bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION AND THE UNSECURED CREDIT MARKET
Authors: Sánchez Juan M.
Published: November 2017

The information technology (IT) revolution coincided with the transformation of the U.S. unsecured credit market. Households' borrowing increased rapidly and there was an even faster increase in bankruptcy filings. A risk of default model with asymmetric information and costly screening is introduced to study this period. When information costs are high, the design of contracts under private information prevents some households from borrowing with a risk of default. As information costs drop, households borrow more and bankruptcy filings increase. Quantitative exercises suggest that the IT revolution may have played an important role in the transformation of the unsecured credit market. (JEL E43, E44, G33)
Mindful Parenting and Emotion Socialization Practices: Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations
Authors: McKee Laura G. , Parent Justin , Zachary Chloe R. , Forehand Rex
Published: November 2017

Caregivers play a crucial role in the socialization of youth emotion understanding, competence, and regulation, which are implicated in youth social and emotional health; however, there is less understanding of parental psychosocial or cognitive factors, like mindful parenting, that may be associated with the use of particular emotion socialization (ES) strategies. This study tests a model of the cross‐sectional and short‐term longitudinal associations between mindful parenting and supportive and nonsupportive ES strategies in a community sample of parents (N = 246; 63.8% mothers) of youth ranging from ages 3–12. Caregivers reported on mindful parenting and ES strategies at two time points 4 months apart. The structural equation model indicated that higher levels of mindful parenting are positively related to supportive ES responses and negatively related to nonsupportive ES responses both concurrently and over time. The longitudinal association between mindful parenting and nonsupportive, but not supportive, ES was marginally larger for fathers as compared to mothers. Given the documented impact of ES strategies on youth emotional and behavioral outcomes and interventions emerging to educate parents about how to provide a healthy emotional atmosphere, incorporating a focus on mindful parenting strategies may provide one pathway to increase supportive responses and decrease nonsupportive ones.
Digital microscopy as a screening tool for the diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemia
Authors: Huisjes R. , van Solinge W. W. , Levin M. D. , van Wijk R. , Riedl J. A.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Evaluation of red blood cell (RBC) morphology is an important first step in the differential diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemia. It is, however, labor intensive, expensive, and prone to subjectivity. To improve and standardize the analysis of RBC morphology as a screening tool in the diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemia, we studied its automated analysis by digital microscopy (DM).

Methods

Blood from 90 patients with hereditary hemolytic anemia and 32 normal control subjects was analyzed by the CellaVision DM96 Digital Microscope.

Results

All hemolytic RBC abnormalities could be distinguished by the presence of at least one aberrant red cell type. In particular, the percentage of microcytes was highly sensitive and specific (AUCROC = 0.97) for RBC membrane disorders, and a cut‐off of 5.7% microcytes was calculated to be optimal to distinguish patients from healthy controls. Subgroup analysis of patients with RBC membrane disorders revealed additional distinct differences according to the underlying gene defect. A number of cell types were significantly elevated in sickle cell anemia patients, such as polychromatic cells, macrocytes, and poikilocytes. The increase in helmet cells (AUCROC = 0.96) and hypochromic cells (AUCROC = 0.91) was specific for β‐thalassemia, whereas patients with pyruvate kinase deficiency showed a significant increased polychromatic cells, macrocytes, and ovalocytes. Patients with hereditary xerocytosis showed significantly higher numbers of polychromatic cells, macrocytes, and target cells.

Conclusion

DM holds a promise as a useful screening tool in the diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemia by detecting and quantifying distinct morphological changes in RBCs in patients with various forms of hereditary hemolytic anemia.
Optimal online channel strategies for a hotel considering direct booking and cooperation with an online travel agent
Authors: Ye Fei , Yan Hui , Wu Yongzhong
Published: November 2017

This paper studies the channel strategies for a hotel considering alternative online distribution channels. The decision for the hotel involves whether to rely on direct booking via its official website or cooperating with an online travel agent (OTA), and if the latter is suggested, what business model to be adopted for the cooperation with the OTA. Three mathematical models, i.e., direct booking model, OTA merchant model, and OTA agent model, are developed to evaluate the costs and benefits in the three different cases. The negotiation process in the OTA agent model is studied by using the generalized Nash bargaining solution. The optimal decisions and profits are analyzed with respect to the values of key parameters. Results of numerical examples are discussed to show the implications of the established models.
A practical three‐phase ILP approach for solving the examination timetabling problem
Authors: Al‐Hawari Feras , Al‐Ashi Mahmoud , Abawi Fares , Alouneh Sahel
Published: November 2017

A practical mathematical programming based approach is introduced for solving the examination timetabling problem at the German Jordanian University (GJU), whereby the complex process of acquiring a feasible examination timetable is simplified by subdividing it into three smaller sub‐problems (phases). Accordingly, the exams are initially allocated to time slots in phase one, the time slots are then allotted to days in phase two, and finally in phase three the exams are assigned to rooms based on the number of students taking each exam and capacities of the rooms. The solution for each phase is acquired based on an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation, while satisfying a set of hard constraints that ensure comfortable exam timetables for all students and meet the desired requirements set by GJU administrative staff. Furthermore, the solver can be controlled and launched from a student information system named MyGJU Admin, which enabled registrars at the university to easily, quickly, and accurately generate final exam timetables in several standard formats. Moreover, the approach was validated based on recent GJU registration information as well as real‐world benchmark data.
Two kinds of explicit preference information oriented capacity identification methods in the context of multicriteria decision analysis
Authors: Wu Jian‐Zhang , Pap Endre , Szakal Aniko
Published: November 2017

