 100 points in all patients.

Conclusions: By ligament reconstruction for MCL insufficiency and removing the bone fragments avoided irritation by the bone fragments, pain and instability disappeared, good range of motion was restored, and excellent outcomes were achieved in all patients. We believe that fragment excision and MCL reconstruction should be considered as the treatment option for symptomatic medial epicondyle nonunion of the humerus.
Asymptomatic Flexor Tendon Damages after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Tokunaga Susumu , Abe Yoshihiro
Published: February 2017

Background: To investigate asymptomatic flexor tendon damages after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures in 32 wrists of 32 patients with distal radius fractures fixed using two plate types. Sixteen patients received the Acu-Loc volar distal radius plate, and the remaining 16 patients received the Aptus distal radius correction plate.

Methods: The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and flexor digitorum profundus were evaluated according to intraoperative findings at plate removal. Ultrasonography was used to measure the distance between the FPL tendon and distal edge of the plates (FPL plate distance) before plate removal, the distance between the FPL tendon and distal edge of the radius (FPL radius distance) after plate removal, in the contralateral wrist, and the angle between an extension line of a volar surface line on the proximal FPL tendon and a second volar surface line on the distal FPL tendon (FPL angles).

Results: Erosion of the FPL tendon was identified in four wrists, and erosion of the flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger was identified in one wrist. All five cases of wrists with flexor tendon damage had Acu-Loc plates installed. The average FPL angle before plate removal was 15.4° in the wrists with tendon damage, which was statistically significantly larger than the average FPL angle in the wrists without erosion.

Conclusions: The type of plate and larger FPL angle on ultrasonography may be the risk factors for flexor tendon damage.
Peripheral Nerve Lymphomatosis
Authors: Foo Tun-Lin , Yak Ryan , Puhaindran Mark E.
Published: February 2017

Lymphoma involvement of peripheral nerves is rare and it may mimic benign neurogenic tumors or neuropraxic injury. This study presents three patterns of presentations in four patients with neurolymphomatous involvement of their peripheral nerves. We reviewed the clinical records of four patients who underwent exploratory brachial plexus surgery (n = 1), pronator tunnel decompression (n = 1) and peripheral nerve exploration (n = 2) and subsequently found to have neurolymphomatosis (NL). Histological diagnoses were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 3) and NK/T-cell lymphoma (n = 1). NL lacks pathognomonic clinical and imaging features that aid clinicians in diagnosis. Apart from a history of lymphoma, and high clinical index of suspicion, PET-CT scans appear to be a helpful adjunct in detecting high metabolic lesions occuring in situ or systemically. Intra-operative frozen section is helpful to detect round blue cells, before final cytological diagnosis.
Radiocapitellar Impingement after a Pediatric Type II Capitellar Fracture
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Kim Beom-Soo , Song Kwang-Soon
Published: February 2017

We present a case of radiocapitellar impingement caused by osteochondral fragment after type II capitellar fracture. Painful extension limitation of the elbow was treated successfully by diagnostic arthroscopy and mini-open removal of loose body. A displaced type II capitellar fracture in children is extremely rare, but must be carefully diagnosed and treated.
A Sharp-Interface Immersed Boundary Method for Simulating Incompressible Flows with Arbitrarily Deforming Smooth Boundaries
Authors: Cui Zuo , Yang Zixuan , Jiang Hong-Zhou , Huang Wei-Xi , Shen Lian
Published: February 2017

We develop a sharp interface immersed boundary (IB) method to simulate the interactions between fluid flows and deformable moving bodies. Fluid–solid interfaces are captured using a level-set (LS) function, which is updated at every time step by a reinitialization procedure. Motions of solid bodies are dynamically coupled with fluid flows by calculating the fluid forces exerted on solid bodies. The accuracy and robustness of the LS-based IB method are tested systematically in the context of several benchmark cases and self-propelled fish swimming. The effects of computational parameters on the accuracy of deformable body capturing are analyzed. It is found that the algorithm performs well in simulating the flow motions surrounding the deforming and moving bodies.
Rota-Baxter TD Algebra and Quinquedendriform Algebra
Authors: Zhou Shuyun , Guo Li
Published: February 2017

