bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Likelihood of Becoming Pregnant: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hodson K. , Meads C. , Bewley S.
Published: May 2017

(Abstracted from BJOG 2017;124:393–402)

Few studies have examined the prevalence of pregnancy among adolescents and adult lesbian and bisexual (LB) women. There are few data on success of assisted reproduction and comparative fecundity in these women and how factors such as sexuality and access to sperm affect their fecundity.
Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: ASCO Resource-Stratified Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Jeronimo Jose , Castle Philip E. , Temin Sarah , Denny Lynette , Gupta Vandana , Kim Jane J. , Luciani Silvana , Murokora Daniel , Ngoma Twalib , Qiao Youlin , Quinn Michael , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Sasieni Peter , Schmeler Kathleen M. , Shastri Surendra S.
Published: May 2017

(Abstracted from J Global Oncol 2017; DOI:10.1200/JGO.2016.006577)

The aim of the guideline was to provide global resource-stratified, evidence-based recommendations on the secondary prevention of cervical cancer, while accounting for wide variations in resource levels and health systems. These are the first cervical cancer screening guidelines that offer recommendations tailored to resource availability in the settings where women live.
Gynecological and Obstetrical Outcomes After Laparoscopic Repair of a Cesarean Scar Defect in a Series of 38 Women
Authors: Donnez Olivier , Donnez Jacques , Orellana Renan , Dolmans Marie-Madeleine
Published: May 2017

(Abstracted from Fertil Steril 2017;107:289–296)

As the number of cesarean deliveries has continued to rise worldwide in recent decades, cesarean scar defects have been increasingly described.
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing and the Unveiling of an Impaired Translation Process
Authors: Murdoch Blake , Ravitsky Vardit , Ogbogu Ubaka , Ali-Khan Sarah , Bertier Gabrielle , Birko Stanislav , Bubela Tania , De Beer Jeremy , Dupras Charles , Ellis Meika , Granados Moreno Palmira , Joly Yann , Kamenova Kalina , Master Zubin , Marcon Alessandro , Paulden Mike , Rousseau François , Caulfield Timothy
Published: May 2017

(Abstracted from J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2017;39(1):10–17)

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is an exciting new technology with many potential clinical benefits. However, the commercialization of these tests and the potential economic benefits to the laboratories that perform the testing have led to concern that the limitations are being downplayed and the benefits overstated.
Clinical experience of stereotactic radiosurgery at a linear accelerator for intraocular melanoma
Authors: Furdova Alena , Sramka Miron , Chorvath Martin , Kralik Gabriel , Furda Robert , Gregus Michal
Published: May 2017

Long-term results with linear accelerator LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery for intraocular uveal malignant melanoma were assessed. A retrospective study was carried out of patients with uveal melanoma after a 1-day session stereotactic radiosurgery at LINAC in Slovakia. In the period 2001–2015, a group of 150 patients with uveal melanoma (139 choroidal melanoma, 11 ciliary body melanoma) was treated. The median tumor volume at baseline was 0.5 cm3 (with range from 0.2 to 1.6 cm3). Tumors ranged in size from 2.4 to 20.8 mm in basal diameter and from 2.0 to 18.3 mm in thickness. The therapeutic dose was 35.0 Gy by 99% of dose volume histogram. Older age at treatment was correlated with the largest basal tumor diameter, tumor thickness, and TNM stage. The survival after stereotactic irradiation was 96% in 1 year, 93% in 2 years, 84% in 5 years, 80% in 7 years, and 53% in 11 years. In 20 (13.3%) patients, secondary enucleation was necessary because of complications (secondary glaucoma). Enucleation-free interval ranged from 1 to 6 years. The median age at death was lower (65.7 years) for patients who died from metastatic disease than for those who died from any other cause (75.0 years). Survival rates at 5-year intervals and the need for secondary enucleation because of complications after linear accelerator irradiation are comparable to other techniques.
SERI Surgical Scaffold in 2-Stage Breast Reconstruction: 2-Year Data from a Prospective, Multicenter Trial
Authors: Karp Nolan , Choi Mihye , Kulber David A. , Downey Susan , Duda Gloria , Kind Gabriel M. , Jewell Mark L. , Murphy Diane K. , Lehfeldt Max R. , Fine Neil
Published: May 2017

Background:

Soft-tissue support devices are used during breast reconstruction. This study investigated long-term clinical data following SERI Surgical Scaffold (SERI) implantation, a bioresorbable, silk-derived scaffold for soft-tissue support.

Methods:

This was a prospective, multicenter study in 103 subjects who received SERI during stage 1 of 2-stage breast reconstruction with subpectoral tissue expander placement (Natrelle Style 133V; Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) followed by subpectoral breast implant placement. Investigator satisfaction (11-point scale: 0, very dissatisfied and 10, very satisfied) at 6 months was the primary endpoint. Ease of use, satisfaction, scaffold palpability/visibility, breast anatomy measurements via 3D images, SERI integration, histology, and safety were also assessed through 2 years after stage 1 surgery.