The decision maker's preference information on the importance and interaction of decision criteria can be explicitly described by the probabilistic interaction indices in the framework of the capacity based multicriteria decision analysis. In this paper, we first investigate some properties of the probabilistic interaction indices of the empty set, and propose the maximum and minimum empty set interaction principles based capacity identification methods, which can be considered as the comprehensive interaction trend preference information oriented capacity identification methods. Then, by introducing the deviation variables, the goal constraints, as well as the goal objective function, we give a new and more flexible approach to representing the decision maker's explicit preference information on the kind and degree of the interaction of any given combination of decision criteria as well as on the degree of the importance of any decision criterion, and construct the nonempty set interaction indices based capacity identification method, which can be considered as the detailed explicit preference information oriented identification method. Finally, two illustrative examples are respectively given to show the feasibility and applicability of the two kinds of methods. In addition, the comparison analysis between these two kinds of methods and some existing capacity identification methods are also mentioned.
Observation of metal nanoparticles at atomic resolution in Pt‐based cancer chemotherapeutics
Authors: SHEADER A.A. , VARAMBHIA A.M. , FLECK R.A. , FLATTERS S.J.L. , NELLIST P.D.
Published: November 2017

The chemotherapeutics cisplatin and oxaliplatin are important tools in the fight against cancer. Both compounds are platinum complexes. Aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy using the annular dark‐field imaging mode now routinely provides single‐atom sensitivity with atomic number contrast. Here, this imaging mode is used to directly image the platinum within the two drugs in their dried form on an amorphous carbon support film. The oxaliplatin is found to have wetted the supporting amorphous carbon, forming disordered clusters suggesting that the platinum has remained within the complex. Conversely, the cisplatin sample reveals 1.8‐nm‐diameter metallic platinum clusters. The size and shape of the clusters do not appear to be dependent on drying rate nor formed by beam damage, which may suggest that they were present in the original drug solution.
Maintenance IV immunoglobulin treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Kuitwaard Krista , Fokkink Willem‐Jan R. , Brusse Esther , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. , Eftimov Filip , Notermans Nicolette C. , van der Kooi Anneke J. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Jacobs Bart C. , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: November 2017

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) usually start with a standard dosage of 2 g/kg bodyweight. Only a minority of patients has a sustained improvement, and most require ongoing maintenance treatment. Preferred IVIg regimens, however, vary considerably between doctors and at present it is unknown which is optimal. As there are also large differences in IVIg dosage and interval requirements between patients, optimal IVIg maintenance treatment of CIDP is even more complex. The lack of evidence‐based guidelines on how IVIg maintenance treatment should be administered may potentially lead to under‐ or overtreatment of this expensive therapy. We provide an overview of published practical IVIg maintenance treatment regimens, IVIg maintenance schedules used in randomized controlled trials and one based upon our own long‐term experience on how this treatment could be given in CIDP.
LncRNA expression profiles in HBV‐transformed human hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with a novel inhibitor of human La protein
Authors: Pan J. , Tong S. , Tang J.
Published: November 2017

We previously identified a novel inhibitor of La protein, H11, which inhibited hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication by inhibiting the interaction between La protein and HBV RNA. However, the other cellular factors involved in this process remain unclear. To investigate the mechanism of H11‐mediated inhibition of HBV infection, a lncRNA microarray analysis was performed using H11‐treated and untreated stable HBV‐expressing human hepatoblastoma HepG2.2.15 cells. The profiles of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were generated and analysed using Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analyses. The microarray data showed that 61 lncRNAs were upregulated, 74 lncRNAs were downregulated, 43 mRNAs were upregulated, and 44 mRNAs were downregulated in H11 treatment group when compared with the control group, and these results were consistent with qRT‐PCR expression data. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were involved in RNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional gene silencing, regulation of viral genome replication and Jak‐STAT signalling and apoptosis pathways. GO analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in negative regulation of the Wnt signalling pathway and negative regulation of growth. Pathways analysis indicated that the differentially expressed mRNAs were involved in regulation of nuclear β‐catenin signalling and target gene transcription, as direct p53 effectors, and in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors signalling and peroxisome pathways. Microarray data and qRT‐PCR results indicated that H11 mediates inhibition of HBV replication by regulating the Wnt, β‐catenin and PPAR signalling pathways.
Elastogram quality assessment score in vibration‐controlled transient elastography: Diagnostic performance compared to digital morphometric analysis of liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mendes L. C. , Ferreira P. A. , Miotto N. , Zanaga L. , Gonçales E. S. L. , Pedro M. N. , Lazarini M. S. , Júnior F. L. G. , Stucchi R. S. B. , Vigani A. G.
Published: November 2017

Vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is widely used for noninvasive fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis C. However, internal validation is based solely on variability and success rate and lacks reproducible quality indicators. We analysed the graphic representation of shear wave propagation in comparison with morphometric results of liver biopsy, eliminating observer variability bias. Individual elastograms were classified according to two morphologic criteria: extension of wave propagation (length of the graphic representation) and shear wave dispersal (level of parallelism displayed in the elastogram). Then, a score based on these criteria stratified the elastogram in classes I through III (highest to lowest technical quality). Liver stiffness results of each measurement were compared with collagen contents in liver biopsy by morphometric analysis. A total of 3243 elastograms were studied (316 patients). Digital morphometry in liver biopsy showed significant fibrosis in 66% of samples and advanced fibrosis in 31%. Elastogram quality analysis resulted in 1438 class I measurements (44%), 1070 class II (34%) and 735 class III. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for severe fibrosis according to class (I, II and III) was 0.941, 0.887 and 0.766, respectively. For advanced fibrosis, AUROCs were 0.977, 0.883 and 0.781, respectively. Spearman's correlation testing for all classes and levels of fibrosis demonstrated significant independent association (r2 = −.95, P < .01). Our study is the first to propose measurable quality criteria for VTCE and to validate them against objective assessment of liver biopsy through digital morphometric imaging analysis. We concluded that VCTE performance is significantly influenced by quality assessment of individual measurements. Considering these criteria in clinical practice may improve accuracy.
Yield to the resistance: The impact of nematode resistant varieties on alfalfa yield
Authors: Jordan Scott
Published: November 2017

Alfalfa is a major cash crop in the western United States, where fields that are infested with the alfalfa stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) can be found. With no nematicides available to control alfalfa stem nematode spread, growers can use nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa to manage nematode populations in a field. A deterministic, discrete‐time, host‐parasite model is presented that describes the spread of alfalfa stem nematodes on resistant hosts that were fit to experimental data obtained in Weber County, Utah. Numerical results obtained from simulations with the model are used to compare how varying levels of resistance can affect harvest yield.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Alfalfa stem nematodes have a significant impact on alfalfa production. Nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa can be used to lessen the impact of nematodes on the alfalfa.

This discrete deterministic model is used to determine how different levels of nematode resistance in these varieties will affect harvest yield and nematode populations in the field.

Alfalfa varieties that have a resistance to nematodes can improve yield and lower the nematode population in an infested field.
Sustaining attention to simple visual tasks: a central deficit in schizophrenia? A systematic review
Authors: Hoonakker Marc , Doignon‐Camus Nadège , Bonnefond Anne
Published: November 2017

Impairments in sustained attention, that is, the ability to achieve and maintain the focus of cognitive activity on a given stimulation source or task, have been described as central to schizophrenia. Today, sustained attention deficit is still considered as a hallmark of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, current findings on this topic are not consistent. To clarify these findings, we attempt to put these results into perspective according to the type of assessment (i.e., overall and over time assessment), the participants’ characteristics (i.e., clinical and demographic characteristics), and the paradigms (i.e., traditionally formatted tasks, go/no‐go tasks, and the sustained attention task) and measures used. Two types of assessment lead to opposite findings; they do not evaluate sustained attention the same way. Studies using overall assessments of sustained attention ability tend to reveal a deficit, whereas studies using over time assessments do not. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the underlying cognitive control mechanisms of changes in sustained attention in schizophrenia.
Biological plausibility of the gut–brain axis in autism
Authors: Vasquez Alex
Published: November 2017

Organic abnormalities with neuroinflammatory and psychiatric consequences involving abnormal kynurenine and purine metabolism, neurotransmitter and cytokine imbalances, and altered levels of nutrients and metabolites are noted in autism, and many of these abnormalities—specifically including increased intestinal permeability, microbial metabolites, and heightened serum levels of endotoxin—originate from the gut.
Transcription factors as critical players in melanoma invasiveness, drug resistance, and opportunities for therapeutic drug development
Authors: Cohen‐Solal Karine A. , Kaufman Howard L. , Lasfar Ahmed
Published: November 2017

Resistance to targeted therapy in cancer is often coupled with the acquisition of a pro‐invasive phenotype by tumors cells and a highly permissive tumor microenvironment promoting drug resistance. Transcription factors are frequently shown as major points of convergence of multiple dysregulated receptors and signaling pathways in cancer. Several transcription factors are now incriminated as drivers of both drug resistance and invasiveness. We focused this review on critical transcription factors playing a causal role in both the resistance to BRAF V600E‐targeted therapy and the pro‐invasive behavior of melanoma cells. Simultaneous rewiring of pro‐oncogenic signaling pathways, phenotype switching or phenotypic plasticity supporting pro‐invasive/pro‐metastatic behavior, actin remodeling, and bidirectional interactions between tumor microenvironment and melanoma cells represent major challenges for overcoming resistance to BRAF V600E inhibitors (BRAFi) and will be discussed. Although it represents an underdeveloped area of translational investigation, inhibition of transcription factors may open new avenues to combat resistance to BRAFi.
Molecular breeding technologies and strategies for rust resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) for sustained food security
Authors: Savadi S. , Prasad P. , Kashyap P. L. , Bhardwaj S. C.
Published: November 2017