A dendriform algebra defined by Loday has two binary operations that give a two-part splitting of the associativity in the sense that their sum is associative. Similar dendriform type algebras with three-part and four-part splitting of the associativity were later obtained. These structures can also be derived from actions of suitable linear operators, such as a Rota-Baxter operator or TD operator, on an associative algebra. Motivated by finding a five-part splitting of the associativity, we consider the Rota-Baxter TD (RBTD) operator, an operator combining the Rota-Baxter operator and TD operator, and coming from a recent study of Rota’s problem concerning linear operators on associative algebras. Free RBTD algebras on rooted forests are constructed. We then introduce the concept of a quinquedendriform algebra and show that its defining relations are characterized by the action of an RBTD operator, similar to the cases of dendriform and tridendriform algebras.
A System of Periodic Discrete-time Coupled Sylvester Quaternion Matrix Equations
Authors: He Zhuoheng , Wang Qingwen
Published: February 2017

We in this paper derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the system of the periodic discrete-time coupled Sylvester matrix equations [Formula: see text] over the quaternion algebra to be consistent in terms of ranks and generalized inverses of the coefficient matrices. We also give an expression of the general solution to the system when it is solvable. The findings of this paper generalize some known results in the literature.
Determination of RVE size based on the 3D fracture persistence
Authors: Song Shengyuan , Sun Fengyue , Chen Jianping , Zhang Wen , Han Xudong , Zhang Xudong
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an application of a 3D fracture network model and 3D persistence to confirm the representative volume element (RVE) in a fractured rock mass. Based on field fracture data collected from the Songta dam site, a large 3D fracture network is generated to analyse the RVE. The 3D persistence, which is governed by the comprehensive characteristics of fracture location, orientation, size and density, strongly affects the shear strength of fractured rock masses. Hence, it is valuable to confirm the RVE size considering the persistence, which combines the geometric and mechanical properties of a rock mass. The persistence values of the entire model and of cubes of different sizes, which are located in the centre of the model, are determined. A relative error of 10% is selected as the benchmark to evaluate the similarity between the cubes and the model. Finally, 15 m is confirmed as the size of the RVE in the study area.
Sociomateriality and Information Systems Research
Authors: Niemimaa Marko
Published: February 2017

This paper provides an elaboration and comparison of two main streams of "sociomateriality" research within Information Systems (IS) discipline. Through the rapid and controversial emergence of discussions around sociomateriality, IS research has become entangled with the radical ideas derived from quantum mechanics. The philosophical elaboration of the implications of quantum mechanics, as formulated by physicist/philosopher Karen Barad, has provided a source of inspiration and a basis on theorizing for many IS scholars. Agential realism (AR) questions the Cartesian assumption of inherent and fixed demarcation between matter and meaning, and reworks many taken-for-granted assumptions underpinning much of IS research. In contrast, some IS scholars have sought to preserve the more conservative and established assumptions, and (re)turned to critical realism (CR) in order to fit sociomateriality to IS theorizing without radically reworking the Cartesian assumption. Thence, while both make references to 'sociomateriality', their conceptions build on largely different foundations, and use very different vocabulary to describe the phenomenon of interest that easily leads to confusion and to philosophically incongruent theorizing. By elaborating and juxtaposing the two perspectives of sociomateriality and related concepts (ontology/epistemology, matter, agency, time and space), this paper extends and contributes to the prior discussions (1) by providing generic research frameworks; (2) by outlining and explaining the related lexicons; (3) and by foregrounding challenges and opportunities to conduct sociomateriality research.
Returning to the Philosophical Roots of Sociomateriality
Authors: Ou Yang Shirley
Published: February 2017