Results:

Analyses were performed on the per-protocol population (103 subjects; 161 breasts) with no protocol deviations that could affect outcomes. Ease of use and subject and investigator satisfaction with SERI were high throughout 2 years. Breast anatomy measurements with 3D images demonstrated long-term soft-tissue stability of the lower breast mound. Key complication rates per breast were tissue/skin necrosis and wrinkling/rippling (8.1% each) and seroma, wound dehiscence, and breast redness (5.0% each). Over 2 years, 4 breasts in 4 subjects underwent reoperation with explantation of any device; 2 breasts required SERI explantation. SERI was retained in 98.8% of breasts (159/161) at 2 years.

Conclusions:

SERI was associated with high and consistent levels of investigator and subject satisfaction and demonstrated soft-tissue stability in the lower breast through 2 years. SERI provides a safe, long-term benefit for soft-tissue support in 2-stage breast reconstruction.
AmpliVue Is a Practical and Timely Test for the Detection of HSV From Keratitis Specimens
Authors: Kowalski Regis P. , Karenchak Lisa M. , Dhaliwal Deepinder K. , Mammen Alex
Published: May 2017

Objective:

The laboratory diagnostic detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from eye samples must be practical, timely, and definitive for appropriate therapy. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or cell culture can be definitive, HSV results can be delayed. Enzyme Linked Virus Inducible System (ELVIS) is a test that can provide results within 24 to 48 hr. We evaluated “AmpliVue HSV 1+2 Assay” as a molecular colorimetric test that can detect HSV (1 or 2) DNA within 1 hr.

Methods:

Cornea/conjunctival samples were tested retrospectively with AmpliVue against 53 true-positive and 20 true-negative specimens collected in chlamydial transport medium. All clinical specimens were tested by cell culture isolation, PCR, and ELVIS for routine patient care.

Results:

The sensitivity of AmpliVue against ocular samples that were both culture-positive and PCR-positive was 84%. The specificity of AmpliVue was 100%. Only one clinical sample was HSV-2 positive, whereas all others tested positive for HSV-1. Based on PCR-positive and cell culture-negative samples, AmpliVue (11 of 17) tested more positive than ELVIS (0 of 17) (P=0.003, Fisher Exact).

Conclusions:

AmpliVue is moderately sensitive and highly specific as a practical and timely diagnostic test for detecting ocular HSV. Expertise is readily achieved and the test is straightforward with easy interpretation. Negative AmpliVue testing must be confirmed with PCR. AmpliVue has potential as an office-based diagnostic test.
Fungal Keratitis Associated With Airborne Organic Debris and Soft Contacts Lenses: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hodkin Michael J. , Gustus Ryan C.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

To report two cases of fungal keratitis in soft contact lens wearers who were exposed to environmental mold.

Methods:

Case reports, with review of the relevant literature.

Results:

Two otherwise healthy middle-aged women who were soft contact lens wearers developed fungal keratitis about 1 week after heavy exposure to environmental mold. Culture results showed Aspergillus from one patient and the unusual combination of Trichoderma and Penicillium from the other. Both were treated with topical natamycin, topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic prophylaxis, and periodic ulcer debridement. After many weeks of treatment, both ulcers healed with subsequent scarring. Because the ulcers were located in the peripheral cornea in both cases, excellent final visual acuities were achieved. Fungal keratitis cases like these are rarely seen at our referral clinic, which is located in the temperate climate of northeastern Indiana.

Conclusions:

In addition to the usual recommended contact lens care guidelines, it may be prudent for eye care providers to warn patients against wearing their contact lenses in situations likely to result in heavy exposure to organic matter or, at the very least, to wear tight-fitting goggles for eye protection.
Systematic Review of Hydrotherapy Research
Authors: Shaw-Battista Jenna
Published: May 2017

Health sciences research was systematically reviewed to assess randomized controlled trials of standard care versus immersion hydrotherapy in labor before conventional childbirth. Seven studies of 2615 women were included. Six trials examined hydrotherapy in midwifery care and found an effect of pain relief; of these, 2 examined analgesia and found reduced use among women who bathed in labor. One study each found that hydrotherapy reduced maternal anxiety and fetal malpresentation, increased maternal satisfaction with movement and privacy, and resulted in cervical dilation progress equivalent to standard labor augmentation practices. Studies examined more than 30 fetal and neonatal outcomes, and no benefit or harm of hydrotherapy was identified. Two trials had anomalous findings of increased newborn resuscitation or nursery admission after hydrotherapy, which were not supported by additional results in the same or other studies. Review findings demonstrate that intrapartum immersion hydrotherapy is a helpful and benign practice. Hydrotherapy facilitates physiologic childbirth and may increase satisfaction with care. Maternity care providers are recommended to include hydrotherapy among routine labor pain management options and consider immersion to promote progress of normal or protracted labor, particularly among women with preferences to avoid obstetric medications and procedures.
Predictors of bile tree pathology in patients presenting with gallbladder disease
Authors: Rahal Mahmoud A. , Rammal Mohammad O. , Karaoui Walid , Hallal Ali , Tamim Hani , Shaib Yasser
Published: May 2017