Wheat is an important cereal food crop providing key nutrients to humankind. Rusts are the most destructive pathogens of cereal crops, with the exception of rice, across the world and resistant cultivars have been widely employed to reduce the yield losses caused by them. The modern intensive monoculture of cultivars and changing climatic conditions has created congenial conditions for the emergence of new virulent races such as Ug99, which is a great concern for world food security. Conventional breeding efforts have not been effective in quickly developing new varieties with durable and broad‐spectrum resistance against the rapidly evolving rust pathogen races. However, in the last two decades, biotechnological methods such as marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and transgenic technology have provided novel strategies for enhancing resistance levels and durability in crop plants in a short span of time. Nevertheless, broad application of transgenics in agriculture is hindered by biosafety apprehensions. In recent years, improved versions of biotechnological breeding methods such as genomic selection, genome editing technologies, cisgenesis and intragenesis, RNA‐dependent DNA methylation (RdDM), agroinfiltration and reverse breeding are gaining popularity. These technologies provide a tremendous capability to manipulate crop plants more precisely than before and accelerate crop improvement efforts for sustained food production as well as overcoming safety concerns associated with food crops.
Multilevel Instruments for Infrastructure Investment: Evaluating State Revolving Funds for Water
Authors: Mullin Megan , Daley Dorothy M.
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, the federal government has introduced complex, multilevel state‐operated revolving loan fund programs as an instrument for promoting state and local investment in national infrastructure priorities while limiting direct federal involvement in implementation. A federally funded state revolving fund (SRF) program combines features of a categorical matching grant to states and a subsidized loan program to localities, both of which should lower the effective price of infrastructure investment and therefore promote higher levels of infrastructure investment. However, little evidence exists to date on whether these programs stimulate new subnational spending or instead displace spending that would have occurred otherwise. We evaluate the stimulus effects of SRFs by examining the two largest such programs, the Clean Water and the Drinking Water SRF Programs. Analyzing 17 years of state‐level panel data, we find evidence that the flow of federal funds to states under the SRF programs stimulates new local investment in wastewater infrastructure, but not in drinking water infrastructure. In discussing several possible explanations for these divergent results, we argue for further research that emphasizes the intergovernmental features of this financing tool.
Periodic Unsteady Tip Clearance Vortex Development in a Low-Speed Axial Research Compressor at Different Tip Clearances
Authors: Lange Martin , Rolfes Matthias , Mailach Ronald , Schrapp Henner
Published: November 2017

Since the early work on axial compressors, the penalties due to radial clearances between blades and side walls are known and are an ongoing focus of research work. The periodic unsteadiness of the tip clearance vortex (TCV), due to its interaction with the stator wakes, has only rarely been addressed in research papers so far. The current work presents experimental and numerical results from a four-stage low-speed research compressor (LSRC) modeling a state-of-the-art compressor design. Time-resolved experimental measurements have been carried out at three different rotor tip clearances (gap to tip chord: 1.5%, 2.2%, 3.7%) to cover the third rotor's casing static pressure and exit flow field. These results are compared with either steady simulations using different turbulence models or harmonic Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations to discuss the periodical unsteady TCV development at different clearance heights. The prediction of the local tip leakage flow is clearly improved by the explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model (EARSM) turbulence model compared to the standard shear stress transport (SST) model. The harmonic RANS calculations (using the SST model) improve the prediction of time-averaged pressure rise and are used to analyze the rotor stator interaction in detail. The interaction of the rotor tip flow field with the passing stator wakes causes a segmentation of the TCV and results in a sinusoidal variation in blockage downstream the rotor row.
Investigations on Flexural Fatigue Strength of Conductor Paths Fabricated by LPKF-LDS® Technology
Authors: Mueller Hagen , Groezinger Tobias , Weser Sascha , Eberhardt Wolfgang , Zimmermann André
Published: November 2017

Reliability aspects are crucial for the success of every technology in industrial application. Regarding interconnect devices, several methods are applied to evaluate reliability of conductor paths like accelerated environmental tests. Especially, molded interconnect devices (MID), which enable numerous applications with three-dimensional (3D) circuitry on 3D shaped injection-molded thermoplastic parts are often under particular stress, e.g., as component of a housing. In this study, a new test method for evaluating the flexural fatigue strength of conductor paths produced by the laser-based LPKF-LDS® technology is presented. For characterization of test samples, a test bench for flexural fatigue test was built up. A result of the flexural fatigue test is a characteristic Woehler curve of the metal layer system. Applying this new test method, essential influencing parameters on the reliability of MID under mechanical load can be identified. So, the metal layer system as well as the geometric parameters of the metal layer is crucial for the performance. Furthermore, test specimens are tested under different types of mechanical load, i.e., tensile stress and compressive stress. For a holistic view on reliability of MID, experimental results are discussed and supported by simulations. An important finding of the study is the advantage of nickel-free layer systems in contrast to the Cu/Ni/Au layer system, which is often used in MID technology.
Brief Education Intervention Increases Nutrition Knowledge and Confidence of Coaches of Junior Australian Football Teams
Authors: Belski Regina , Donaldson Alex , Staley Kiera , Skiadopoulos Anne , Randle Erica , O’Halloran Paul , Kappelides Pam , Teakel Steve , Stanley Sonya , Nicholson Matthew
Published: November 2017