Sociomateriality is a growing research stream in the field of IS. In response to an increasingly complex and interconnected world, sociomateriality researchers have proposed a view of relational ontological fusion. This view transcends the conventional framework of assuming a clear distinction between the social and the material. In this paper, we argue that the fundamental difference between sociomateriality and the conventional view lies on the ontological level, not on the epistemological or methodological levels. But without a return to its philosophical roots, sociomateriality remains obscure and confusing. To better inform researchers, we return to the original works of two Western philosophers, Heidegger and McLuhan, who both share the view of ontological fusion in proposing their arguments on how the entanglement of technology and the human agent precludes access to a primordial truth. In this paper, we reflect on these philosophical works, providing a solid foundation for this new approach. We argue that the sociomateriality approach can open the black box of the epistemological bias that stems from habitual systemic thinking. This study contributes to the less-researched area of unintentional consequences of technology. The paper also provides practical, alternative methods that can help in furthering this approach in future studies.
Market Reaction to Security Breach Announcements
Authors: Hovav Anat , Han JinYoung , Kim Joonghyuk
Published: February 2017

Event studies have been used to assess the financial impact of cyber incidents on firms since the methodology is believed to reflect tangible, intangible and potential gains/losses. While most prior studies examined the impact of security breach announcements on the United States? market reaction, our study examines the South Korean market's reaction to similar events. Investor protection theory suggests that different markets react differently to similar events. Specifically stronger investor protection leads to lower information asymmetry, which in turn results in a more efficient market valuation. Korea's investor protection index is lower than that of the U.S., suggesting higher information asymmetry and less efficient market valuation. Our study found that the Korean market reaction to cyber incidents was relatively slow, supporting the above assertion. In addition, regulated industries experienced significant negative abnormal returns post-2007 when privacy laws were enacted in South Korea. The study also found that Korea?s market reaction to security incident announcements varied over time as the nature of cyber attacks and attackers changed. For example, while the negative market reaction to denial-of-service and corruption of data events were significant pre-2007, the negative reaction to disclosure of private information was significant post-2007.
Women in IR
Authors: Dietz Laura , Brondwine Elinor , Dori-Hacohen Shiri , Voorhees Ellen
Published: February 2017

Summarizing a year of activity of Women in IR, an initiative that aims to support and promote female researchers in information retrieval.
Report on the Sixth International Workshop on Location and the Web (LocWeb 2016)
Authors: Ahlers Dirk , Wilde Erik
Published: February 2017

For describing and understanding the real world, location is an important factor. Consequently, it also appears in many Web applications and mining approaches as a crosscutting issue. LocWeb 2016 continues a workshop series addressing issues at the intersection of location-based services and Web architecture and was held at WWW 2016. It combines geospatial search, information management, and Web architecture, with a main focus on location-aware information access. The workshop drew contributions from various fields, ranging from mobility analytics over new ways to understand cities to Web standards. LocWeb2016 had an interdisciplinary combination of contributions, with two keynotes and three long papers. We will briefly discuss the workshop theme and the contributions.
Lucene4IR
Authors: Azzopardi Leif , Moshfeghi Yashar , Halvey Martin , Alkhawaldeh Rami S. , Balog Krisztian , Di Buccio Emanuele , Ceccarelli Diego , Fernández-Luna Juan M. , Hull Charlie , Mannix Jake , Palchowdhury Sauparna
Published: February 2017

The workshop and hackathon on developing Information Retrieval Evaluation Resources using Lucene (L4IR) was held on the 8th and 9th of September, 2016 at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK and funded by the ESF Elias Network. The event featured three main elements: (i) a series of keynote and invited talks on industry, teaching and evaluation; (ii) planning, coding and hacking where a number of groups created modules and infrastructure to use Lucene to undertake TREC based evaluations; and (iii) a number of breakout groups discussing challenges, opportunities and problems in bridging the divide between academia and industry, and how we can use Lucene for teaching and learning Information Retrieval (IR). The event was composed of a mix and blend of academics, experts and students wanting to learn, share and create evaluation resources for the community. The hacking was intense and the discussions lively creating the basis of many useful tools but also raising numerous issues. It was clear that by adopting and contributing to most widely used and supported Open Source IR toolkit, there were many benefits for academics, students, researchers, developers and practitioners - providing a basis for stronger evaluation practices, increased reproducibility, more efficient knowledge transfer, greater collaboration between academia and industry, and shared teaching and training resources.
Report on the 2nd Workshop on Managing the Evolution and Preservation of the Data Web (MEPDaW 2016)
Authors: Debattista Jeremy , Fernández Javier D. , Umbrich Jürgen
Published: February 2017