Background

Patients with gallstone disease can present with elevated liver function tests (LFTs). It is often challenging to differentiate those with a common bile duct (CBD) stone from those without a CBD stone on the basis of the LFTs levels. In this study, we aim to evaluate the predictors of a CBD stones among patients presenting with symptomatic gallbladder disease and elevated LFTs.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively examined all patients who had undergone a cholecystectomy between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and increased LFTs were included. Patient characteristics, imaging findings, lab findings, endoscopic interventions, and operative report were recorded and evaluated. The diagnosis of CBD stones was made on the basis of ERCP and IOC findings.

Results

We included 354 patients in the final analysis. Of these, 113 (32%) had confirmed choledocholithiasis. The prevalence of CBD stones among biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, and pancreatitis patients was 47, 25, and 26%, respectively. γ-Glutamyl transferase and direct bilirubin had the highest sensitivities for CBD stones among these patients (83 vs. 79%). In the setting of biliary colic, total bilirubin was highly predictive of CBD stones with a positive predictive value of 85%. In the setting of acute cholecystitis, elevated LFTs were even less significant in predicting stones, with a positive predictive value of less than 40% for most.

Conclusion

Although γ-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin levels showed a relatively higher sensitivity for CBDS compared with the other LFTs, these were not reliable enough because of high false-positive as well as false-negative values, especially in patients presenting with acute cholecystitis.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases as a Global Health Problem: Implications for Pregnancy and Travel
Authors: Diouf Khady , Nour Nawal M.
Published: May 2017

Importance

Mosquitoes are the most common disease vectors worldwide. A combination of factors, including changes in public health policy, climate change, and global travel, has led to the resurgence and spread of these diseases in our modern world. Pregnant women are vulnerable to a number of these illnesses, and obstetricians are likely to encounter pregnant travelers who have been exposed.

Objective

This review was conducted to summarize knowledge of mosquito-borne diseases and their relevance in pregnancy. This will allow obstetricians to provide proper advice regarding travel and prepare providers to recognize manifestations of these illnesses in the pregnant woman.

Evidence Acquisition

A review of the current literature was performed to summarize the various manifestations of mosquito-borne illnesses in pregnant women and discuss obstetric outcomes and management of disease in pregnancy.

Results

Mosquito-borne illnesses usually manifest after a period of incubation lasting from days to weeks. Symptoms usually include a febrile illness but may be nonspecific and may masquerade as pregnancy-specific illnesses such as preeclampsia or HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels); a large number of patients remain asymptomatic. Pregnancy-related outcomes include spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal demise, intrauterine transmission to the fetus, and congenital anomalies. Management during pregnancy is mainly supportive. Precautions against disease include protective clothing and insect repellents. Vaccines are either available or in development.

Conclusions and Relevance

Mosquito-borne disease should be considered in pregnant women who present with a febrile illness and a relevant exposure history. Prompt recognition can allow supportive treatment to the mother and fetal resuscitation and surveillance.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the presentation, symptoms, and diagnosis of mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, Zika, and filariasis; describe the risks of mosquito-borne diseases to the pregnant woman and her fetus; and outline the management considerations for pregnant women with specific mosquito-borne infections.
The Risks of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy
Authors: Volkow Nora D. , Compton Wilson M. , Wargo Eric M.
Published: May 2017

(Abstracted from JAMA 2017;317(2):129–130)

This article highlights the risks associated with the use of marijuana during pregnancy. In the context of marijuana’s legalization in 29 states and Washington, DC, and the antinausea effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in it, there is an increased risk of pregnant women turning to marijuana to control nausea in the first trimester.
Transenteric ERCP for Treatment of Choledocholithiasis After Duodenal Switch
Authors: Marchesini João C.D. , Noda Rafael W. , Haida Vitor M. , Medeiros Rodrigo C.d.L. , Sadowski Silvano , Galvão Neto Manoel , Marchesini João B. , Campos Josemberg M.
Published: May 2017

This article aims to describe step-by-step technique performed with the aid of a video. We report the performance of an endoscopic approach to the biliary tract on 2 patients who had previously undergone duodenal switch (DS). It was successfully performed a laparoscopic-assisted transenteric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in both the patients. Although successful experiences with ERCP after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been found, few cases of ERCP after DS have been reported. Nevertheless, this is the first study to include a multimedia video with description of details and all technical steps of the transenteric ERCP performed on 2 patients who had previously undergone DS. Transenteric access is a feasible technique for reaching the biliary tract through endoscopy after DS. This technique could avoid most invasive and risky procedures. However, it requires a high level of therapeutic endoscopic training.
Imaging plus X: multimodal models of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Oxtoby Neil P. , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

This article argues that the time is approaching for data-driven disease modelling to take centre stage in the study and management of neurodegenerative disease. The snowstorm of data now available to the clinician defies qualitative evaluation; the heterogeneity of data types complicates integration through traditional statistical methods; and the large datasets becoming available remain far from the big-data sizes necessary for fully data-driven machine-learning approaches. The recent emergence of data-driven disease progression models provides a balance between imposed knowledge of disease features and patterns learned from data. The resulting models are both predictive of disease progression in individual patients and informative in terms of revealing underlying biological patterns.