This study evaluated the impact of a brief (20-min) nutrition education intervention embedded in an existing mandatory coach education course for coaches of junior (8–12 years old) Australian football teams. A total of 284 coaches (68% of 415 coaching course participants) completed a presession questionnaire, and 110 coaches (27% of coaching course participants) completed an identical postsession questionnaire. The responses to the pre- and postsession surveys were matched for 78 coaches. Coaches’ ratings of their own understanding of the nutritional needs of young athletes (6.81, 8.95; p < .001), the importance of young athletes adhering to a healthy diet (9.09, 9.67; p = .001), their confidence in their own nutrition knowledge (7.24, 8.64; p < .001), and their confidence in advising young athletes on nutrition and hydration practices (6.85, 8.62; p < .001), all significantly improved following the education session. Nearly all coaches (>95%) provided a correct response to six of the 15 nutrition and hydration knowledge questions included in the presession questionnaire. Even with this high level of presession knowledge, there was a significant improvement in the coaches’ nutrition and hydration knowledge after the education session across five of the 15 items, compared with before the education session. The results of this study suggest that a simple, short nutrition education intervention, embedded in an existing coach education course, can positively influence the nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy of community-level, volunteer coaches of junior sports participants.
The Effect of a Dietary Nitrate Supplementation in the Form of a Single Shot of Beetroot Juice on Static and Dynamic Apnea Performance
Authors: Barlow Matthew J. , Elia Antonis , Shannon Oliver M. , Zacharogianni Angeliki , Lodin-Sundstrom Angelica
Published: November 2017

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of acute nitrate ()-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and pulmonary gas exchange during submaximal static and dynamic apnea. Methods: Nine (six males and three females) trained apneists (age: 39.6 ± 8.2 years, stature: 170.4 ± 11.5 cm, and body mass: 72.0 ± 11.5 kg) performed three submaximal static apneas at 60%, 70%, and 80% of the participant’s current reported personal best time, followed by three submaximal (∼75% or personal best distance) dynamic apneas following the consumption of either a 70-ml concentrated BRJ (7.7 mmol ) or a -depleted placebo (PLA; 0.1 mmol ) in double-blind randomized manner. HR and SpO2 were measured via fingertip pulse oximetry at the nadir, and online gas analysis was used to assess pulmonary oxygen uptake () during recovery following breath-holds. Results: There were no differences (p < .05) among conditions for HR (PLA = 59 ± 11 bpm and BRJ = 61 ± 12 bpm), SpO2 (PLA = 83% ± 14% and BRJ = 84% ±9%), or (PLA = 1.00 ± 0.22 L/min and BRJ = 0.97 ± 0.27 L/min). Conclusion: The consumption of 7.7 mmol of beetroot juice supplementation prior to a series of submaximal static and dynamic apneas did not induce a significant change in SpO2, HR, and when compared with placebo. Therefore, there is no apparent physiological response that may benefit free divers as a result of the supplementation.
Comparing Class-Based and Home-Based Exercise for Older Adults With Chronic Health Conditions: 12-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fisher Koren L. , Reeder Bruce A. , Harrison Elizabeth L. , Bruner Brenda G. , Ashworth Nigel L. , Pahwa Punam , Sari Nazmi , Sheppard M. Suzanne , Shields Christopher A. , Chad Karen E.
Published: November 2017

Objective: To assess the maintenance of physical activity (PA) and health gains among participants in a class-based (CB) or home-based (HB) PA intervention over a 12-month study period. Methods: A total of 172 adults aged 50 years and older were randomly allocated to either a CB or an HB intervention, each involving an intensive 3-month phase with a 9-month follow-up period. Measures at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included self-reported PA and health, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance (6-min walk test), physical function, and functional fitness (senior fitness test). Outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Maximum improvement was typically observed at 3 or 6 months followed by a modest diminution, with no differences between groups. For body mass index, waist circumference, 6-min walk test, and senior fitness test, there was progressive improvement through the study period. Greater improvement was seen in the CB group compared with the HB group on three items on the senior fitness test (lower body strength and endurance [29% vs. 21%, p < .01], lower body flexibility [2.8 cm vs. 0.4 cm, p < .05], and dynamic agility [14% vs. 7%, p < .05]). Conclusion: The interventions were largely comparable; thus, availability, preferences, and cost may better guide program choice.
Validity and Reliability of a Pictorial Instrument for Assessing Fundamental Movement Skill Perceived Competence in Chinese Children
Authors: Diao Yucui , Dong Cuixiang , Barnett Lisa M. , Estevan Isaac , Li Jing , Ji Liu
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) in Chinese children. A total of 241 children (girls, n = 119) aged 4 to 9 years old (6.9 ± 1.53) participated. One week later two random subsamples were selected. One (n = 52) was to determine face validity and the other (n = 56) was to determine test-retest reliability. Internal consistency analyses through Cronbach’s alpha and construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results showed (a) face validity was better for object control skills; (b) internal consistency was adequate for each subscale and all 13 skills (alpha range from .73–.87); (c) Intra-Class Correlations were good for locomotor (.62), object control (.73), and all 13 skills (.78); and (d) the modified two-factor model had a good fit (CFI = .96, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .05). The Chinese version of the PMSC is appropriate to use; however, considering the participants were only from Shanghai, results may not be generalizable to all Chinese children.
Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Younger Children (P-PSC-C): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Tietjens Maike , Dreiskaemper Dennis , Utesch Till , Schott Nadja , Barnett Lisa M. , Hinkley Trina
Published: November 2017