Research on preserving evolving linked datasets is gaining increasingly attention in the Semantic Web community. The 2nd workshop on Managing the Evolution and Preservation of the DataWeb (MEPDaW 2016) aimed at addressing the numerous and diverse emerging challenges, from change discovery and scalable archive representations/indexes/infrastructures to time-based query languages and evolution analysis. In this report, we motivate our workshop and outline the keynote by Axel Polleres and the papers (3 full papers and one industry paper) presented at MEPDaW 2016 co-located with the ESWC 2016 conference in Anissaras, Crete, Greece. Finally, we conclude with an outlook of future directions.
Differential effect of brief electrical stimulation on voltage-gated potassium channels
Authors: Cameron Morven A. , Al Abed Amr , Buskila Yossi , Dokos Socrates , Lovell Nigel H. , Morley John W.
Published: February 2017

Electrical stimulation of neuronal tissue is a promising strategy to treat a variety of neurological disorders. The mechanism of neuronal activation by external electrical stimulation is governed by voltage-gated ion channels. This stimulus, typically brief in nature, leads to membrane potential depolarization, which increases ion flow across the membrane by increasing the open probability of these voltage-gated channels. In spiking neurons, it is activation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVchannels) that leads to action potential generation. However, several other types of voltage-gated channels are expressed that also respond to electrical stimulation. In this study, we examine the response of voltage-gated potassium channels (KVchannels) to brief electrical stimulation by whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and computational modeling. We show that nonspiking amacrine neurons of the retina exhibit a large variety of responses to stimulation, driven by different KV-channel subtypes. Computational modeling reveals substantial differences in the response of specific KV-channel subtypes that is dependent on channel kinetics. This suggests that the expression levels of different KV-channel subtypes in retinal neurons are a crucial predictor of the response that can be obtained. These data expand our knowledge of the mechanisms of neuronal activation and suggest that KV-channel expression is an important determinant of the sensitivity of neurons to electrical stimulation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper describes the response of various voltage-gated potassium channels (KVchannels) to brief electrical stimulation, such as is applied during prosthetic electrical stimulation. We show that the pattern of response greatly varies between KVchannel subtypes depending on activation and inactivation kinetics of each channel. Our data suggest that problems encountered when artificially stimulating neurons such as cessation in firing at high frequencies, or “fading,” may be attributed to KV-channel activation.
Transcriptome Profiling of IL-17A Preactivated Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Comparative Study to Unmodified and IFN-γModified Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Sivanathan Kisha Nandini , Rojas-Canales Darling , Grey Shane T. , Gronthos Stan , Coates Patrick T.
Published: February 2017