Recent findings

Largely inspired by observational models, data-driven disease progression models have emerged in the last few years as a feasible means for understanding the development of neurodegenerative diseases. These models have revealed insights into frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other conditions. For example, event-based models have revealed finer graded understanding of progression patterns; self-modelling regression and differential equation models have provided data-driven biomarker trajectories; spatiotemporal models have shown that brain shape changes, for example of the hippocampus, can occur before detectable neurodegeneration; and network models have provided some support for prion-like mechanistic hypotheses of disease propagation. The most mature results are in sporadic Alzheimer's disease, in large part because of the availability of the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative dataset. Results generally support the prevailing amyloid-led hypothetical model of Alzheimer's disease, while revealing finer detail and insight into disease progression.

The emerging field of disease progression modelling provides a natural mechanism to integrate different kinds of information, for example from imaging, serum and cerebrospinal fluid markers and cognitive tests, to obtain new insights into progressive diseases. Such insights include fine-grained longitudinal patterns of neurodegeneration, from early stages, and the heterogeneity of these trajectories over the population. More pragmatically, such models enable finer precision in patient staging and stratification, prediction of progression rates and earlier and better identification of at-risk individuals. We argue that this will make disease progression modelling invaluable for recruitment and end-points in future clinical trials, potentially ameliorating the high failure rate in trials of, e.g., Alzheimer's disease therapies. We review the state of the art in these techniques and discuss the future steps required to translate the ideas to front-line application.
Common reef-building coral in the Northern Red Sea resistant to elevated temperature and acidification
Authors: Krueger Thomas , Horwitz Noa , Bodin Julia , Giovani Maria-Evangelia , Escrig Stéphane , Meibom Anders , Fine Maoz
Published: May 2017

Coral reefs are currently experiencing substantial ecological impoverishment as a result of anthropogenic stressors, and the majority of reefs are facing immediate risk. Increasing ocean surface temperatures induce frequent coral mass bleaching events—the breakdown of the nutritional photo-symbiosis with intracellular algae (genus:
Symbiodinium
). Here, we report that
Stylophora pistillata
from a highly diverse reef in the Gulf of Aqaba showed no signs of bleaching despite spending 1.5 months at 1–2°C above their long-term summer maximum (amounting to 11 degree heating weeks) and a seawater pH of 7.8. Instead, their symbiotic dinoflagellates exhibited improved photochemistry, higher pigmentation and a doubling in net oxygen production, leading to a 51% increase in primary productivity. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging revealed subtle cellular-level shifts in carbon and nitrogen metabolism under elevated temperatures, but overall host and symbiont biomass proxies were not significantly affected. Now living well below their thermal threshold in the Gulf of Aqaba, these corals have been evolutionarily selected for heat tolerance during their migration through the warm Southern Red Sea after the last ice age. This may allow them to withstand future warming for a longer period of time, provided that successful environmental conservation measures are enacted across national boundaries in the region.
Thin Al

1−
x

Ga

x

As
0.56
Sb
0.44
diodes with extremely weak temperature dependence of avalanche breakdown
Authors: Zhou Xinxin , Tan Chee Hing , Zhang Shiyong , Moreno Manuel , Xie Shiyu , Abdullah Salman , Ng Jo Shien
Published: May 2017

When using avalanche photodiodes (APDs) in applications, temperature dependence of avalanche breakdown voltage is one of the performance parameters to be considered. Hence, novel materials developed for APDs require dedicated experimental studies. We have carried out such a study on thin Al

1–
x

Ga

x

As
0.56
Sb
0.44
p–i–n diode wafers (Ga composition from 0 to 0.15), plus measurements of avalanche gain and dark current. Based on data obtained from 77 to 297 K, the alloys Al

1−
x

Ga

x

As
0.56
Sb
0.44
exhibited weak temperature dependence of avalanche gain and breakdown voltage, with temperature coefficient approximately 0.86–1.08 mV K
−1
, among the lowest values reported for a number of semiconductor materials. Considering no significant tunnelling current was observed at room temperature at typical operating conditions, the alloys Al

1−
x

Ga

x

As
0.56
Sb
0.44
(Ga from 0 to 0.15) are suitable for InP substrates-based APDs that require excellent temperature stability without high tunnelling current.
Pre- versus post-mass extinction divergence of Mesozoic marine reptiles dictated by time-scale dependence of evolutionary rates
Authors: Motani Ryosuke , Jiang Da-yong , Tintori Andrea , Ji Cheng , Huang Jian-dong
Published: May 2017