Children’s self-perception of motor skills and physical fitness is said to be an important mediator between skills and physical fitness on the one hand and physical activity on the other hand. An age-appropriate self-perception scale is needed to understand the development and the differentiation of the physical self-concept of children and its components. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop a pictorial scale of physical fitness for pre-school children (3–6 years old), and (2) to describe the face validity and feasibility of the scale. The study sample included 27 kindergarten children. In order to determine the psychometric properties, validity was assessed by administrating the Pictorial Scale for Physical Self-Concept in Kindergarten Children (P-PSC-C) compared with children’s fundamental movement skill competency (Test of Gross Motor Development [TGMD]-3; six locomotor and seven object-control skills), height, weight, and demographics. The face validity was favorable. Expectable negatively skewed response distributions were found in all items. Medium correlations with related constructs and with sport enjoyment were found. The results indicate that the new scale is usable for kindergarten children. Future validation studies are needed so that the new scale can contribute to the research about physical self-concept development in kindergarten children.
A Pilot RCT Investigating the Effects of Targeted Compression on Athletes With Pelvic/Groin Pain
Authors: Sawle Leanne , Freeman Jennifer , Marsden Jonathan
Published: November 2017

Context: Athletic pelvic/groin pain is a common yet often challenging problem to both diagnose and manage. A new tool has been developed based on the clinical effects of applied force on the pelvis. Early findings indicate that this customized compression orthosis may have a positive effect on pelvic/groin pain and performance measures. Objectives: To inform the design and test the practicality of procedures for a future definitively powered randomized controlled trial and to provide an estimate of the effect size of this orthosis on selected clinical and performance measures. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial with participants randomly allocated to an intervention or waiting-list control group. Setting: The training location of each athlete. Participants: 24 athletes with subacute and chronic pelvic conditions were proposed to be recruited. Intervention: A customized compression orthosis, delivering targeted compression to the pelvic girdle. Outcome Measures: Measures were the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test, squeeze test, broad jump, and the multiple single-leg hop-stabilization test. Results: A total of 16 athletes completed the study. The invention group demonstrated moderate to large estimated effect sizes on the squeeze test and active straight leg raise tests (d = 0.6–1.1) while wearing the orthosis. Small effect sizes (d = 0.2) were seen on jump distance and the dominant leg balance score. Compared with the control group, the intervention group also showed moderate to large estimated effect sizes on the active straight leg raise measures (d = 0.5–0.9) when wearing sports shorts. Conclusions: The protocol was feasible. Effect sizes and recruitment/attrition rates suggest that the intervention holds promise and that a future definitively powered randomized controlled trial appears feasible and is indicated.
A precision therapy against cancers driven by
KIT/PDGFRA
mutations
Authors: Evans Erica K. , Gardino Alexandra K. , Kim Joseph L. , Hodous Brian L. , Shutes Adam , Davis Alison , Zhu Xing Julia , Schmidt-Kittler Oleg , Wilson Doug , Wilson Kevin , DiPietro Lucian , Zhang Yulian , Brooijmans Natasja , LaBranche Timothy P. , Wozniak Agnieszka , Gebreyohannes Yemarshet K. , Schöffski Patrick , Heinrich Michael C. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Miller Stephen , Wolf Beni , Kohl Nancy , Guzi Timothy , Lydon Nicholas , Boral Andy , Lengauer Christoph
Published: November 2017

BLU-285 is a selective and potent mutant KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor active in both preclinical and clinical settings.
Blood helps lungs miss the TRALI
Authors: Haspel Jeffrey
Published: November 2017

RBCs limit lung injury by sequestering circulating mitochondrial DNA.
Searching for the ovarian cancer cell of origin
Authors: Sarosiek Kristopher
Published: November 2017