Human mesenchymal stem cells pretreatment with IL-17A (MSC-17) potently enhances T cell immunosuppression but not their immunogenicity, in addition to avidly promoting the induction of suppressive regulatory T cells. The aim of this study was to identify potential mechanisms by which human MSC-17 mediate their superior immunomodulatory function. Untreated-MSC (UT-MSC), IFN-γtreated MSC (MSC-γ), and MSC-17 were assessed for their gene expression profile by microarray. Significantly regulated genes were identified for their biological functions (Database for Annotation, Visualisation and Integrated Discovery, DAVID). Microarray analyses identified 1278 differentially regulated genes between MSC-γand UT-MSC and 67 genes between MSC-17 and UT-MSC. MSC-γwere enriched for genes involved in immune response, antigen processing and presentation, humoral response, and complement activation, consistent with increased MSC-γimmunogenicity. MSC-17 genes were associated with chemotaxis response, which may be involved in T cell recruitment for MSC-17 immunosuppression. MMP1, MMP13, and CXCL6 were highly and specifically expressed in MSC-17, which was further validated by real-time PCR. Thus, MMPs and chemokines may play a key role in mediating MSC-17 superior immunomodulatory function. MSC-17 represent a potential cellular therapy to suppress immunological T cell responses mediated by expression of an array of immunoregulatory molecules.
Vibration of Elastic Functionally Graded Thick Rings
Authors: Xu Guang-Hui , Huang Huai-Wei , Zhang Yong-Qiang
Published: February 2017

The free vibration behaviors of functionally graded rings were investigated theoretically. The material graded in the thickness direction according to the power law rule and the rings were assumed to be in plane stress and plane strain states. Based on the first-order shear deformation theory and the kinetic relation of von Kárman type, the frequency equation for free vibration of functionally graded ring was derived. The derived results were verified by those in literatures which reveals that the present theory can be appropriate to predict the free vibration characteristics for quite thick rings with the radius-to-thickness ratio from 60 down to 2.09. Comparison between the plane stress case and the plane strain case indicates a slight difference. Meanwhile, the effects of the structural dimensional parameters and the material inhomogeneous parameter are examined. It is interesting that the value of the logarithmic form of vibration frequency is inversely proportional to the logarithmic form of the radius-to-thickness ratio or the mean radius.
Biocompatibility and Effectiveness Evaluation of a New Hemostatic Embolization Agent: Thrombin Loaded Alginate Calcium Microsphere
Authors: Xuan Fengqi , Rong Jingjing , Liang Ming , Zhang Xuwen , Sun Jingyang , Zhao Lijun , Li Yang , Liu Dan , Li Fei , Wang Xiaozeng , Han Yaling
Published: February 2017

Background. Until now, there has been no ideal embolization agent for hemorrhage in interventional treatment. In this study, the thrombin was encapsulated in alginate calcium microsphere using electrostatic droplet technique to produce new embolization agent: thrombin loaded alginate calcium microspheres (TACMs).Objectives. The present work was to evaluate the biocompatibility and hemostatic efficiency of TACMs.Methods.Cell cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and superselective embolization of dog liver arteries were performed to investigate the biocompatibility of TACMs. To clarify the embolic effect of TACMs mixed thrombus in vivo, hepatic artery injury animal model of 6 beagles was established and transcatheter artery embolization for bleeding was performed.Results. Coculture with VECs revealed the noncytotoxicity of TACMs, and the hemolysis experiment was negligible. Moreover, the histological study of TACMs in liver blood vessel showed signs of a slight inflammatory reaction. The results of transcatheter application of TACMs mixed thrombus for bleeding showed that the blood flow was shut down completely after the TACMs mixed thrombus was delivered and the postprocedural survival rate of animal models at 12 weeks was 100%.Conclusions. With their good biocompatibility and superior hemostatic efficiency, TACMs might be a promising new hemostatic agent with a wide range of potential applications.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Factitious Oral Ulcers in a 6-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Gonçalves Priscilla Santana Pinto , Mendez Daniela Alejandra Cusicanqui , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva , Damante José Humberto , Rios Daniela , Cruvinel Thiago
Published: February 2017