The fossil record of a major clade often starts after a mass extinction even though evolutionary rates, molecular or morphological, suggest its pre-extinction emergence (e.g. squamates, placentals and teleosts). The discrepancy is larger for older clades, and the presence of a time-scale-dependent methodological bias has been suggested, yet it has been difficult to avoid the bias using Bayesian phylogenetic methods. This paradox raises the question of whether ecological vacancies, such as those after mass extinctions, prompt the radiations. We addressed this problem by using a unique temporal characteristic of the morphological data and a high-resolution stratigraphic record, for the oldest clade of Mesozoic marine reptiles, Ichthyosauromorpha. The evolutionary rate was fastest during the first few million years of ichthyosauromorph evolution and became progressively slower over time, eventually becoming six times slower. Using the later slower rates, estimates of divergence time become excessively older. The fast, initial rate suggests the emergence of ichthyosauromorphs after the end-Permian mass extinction, matching an independent result from high-resolution stratigraphic confidence intervals. These reptiles probably invaded the sea as a new ecosystem was formed after the end-Permian mass extinction. Lack of information on early evolution biased Bayesian clock rates.
Widespread ecomorphological convergence in multiple fish families spanning the marine–freshwater interface
Authors: Davis Aaron M. , Betancur-R Ricardo
Published: May 2017

The theoretical definition and quantification of convergence is an increasingly topical focus in evolutionary research, with particular growing interest on study scales spanning deep phylogenetic divergences and broad geographical areas. While much progress has recently been made in understanding the role of convergence in driving terrestrial (e.g. anole lizards) and aquatic (e.g. cichlids) radiations, little is known about its macroevolutionary effects across environmental gradients. This study uses a suite of recently developed comparative approaches integrating diverse aspects of morphology, dietary data, habitat affiliation and phylogeny to assess convergence across several well-known tropical–temperate fish families in the percomorph suborder Terapontoidei, a clade with considerable phenotypic and ecological diversity radiating in both marine and freshwater environments. We demonstrate significant widespread convergence across many lineages occupying equivalent trophic niches, particularly feeding habits such as herbivory and biting of attached prey off hard substrates. These include several examples of convergent morphotypes evolving independently in marine and freshwater clades, separated by deep evolutionary divergences (tens of millions of years). The Terapontoidei present a new example of the macroevolutionary dynamics of morphological and ecological coevolution in relation to habitat and trophic preferences, at a greater phylogenetic and habitat scale than most well-studied adaptive radiations.
Early social learning triggers neurogenomic expression changes in a swordtail fish
Authors: Cui Rongfeng , Delclos Pablo J. , Schumer Molly , Rosenthal Gil G.
Published: May 2017

Mate choice can play a pivotal role in the nature and extent of reproductive isolation between species. Mating preferences are often dependent on an individual's social experience with adult phenotypes throughout development. We show that olfactory preference in a swordtail fish (
Xiphophorus malinche
) is affected by previous experience with adult olfactory signals. We compare transcriptome-wide gene expression levels of pooled sensory and brain tissues between three treatment groups that differ by social experience: females with no adult exposure, females exposed to conspecifics and females exposed to heterospecifics. We identify potential functionally relevant genes and biological pathways differentially expressed not only between control and exposure groups, but also between groups exposed to conspecifics and heterospecifics. Based on our results, we speculate that vomeronasal receptor type 2 paralogs may detect species-specific pheromone components and thus play an important role in reproductive isolation between species.
Enzyme-free nucleic acid dynamical systems
Authors: Srinivas Niranjan , Parkin James , Seelig Georg , Winfree Erik , Soloveichik David
Published: May 2017

Chemistries exhibiting complex dynamics—from inorganic oscillators to gene regulatory networks—have been long known but either cannot be reprogrammed at will, or rely on the sophisticated chemistry underlying the central dogma. Can simpler molecular mechanisms, designed from scratch, exhibit the same range of behaviors? Abstract coupled chemical reactions have been proposed as a programming language for complex dynamics, along with their systematic implementation using short synthetic DNA molecules. We developed this technology for dynamical systems, identifying critical design principles and codifying them into a compiler automating the design process. Using this approach, we built an oscillator containing only DNA components, establishing that Watson-Crick base pairing interactions alone suffice for arbitrarily complex dynamics. Our results argue that autonomous molecular systems that interact with and control their chemical environment can be designed via molecular programming languages.
DNA replication timing during development anticipates transcriptional programs and parallels enhancer activation
Authors: Siefert Joseph C. , Georgescu Constantin , Wren Jonathan D. , Koren Amnon , Sansam Christopher L.
Published: May 2017

In dividing cells, DNA replication occurs in a precise order, but many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of replication timing establishment and regulation. We now have generated genome-wide, high-resolution replication timing maps throughout zebrafish development. Unexpectedly, in the rapid cell cycles preceding the midblastula transition, a defined timing program was present that predicted the initial wave of zygotic transcription. Replication timing was thereafter progressively and continuously remodeled across the majority of the genome, and epigenetic changes involved in enhancer activation frequently paralleled developmental changes in replication timing. The long arm of Chromosome 4 underwent a dramatic developmentally regulated switch to late replication during gastrulation, reminiscent of mammalian X Chromosome inactivation. This study reveals that replication timing is dynamic and tightly linked to epigenetic and transcriptional changes throughout early zebrafish development. These data provide insight into the regulation and functions of replication timing and will enable further mechanistic studies.
Method of analysis of asymmetrical thermal field in a double insulated wire
Authors: Golebiowski Jerzy , Zareba Marek
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is investigating the impact of the spatially variable heat transfer coefficient on the thermal field in the double insulated wire.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of the air boundary layer was modelled by means of changing the total heat transfer coefficient on the external perimeter of the wire. This leads to an elliptical boundary problem with Hankel’s condition dependent on the angular coordinate. The eigenfunctions of the problem were determined analytically. On the other hand, the unknown coefficients of eigenfunctions and the constants were calculated numerically by solving a respective system of algebraic equations. The steady state current rating was determined with an iterative method.

Findings

By means of the presented method, the thermal field distribution deprived of axial symmetry in the double insulated wire was determined. The obtained results have good physical interpretation and were verified with the finite element method (by means of NISA v. 16 software). The determined values of the steady-state current rating were compared with those calculated by means of the equivalent heat transfer coefficient method and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard.

Research limitations/implications

The method is applied to analyse scalar fields in layered cylindrical structures. This could be expanded to the case of a wire of any number of insulation layers. What is more, one could also consider heat sources without axial symmetry and located within the external area.

Originality/value

The analytical method of determining a thermal field deprived of axial symmetry in heterogeneous cylindrical system (the wire composed of three different materials) was developed.
Modelling identity types through agency: part 1 defragmenting identity theory
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Di Fatta Davide
Published: May 2017

Purpose

There is fragmentation in the academic study of identity theory, and it is dislocated from personality theory. The paper aims to develop a model that resolves both of these issues using autonomous agency theory. It is shown that identities can be evaluated using mindset agency theory. Application is then made to a case study of Donald Trump’s US election campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first of this three-part paper, the fragmented identity theory is examined ontologically to generate a coherent model of multiple identities.

Findings

A new coherent model of multiple identities is created.

Originality/value

There is not currently any that has created coherent theory of multiple identities.
How does entrepreneurial opportunity affect the decision-making process of effectuation?
Authors: Long Dan , Xia Zi-yao , Hu Wang-bin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bridge the obvious gap presented in research on antecedents of effectuation by building a research model from the perspectives of effectuation and entrepreneurial opportunity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the effects of patterns of opportunity discovery and the innovativeness of entrepreneurial opportunity on the decision-making process of effectuation in new venture creation. Eight hypotheses are put forward and examined by hierarchical multiple logistic regression. The data in this paper are based on the first two rounds of survey data from Chinese Panel Study of Entrepreneurial dynamics.

Findings

The empirical results show that patterns of opportunity discovery have significant positive effects (at least partially) on effectuation. Namely, entrepreneurs employing fortuitous discovery tend to use available means and leverage contingency. And with lower innovativeness of opportunity, entrepreneurs are more likely to use affordable loss and leverage contingency.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to each dimension of effectuation based on the single-item measure, which cannot completely reflect the effectual construct. More research should to be done to improve measures of effectuation.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for entrepreneurs to make effective decisions whether to choose effectuation in the face of different patterns of opportunity discovery. Besides, it provides the advice on how to cope with the innovativeness of opportunity and seize entrepreneurial opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This paper first systematically studies the effects of entrepreneurial opportunity on effectuation, making up for the obvious gap of research on antecedents of effectuation.
Social question and answer sites: the story so far
Authors: Khusro Shah , Alam Aftab , Khalid Shah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Social question and answer (SQA) site is one of the factors that boosted up and popularized the vision of social web. It enables community members to post highly valued answers to globally asked questions and information seekers to grab intellectual information in a contextual, concise, and meaningful format at the cost of investing a few minutes. The purpose of this paper is to present a common architecture, history, and a comprehensive review of such sites.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical and analytical investigation of the state-of-the-art SQA sites and relevant literature has been carried out with the intention to explore the noticeable features of such sites.

Findings

By studying relevant literature, and analysing a number of existing systems, a number of research challenges are identified and a generic architecture of SQA sites is contributed.

Practical implications

The review contributes a comprehensive knowledge about SQA systems and aims to be helpful to new researchers who want to get a broad picture of SQA systems on a single platform. The domain is in its infancy and requires tremendous efforts from the research community to explore its salient aspects with respect to the human world.

Originality/value

The study inspects SQA sites on a large scale and makes an original contribution by presenting a comprehensive review, future research challenges, and a generic architecture of SQA sites.
Effects of mood states and team identification on pricing in the secondary ticket market
Authors: Ballouli Khalid , Reese Jason , Brown Brandon
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Although current literature offers support for understanding sport consumer behavior from psychological and sociological perspectives, there is a lack of research that examines the effect of one’s emotional response to team outcomes on subsequent economic decisions. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by studying how emotional responses to sport events moderate a typical endowment bias in the secondary ticket market.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprised a 3×2×2 between-participants design with emotional state (positive, negative, and neutral), role (seller, buyer), and fan identification (high, low) as the three factors. Prospect theory and social identity theory guided hypothesis development whereby it was proposed that, depending on the affective response of study participants to positive, negative, or neutral publicity concerning the team, team identification would impact the transaction function (buyers vs sellers) on price values for tickets to a future event.

Findings

Findings revealed an interaction effect of emotions and team identification on the endowment effect to the extent that bargaining gaps between sellers and buyers increased or decreased depending on mood states and levels of identification with the team.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on emotions and the key role they play in effecting pricing decisions and consumer behavior, especially given fan identification is such a significant area of study with numerous implications for sport business and management.
A profile of the variation in compositional, proteolytic, lipolytic and fracture properties of retail Cheddar cheese
Authors: McCarthy Catherine M , Wilkinson Martin G , Kelly Phillip M , Guinee Timothy P
Published: May 2017

The study evaluated the composition, proteolysis, lipolysis and fracture properties of eight leading retail brands of full‐fat Cheddar cheese, four mild and four mature. Each brand was purchased on each of six consecutive months. Significant inter‐ and intrabrand variation was evident for most parameters, being pronounced for salt‐in‐moisture, fat‐in‐dry matter, lactic acid, pH, free amino acids, fracture properties and free fatty acids. The inter‐ and intrabrand variation is most likely associated with large seasonal variations in milk composition and the use of insufficiently robust SOPs, leading to changes in key manufacturing variables including ratio of rennet to casein and lactose‐in‐moisture phase.
The influence of vegetable puree containing carotenoids on the nutrient composition and structure of milk yoghurt
Authors: Guz Elena Aleksandrovna , Novitskaya Elena Gennadievna , Kalenik Tatyana Kuzminichna , Levochkina Lyudmila Vladimirovna , Piekoszewski Wojciech
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to develop technology to produce a mashed pumpkin yoghurt rich in β‐carotene and to check its physicochemical properties and nutritional values. The structural and mechanical properties of the yoghurt product, as well its basic nutrient content and antioxidant activity, were studied. Yoghurt fortified with pumpkin puree has the potential to normalise the commensal intestinal microbiota and has potential as a dietary health supplement. The experimental yoghurt samples that were produced had physicochemical properties comparable to commercially produced yoghurt: the pumpkin‐supplemented samples contained 4.5% fibre, 8.5 mg/100 g vitamin C and 8.9 mg/100 g β‐carotene.
Association of CD8+ T‐cells with bone erosion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Joo Young Bin , Park Youngho , Kim Kwangwoo , Bang So‐Young , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Lee Hye‐Soon
Published: May 2017

Aim

Bone erosion is a major problem worsening quality of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients’ lives. However, causal factors responsible for bone erosion in RA have remained unclear. We aimed to examine genetic variants conferring bone erosion in RA using a Korean genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and to search for possible biological mechanisms underlying the development of bone erosion.

Method

We obtained genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 711 Korean RA patients using Illumina HapMap 550v3/660W arrays. Associations between SNPs and bone erosion status based on the Steinbrocker staging system were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Cell‐type‐specific enrichment of the epigenomic chromatin annotation H3K4me3 at the bone erosion associated variants was further investigated using National Institute of Health Roadmap Epigenomics data.

Results

As we tested the associations between 439 289 SNPs and bone erosion in 385 patients with erosive RA and 326 with non‐erosive RA, none of the tested SNPs reached the genome‐wide significance threshold, although many loci showed modest genetic effect on bone erosion status with suggestive association (e.g., rs2741200 [P = 3.75 × 10−6] in the SLA‐TG locus and rs12422918 [P = 4.13 × 10−6] in SRGAP1). However, the top‐ranked SNPs and their linked proxies, which were mostly located in non‐coding variants, were significantly co‐localized with the highly tissue‐specific regulatory marker H3K4me3 in CD8+ memory T‐cells (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Although, there was no large‐effect variants associated with bone erosion in our GWAS, we have shown that CD8+ memory T‐cells may have relevance with bone erosion in patients with RA through the analysis of ChiP‐seq data.
High‐dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy in ocular involvement of Behcet's disease: a pilot double‐blind controlled study
Authors: Mohammadi Mastaneh , Shahram Farhad , Shams Hormoz , Akhlaghi Massoomeh , Ashofteh Farimah , Davatchi Fereydoun
Published: May 2017

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous high‐dose pulses of methylprednisolone (IVPM) for treatment of ocular involvement in Behcet's disease (BD).

Method

In a double‐blind control study, we randomized BD patients with posterior uveitis (PU) and/or retinal vasculitis (RV) into two groups. They received either IVPM (1000 mg methylprednisolone) or placebo for 3 consecutive days. Both groups received combination therapy with IV cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and prednisolone for 6 months. Visual acuity (VA), Disease Activity Index (DAI) based on the inflammatory state of each section of each eye, total inflammatory (TIAI) and adjusted DAI (TADAI) for each patient were calculated. The comparisons were done by paired t‐ and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Seventeen patients in each group completed the treatment. The mean VA improved from 0.5 to 0.8 (P < 0.000001) for the study and from 0.6 to 0.7 (P < 0.02) for the placebo group. The difference was significant (P = 0.01). The comparison showed no significant difference regarding DAI improvement in other items (P > 0.2): PU, 1.9 to 0.5 (P < 0.0006) versus 2.3 to 0.8 (P < 0.0002); RV: 4.0 to 1.1 (P < 0.0004) versus 3.1 to 1.1 (P < 0.0005); TIAI: 23 to 5.7 (P < 0.0002) versus 24.8 to 8.4 (P < 0.003); TADAI: 24.1 to 7.3 (P < 0.0002) versus 25.9 to 7.9 (P < 0.004). We had one flare in the study versus seven in the placebo group (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

Adding high‐dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy to conventional combination therapy for severe ocular lesions of BD may cause better improvement on VA and fewer flares during the first 6 months of treatment.
Unraveling the expression of microRNA‐27a* & NKG2D in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and natural killer cells of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Sourour Shady K. , Aboelenein Heba R. , Elemam Noha M. , Abdelhamid Amira K. , Salah Samia , Abdelaziz Ahmed I.
Published: May 2017

Background and aim

The activity of natural killer (NK) cells is known to be decreased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Nevertheless, the exact contribution of NK cells in the pathogenesis of SLE is still inconclusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small noncoding RNA molecules that play a fundamental role in regulating NK cell function. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of miRNAs that might potentially target an essential activating receptor, NKG2D in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and NK cells of SLE patients.

Methods

In silico analysis revealed miR‐27a* to potentially target NKG2D messenger RNA (mRNA), hence PBMCs and NK cells were isolated from blood samples of SLE patients and healthy controls. Next, the cells were transfected using mimics and antagomirs, after which miRNA/mRNA were quantified using real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The results of this study showed that miR‐27a* is overexpressed in the PBMCs and NK cells of SLE patients. In contrast, NKG2D was found to be downregulated in PBMCs and NK cells of SLE patients. Forcing the expression of miR‐27a* in PBMCs and NK cells enhances the expression of NKG2D in SLE patients. Furthermore, the ligand of NKG2D, ULBP2, was found to be downregulated in the PBMCs of SLE patients.

Conclusion

The altered expression of the triad, miR‐27a* as well as NKG2D and ULBP2, is thought to be characteristic for NK cells in SLE patients. Hence, the ability of miR‐27a* to alter the expression of NKG2D may provide a new groundwork for understanding the role of miRNAs in NK cells of SLE patients.
Raising search costs to deter window shopping can increase profits and welfare
Authors: Taylor Greg
Published: May 2017

Consumers tend to browse products they are interested in and firms often invest resources in selling to them. A consequence, I show, is that it is optimal for a firm to increase the cost of browsing (even though this drives away potential customers) because doing so allows it to target sales efforts at those consumers most likely to buy. Despite representing pure waste, this can increase welfare by facilitating efficient allocation of sales or marketing resources. For a similar reason, consumers often benefit from search costs in aggregate, and prefer them to other means of screening, such as price increases.
Performance feedback in competitive product development
Authors: Gross Daniel P.
Published: May 2017

Performance feedback is ubiquitous in competitive settings where new products are developed. This article introduces a fundamental tension between incentives and improvement in the provision of feedback. Using a sample of 4294 commercial logo design tournaments, I show that feedback reduces participation but improves the quality of subsequent submissions, with an ambiguous effect on high‐quality output. To evaluate this trade‐off, I develop a procedure to estimate agents' effort costs and simulate counterfactuals under alternative feedback policies. The results suggest that feedback on net increases the number of high‐quality ideas produced and is thus desirable for a principal seeking innovation.
Ad valorem platform fees, indirect taxes, and efficient price discrimination
Authors: Wang Zhu , Wright Julian
Published: May 2017

This article explains why platforms such as Amazon and Visa rely predominantly on ad valorem fees, fees which increase proportionally with transaction prices. It also provides a new explanation for why ad valorem
sales taxes are more desirable than specific taxes. The theory rests on the ability of ad valorem fees and taxes to achieve efficient price discrimination, given that the value of a transaction to buyers tends to vary proportionally with the cost of the good traded.