Genomic analyses of ovarian cancer evolution suggest an origin in the fallopian tube.
Ability To Serologically Confirm Recent Zika Virus Infection in Areas with Varying Past Incidence of Dengue Virus Infection in the United States and U.S. Territories in 2016
Authors: Lindsey Nicole P. , Staples J. Erin , Powell Krista , Rabe Ingrid B. , Fischer Marc , Powers Ann M. , Kosoy Olga I. , Mossel Eric C. , Munoz-Jordan Jorge L. , Beltran Manuela , Hancock W. Thane , Toews Karrie-Ann E. , Ellis Esther M. , Ellis Brett R. , Panella Amanda J. , Basile Alison J. , Calvert Amanda E. , Laven Janeen , Goodman Christin H. , Gould Carolyn V. , Martin Stacey W. , Thomas Jennifer D. , Villanueva Julie , Mataia Mary L. , Sciulli Rebecca , Gose Remedios , Whelen A. Christian , Hills Susan L.
Published: November 2017

Cross-reactivity within flavivirus antibody assays, produced by shared epitopes in the envelope proteins, can complicate the serological diagnosis of Zika virus (ZIKAV) infection. We assessed the utility of the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to confirm recent ZIKAV infections and rule out misleading positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) results in areas with various levels of past dengue virus (DENV) infection incidence. We reviewed PRNT results of sera collected for diagnosis of ZIKAV infection from 1 January through 31 August 2016 with positive ZIKAV IgM results, and ZIKAV and DENV PRNTs were performed. PRNT result interpretations included ZIKAV, unspecified flavivirus, DENV infection, or negative. For this analysis, ZIKAV IgM was considered false positive for samples interpreted as a DENV infection or negative. In U.S. states, 208 (27%) of 759 IgM-positive results were confirmed to be ZIKAV compared to 11 (21%) of 52 in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), 15 (15%) of 103 in American Samoa, and 13 (11%) of 123 in Puerto Rico. In American Samoa and Puerto Rico, more than 80% of IgM-positive results were unspecified flavivirus infections. The false-positivity rate was 27% in U.S. states, 18% in the USVI, 2% in American Samoa, and 6% in Puerto Rico. In U.S. states, the PRNT provided a virus-specific diagnosis or ruled out infection in the majority of IgM-positive samples. Almost a third of ZIKAV IgM-positive results were not confirmed; therefore, providers and patients must understand that IgM results are preliminary. In territories with historically higher rates of DENV transmission, the PRNT usually could not differentiate between ZIKAV and DENV infections.
Frequency and Mechanisms of Spontaneous Fosfomycin Nonsusceptibility Observed upon Disk Diffusion Testing of Escherichia coli
Authors: Lucas Aaron E. , Ito Ryota , Mustapha Mustapha M. , McElheny Christi L. , Mettus Roberta T. , Bowler Sarah L. , Kantz Serena F. , Pacey Marissa P. , Pasculle A. William , Cooper Vaughn S. , Doi Yohei
Published: November 2017

Fosfomycin maintains activity against most
Escherichia coli
clinical isolates, but the growth of
E. coli
colonies within the zone of inhibition around the fosfomycin disk is occasionally observed upon susceptibility testing. We aimed to estimate the frequency of such nonsusceptible inner colony mutants and identify the underlying resistance mechanisms. Disk diffusion testing of fosfomycin was performed on 649 multidrug-resistant
E. coli
clinical isolates collected between 2011 and 2015. For those producing inner colonies inside the susceptible range, the parental strains and their representative inner colony mutants were subjected to MIC testing, whole-genome sequencing, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and carbohydrate utilization studies. Of the 649
E. coli
clinical isolates, 5 (0.8%) consistently produced nonsusceptible inner colonies. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the deletion of
uhpT
encoding hexose-6-phosphate antiporter in 4 of the
E. coli
inner colony mutants, while the remaining mutant contained a nonsense mutation in
uhpA
. The expression of
uhpT
was absent in the mutant strains with
uhpT
deletion and was not inducible in the strain with the
uhpA
mutation, unlike in its parental strain. All 5 inner colony mutants had reduced growth on minimal medium supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate. In conclusion, fosfomycin-nonsusceptible inner colony mutants can occur due to the loss of function or induction of UhpT but are rare among multidrug-resistant
E. coli
clinical strains. Considering that these mutants carry high biological costs, we suggest that fosfomycin susceptibility of strains that generate inner colony mutants can be interpreted on the basis of the zone of inhibition without accounting for the inner colonies.
A Gastrointestinal PCR Panel Improves Clinical Management and Lowers Health Care Costs
Authors: Beal Stacy G. , Tremblay Elizabeth E. , Toffel Steven , Velez Lymaries , Rand Kenneth H.
Published: November 2017

Conventional methods for the identification of gastrointestinal pathogens are time-consuming and expensive and have limited sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of a comprehensive molecular test, the BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) panel, which tests for many of the most common agents of infectious diarrhea in approximately 1 h. Patients with stool cultures submitted were tested on the GI panel (
n
= 241) and were compared with control patients (
n
= 594) from the year prior. The most common organisms detected by the GI panel were enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC,
n
= 21), norovirus (
n
= 21), rotavirus (
n
= 15), sapovirus (
n
= 9), and
Salmonella
(
n
= 8). Patients tested on the GI panel had an average of 0.58 other infectious stool tests compared with 3.02 in the control group (
P
= 0.0001). The numbers of days on antibiotic(s) per patient were 1.73 in the cases and 2.12 in the controls (
P
= 0.06). Patients with the GI panel had 0.18 abdomen and/or pelvic imaging studies per patient compared with 0.39 (
P
= 0.0002) in the controls. The average length of time from stool culture collection to discharge was 3.4 days in the GI panel group versus 3.9 days in the controls (
P
= 0.04). The overall health care cost could have decreased by $293.61 per patient tested. The GI panel improved patient care by rapidly identifying a broad range of pathogens which may not have otherwise been detected, reducing the need for other diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics, and leading to a reduction in hospital length of stay.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) Is Replacing Endemic Strains of RHDV in the Australian Landscape within 18 Months of Its Arrival
Authors: Mahar Jackie E. , Hall Robyn N. , Peacock David , Kovaliski John , Piper Melissa , Mourant Roslyn , Huang Nina , Campbell Susan , Gu Xingnian , Read Andrew , Urakova Nadya , Cox Tarnya , Holmes Edward C. , Strive Tanja
Published: November 2017

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2
(RHDV2;
Lagovirus
GI.2) is a pathogenic calicivirus that affects European rabbits (
Oryctolagus cuniculus
) and various hare (
Lepus
) species. GI.2 was first detected in France in 2010 and subsequently caused epidemics in wild and domestic lagomorph populations throughout Europe. In May 2015, GI.2 was detected in Australia. Within 18 months of its initial detection, GI.2 had spread to all Australian states and territories and rapidly became the dominant circulating strain, replacing
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus
(RHDV/GI.1) in mainland Australia. Reconstruction of the evolutionary history of 127 Australian GI.2 isolates revealed that the virus arrived in Australia at least several months before its initial description and likely circulated unnoticed in wild rabbit populations in the east of the continent prior to its detection. GI.2 sequences isolated from five hares clustered with sequences from sympatric rabbit populations sampled contemporaneously, indicating multiple spillover events into hares rather than an adaptation of the Australian GI.2 to a new host. Since the presence of GI.2 in Australia may have wide-ranging consequences for rabbit biocontrol, particularly with the release of the novel biocontrol agent GI.1a/RHDVa-K5 in March 2017, ongoing surveillance is critical to understanding the interactions of the various lagoviruses in Australia and their impact on host populations.

IMPORTANCE
This study describes the spread and distribution of
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2
(GI.2) in Australia since its first detection in May 2015. Within the first 18 months following its detection, RHDV2 spread from east to west across the continent and became the dominant strain in all mainland states of Australia. This has important implications for pest animal management and for owners of pet and farmed rabbits, as there currently is no effective vaccine available in Australia for GI.2. The closely related RHDV (GI.1) is used to control overabundant wild rabbits, a serious environmental and agricultural pest in this country, and it is currently unclear how the widespread circulation of GI.2 will impact ongoing targeted wild rabbit management operations.
Identification of a Critical and Conformational Neutralizing Epitope in Human Adenovirus Type 4 Hexon
Authors: Tian Xingui , Qiu Hongling , Zhou Zhichao , Wang Shouli , Fan Ye , Li Xiao , Chu Ruiai , Li Haitao , Zhou Rong , Wang Hui
Published: November 2017

Human adenovirus type 4 (HAdV-4) is an epidemic virus that contributes to serious acute respiratory disease (ARD) in both pediatric and adult patients. However, no licensed drug or vaccine is currently available to the civilian population. The identification of neutralizing epitopes of HAdV-4 should allow the development of a novel antiviral vaccine and a novel gene transfer vector, and an effective neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) will be useful in developing appropriate antiviral drugs. In this study, we report that MAb MN4b shows strong neutralizing activity against HAdV-4. MN4b recognizes a conformational epitope (418AGSEK422) within hypervariable region 7 (HVR7). Mutations within this site permitted HAdV-4 mutants to escape neutralization by MN4b and to resist neutralization by animal and human anti-HAdV-4 sera. A recombinant virus, rAd3-A4R7-1, containing the identified neutralizing epitope in the HVR7 region of HAdV-3 hexon, successfully induced antiserum that inhibited HAdV-4 infection. These results indicate that a small surface loop of HAdV-4 hexon is a critical neutralization epitope for this virus. The generation of MN4b and the identification of this neutralizing epitope may be useful in developing therapeutic treatment, a subunit vaccine, and a novel vector that can escape preexisting neutralization for HAdV-4.

IMPORTANCE
Neutralizing antibodies are considered good tools for the prevention of human adenovirus type 4 (HAdV-4) infections. The identification of the epitopes recognized by such neutralizing antibodies is important for the generation of recombinant antiviral vaccines. However, until now, no neutralizing epitope has been reported for HAdV-4. Here, we developed a serotype-specific neutralizing MAb directed against HAdV-4, MN4b. We provide evidence that MN4b recognizes a conformational epitope within HVR7 of HAdV-4 hexon. Antisera generated to this conformational epitope displayed on HAdV-3 hexon inhibited infection of AD293 cells by HAdV-4. Our findings are very important for the development of therapeutic treatment, a subunit vaccine, and a novel vector for HAdV-4.