Factitious ulcers are characterized by self-inflicted lesions with multifactorial origin. These lesions are frequently found in head, neck, and hands. This report shows a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with factitious oral ulcers that occurred after the self-biting of buccal vestibule and nail-scratching of gingival tissue. Clinically, a significant swelling was observed, hard on palpation, located at the right lower third of the face, next to the posterior area of the mandible. In the intraoral examination, ulcers at different healing stages were noted on the swelling area. During the anamnesis, the father reported a change in his familial structure that triggers psychological stress, providing the clues to the presumptive diagnosis of factitious oral ulcers. We prescribed the topical use of Gingilone® three times a day to control the local pain and inflammation. At 7-day follow-up, we noticed the reduction of extraoral swelling and the initial healing of the ulcers. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed at 30-day follow-up, with the lasting remission of oral lesions. The treatments of factitious oral ulcers should be individually tailored for each patient, focused on a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy and periodic clinical control. To the best of our knowledge, gaps of evidence lead to the lack of standardized clinical protocols on this issue.
A Luggage Control System Based on NFC and Homomorphic Cryptography
Authors: Álvarez-Díaz Néstor , Caballero-Gil Pino , Burmester Mike
Published: February 2017

We propose an innovative luggage tracking and management system that can be used to secure airport terminal services and reduce the waiting time of passengers during check-in. This addresses an urgent need to streamline and optimize passenger flows at airport terminals and lowers the risk of terrorist threats. The system employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and homomorphic cryptography (the Paillier cryptosystem) to protect wireless communication and stored data. A security analysis and a performance test show the usability and applicability of the proposed system.
Application of Intraoperative CT-Guided Navigation in Simultaneous Minimally Invasive Anterior and Posterior Surgery for Infectious Spondylitis
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Dubey Navneet Kumar , Lee Ching-Yu , Li Yen-Yao , Cheng Chin-Chang , Shi Chung-Sheng , Huang Tsung-Jen
Published: February 2017

This study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of using intraoperative computed tomography- (iCT-) guided navigation in simultaneous minimally invasive anterior and posterior surgery for infectious spondylitis. Nine patients with infectious spondylitis were enrolled in this study. The average operative time was 327.6 min (range, 210–490) and intraoperative blood loss was 407 cc (range, 50–1,200). The average duration of hospital stay was 48.9 days (range, 11–76). Out of a total of 54 pedicle screws employed, 53 screws (98.1%) were placed accurately. A reduced visual analog scale on back pain (from 8.2 to 2.2) and Oswestry disability index (from 67.1% to 25.6%) were found at the 2-year follow-up. All patients had achieved resolution of spinal infection with reduced average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (from 83.9 to 14.1 mm/hr) and average C-reactive protein (from 54.4 to 4.8 mg/dL). Average kyphotic angle correction was 10.5° (range, 8.4°–12.6°) postoperatively and 8.5° (range, 6.9°–10.1°) after 2 years. In conclusion, the current iCT-guided navigation approach has been demonstrated to be an alternative method during simultaneous minimally invasive anterior and posterior surgery for infectious spondylitis. It can provide a good intraoperative orientation and visualization of anatomic structures and also a high pedicle screw placement accuracy in patient’s lateral decubitus position.
Urinary Biomarker Panel to Improve Accuracy in Predicting Prostate Biopsy Result in Chinese Men with PSA 4–10 ng/mL
Authors: Zhou Yongqiang , Li Yun , Li Xiangnan , Jiang Minjun
Published: February 2017

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical performance of a panel of urinary biomarkers to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa) in Chinese men with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL. A total of 122 patients with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL who underwent consecutive prostate biopsy at three hospitals in China were recruited. First-catch urine samples were collected after an attentive prostate massage. Urinary mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The predictive accuracy of these biomarkers and prediction models was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The diagnostic accuracy of PCA3, PSGR, and MALAT-1 was superior to that of PSA. PCA3 performed best, with an AUC of 0.734 (95% CI: 0.641, 0.828) followed by MALAT-1 with an AUC of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.625, 0.829) and PSGR with an AUC of 0.666 (95% CI: 0.575, 0.749). The diagnostic panel with age, prostate volume, % fPSA, PCA3 score, PSGR score, and MALAT-1 score yielded an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.780, 0.933). At a threshold probability of 20%, 47.2% of unnecessary biopsies may be avoided whereas only 6.2% of PCa cases may be missed. This urinary panel may improve the current diagnostic modality in Chinese men with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL.