bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Property Investment and Rental Rate under Housing Price Uncertainty: A Real Options Approach
Authors: Wang Honglin , Yu Fan , Zhou Yinggang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe conventional wisdom that housing prices are the present value of future rents ignores the fact that unlike dividends on stocks, rent is not discretionary. Housing price uncertainty can affect household property investments, which in turn affect rent. By extending the theory of investment under uncertainty, we model the renter's decision to buy a house and the landlord's decision to sell as the exercising of real options of waiting and examine real options effects on rent. Using data from Hong Kong and mainland China, we find a significant effect of housing price on rent and draw important policy implications.
Does contact improve attitudes towards migrants in China?
Authors: Xue Sen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOver the past three decades, China has experienced significant internal migration. However, migrants are often socially segregated and discriminated against in their destination cities in China. This paper uses a large representative survey to investigate whether interpersonal contact between urban locals and migrants improves urban locals’ attitudes towards migrants. The novel part of this paper is to examine the effect of different contact experiences on multiple dimensions of attitudes. The results show distinct patterns between the effects of non‐intimate and intimate contact experiences. All the OLS results, IV results and IV results together with Lewbel's () heteroscedasticity identification approach suggest that non‐intimate contact experience only significantly improves willingness to engage in non‐intimate interactions, and the magnitude of the effect reduces as the intimacy level of the intended interaction increases. On the contrary, intimate contact experience significantly improves willingness to engage in both non‐intimate and intimate interactions.
Exosomes derived from B16F0 melanoma cells alter the transcriptome of cytotoxic T cells that impacts mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Bland Cassidy L. , Byrne‐Hoffman Christina N. , Fernandez Audry , Rellick Stephanie L. , Deng Wentao , Klinke David J. 
Published: February 2018

While recent clinical studies demonstrate the promise of cancer immunotherapy, a barrier for broadening the clinical benefit is identifying how tumors locally suppress cytotoxic immunity. As an emerging mode of intercellular communication, exosomes secreted by malignant cells can deliver a complex payload of coding and noncoding RNA to cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we quantified the RNA payload within tumor‐derived exosomes and the resulting dynamic transcriptomic response to cytotoxic T cells upon exosome delivery to better understand how tumor‐derived exosomes can alter immune cell function. Exosomes derived from B16F0 melanoma cells were enriched for a subset of coding and noncoding RNAs that did not reflect the abundance in the parental cell. Upon exosome delivery, RNAseq revealed the dynamic changes in the transcriptome of CTLL2 cytotoxic T cells. In analyzing transiently coexpressed gene clusters, pathway enrichment suggested that the B16F0 exosomal payload altered mitochondrial respiration, which was confirmed independently, and upregulated genes associated with the Notch signaling pathway. Interestingly, exosomal miRNA appeared to have no systematic effect on downregulating target mRNA levels.DatabasesGene expression data are available in the GEO database under the accession SuperSeries number GSE102951.
Nutritional, microbial and sensory attributes of bread fortified with defatted watermelon seed flour
Authors: Anang Daniel A. , Pobee Ruth A. , Antwi Edward , Obeng Eugene M. , Atter Amy , Ayittey Foster K. , Boateng John T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe utilisation of natural food supplements to fortify staples is considered as one of the effective means of dealing with global food nutrient deficiency. Herein, we report the nutritional, microbial and sensorial characteristics of defatted watermelon seed fortified bread. The protein content and level of micronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, iron and calcium increased with increasing proportion of watermelon seed flour in the bread. Notably, calcium resulted as the highest micronutrient in the bread samples, whereas the content of iron in the fortified samples improved significantly. The defatted watermelon seed flour had a high iron content of about 12.1 mg/100 g as compared to the normal (unfortified) bread of 0.01 mg/100 g. The total microbial count results for all the fortification levels complied with the acceptable microbial quality requirement. Lastly, the consumer acceptability test did not show any significant difference between all levels of fortification with watermelon seed flour.
Infants’ Lexical Processing Efficiency is Related to Vocabulary Size by One Year of Age
Authors: Lany Jill , Giglio Michael , Oswald Madeleine 
Published: February 2018

By 15–18 months, infants’ skill in interpreting familiar words, or lexical processing efficiency (LPE), improves substantially and is correlated with vocabulary size concurrently and several months later. Prior to this age LPE is quite poor, and to date there is little evidence that it is related to vocabulary size. If this relation only emerges once infants have relatively good LPE, and also know a substantial number of words, it could suggest that the processes that support the rapid growth in vocabulary commonly observed as infants approach age 2 may not yet be functional in the earlier stages of lexical development. However, using a modified LPE task we found that 12‐month‐olds with better LPE understood more words at that age and also produced more words several months later. These results suggest that meaningful individual differences in LPE are already emerging by 12 months and may support lexical development across the second year.
Neurocranial anatomy of the petalichthyid placodermShearsbyaspis oepikiYoung revealed by X‐ray computed microtomography
Authors: Castiello Marco , Brazeau Martin D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStem‐group gnathostomes reveal the sequence of character acquisition in the origin of modern jawed vertebrates. The petalichthyids are placoderm‐grade stem‐group gnathostomes known from both isolated skeletal material and rarer articulated specimens of one genus. They are of particular interest because of anatomical resemblances with osteostracans, the jawless sister group of jawed vertebrates. Because of this, they have become central to debates on the relationships of placoderms and the primitive cranial architecture of gnathostomes. However, among petalichthyids, only the braincase ofMacropetalichthyshas been studied in detail, and the diversity of neurocranial morphology in this group remains poorly documented. Using X‐ray computed microtomography, we investigated the endocranial morphology ofShearsbyaspis oepikiYoung, a three‐dimensionally preserved petalichthyid from the Early Devonian of Taemas‐Wee Jasper, Australia. We generated virtual reconstructions of the external endocranial surfaces, orbital walls and cranial endocavity, including canals for major nerves and blood vessels. The neurocranium ofShearsbyaspisresembles that ofMacropetalichthys, particularly in the morphology of the brain cavity, nerves and blood vessels. Many characters, including the morphology of the pituitary vein canal and the course of the trigeminal nerve, recall the morphology of osteostracans. Additionally, the presence of a parasphenoid inShearsbyaspis(previously not known with confidence outside of arthrodires and osteichthyans) raises some questions about current proposals of placoderm paraphyly. Our detailed description of this specimen adds to the known morphological diversity of petalichthyids, and invites critical reappraisal of the phylogenetic relationships of placoderms.
Posaconazole MIC Distributions for Aspergillus fumigatus Species Complex by Four Methods: Impact of
cyp51A
Mutations on Estimation of Epidemiological Cutoff Values
Authors: Espinel-Ingroff A. , Turnidge J. , Alastruey-Izquierdo A. , Dannaoui E. , Garcia-Effron G. , Guinea J. , Kidd S. , Pelaez T. , Sanguinetti M. , Meletiadis J. , Botterel F. , Bustamante B. , Chen Y.-C. , Chakrabarti A. , Chowdhary A. , Chryssanthou E. , Córdoba S. , Gonzalez G. M. , Guarro J. , Johnson E. M. , Kus J. V. , Lass-Flörl C. , Linares-Sicilia M. J. , Martín-Mazuelos E. , Negri C. E. , Pfaller M. A. , Tortorano A. M. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Estimating epidemiological cutoff endpoints (ECVs/ECOFFS) may be hindered by the overlap of MICs for mutant and nonmutant strains (strains harboring or not harboring mutations, respectively). Posaconazole MIC distributions for the
Aspergillus fumigatus
species complex were collected from 26 laboratories (in Australia, Canada, Europe, India, South and North America, and Taiwan) and published studies. Distributions that fulfilled CLSI criteria were pooled and ECVs were estimated. The sensitivity of three ECV analytical techniques (the ECOFFinder, normalized resistance interpretation [NRI], derivatization methods) to the inclusion of MICs for mutants was examined for three susceptibility testing methods (the CLSI, EUCAST, and Etest methods). The totals of posaconazole MICs for nonmutant isolates (isolates with no known
cyp51A
mutations) and mutant
A. fumigatus
isolates were as follows: by the CLSI method, 2,223 and 274, respectively; by the EUCAST method, 556 and 52, respectively; and by Etest, 1,365 and 29, respectively. MICs for 381 isolates with unknown mutational status were also evaluated with the Sensititre YeastOne system (SYO). We observed an overlap in posaconazole MICs among nonmutants and
cyp51A
mutants. At the commonly chosen percentage of the modeled wild-type population (97.5%), almost all ECVs remained the same when the MICs for nonmutant and mutant distributions were merged: ECOFFinder ECVs, 0.5 μg/ml for the CLSI method and 0.25 μg/ml for the EUCAST method and Etest; NRI ECVs, 0.5 μg/ml for all three methods. However, the ECOFFinder ECV for 95% of the nonmutant population by the CLSI method was 0.25 μg/ml. The tentative ECOFFinder ECV with SYO was 0.06 μg/ml (data from 3/8 laboratories). Derivatization ECVs with or without mutant inclusion were either 0.25 μg/ml (CLSI, EUCAST, Etest) or 0.06 μg/ml (SYO). It appears that ECV analytical techniques may not be vulnerable to overlap between presumptive wild-type isolates and
cyp51A
mutants when up to 11.6% of the estimated wild-type population includes mutants.
Prevalence of Infection-Competent Serogroup 6
Legionella pneumophila
within Premise Plumbing in Southeast Michigan
Authors: Byrne Brenda G. , McColm Sarah , McElmurry Shawn P. , Kilgore Paul E. , Sobeck Joanne , Sadler Rick , Love Nancy G. , Swanson Michele S. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Coinciding with major changes to its municipal water system, Flint, MI, endured Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in 2014 and 2015. By sampling premise plumbing in Flint in the fall of 2016, we found that 12% of homes harbored legionellae, a frequency similar to that in residences in neighboring areas. To evaluate the genetic diversity of
Legionella pneumophila
in Southeast Michigan, we determined the sequence type (ST) and serogroup (SG) of the 18 residential isolates from Flint and Detroit, MI, and the 33 clinical isolates submitted by hospitals in three area counties in 2013 to 2016. Common to one environmental and four clinical samples were strains of
L. pneumophila
SG1 and ST1, the most prevalent ST worldwide. Among the Flint premise plumbing isolates, 14 of 16 strains were of ST367 and ST461, two closely related SG6 strain types isolated previously from patients and corresponding environmental samples. Each of the representative SG1 clinical strains and SG6 environmental isolates from Southeast Michigan infected and survived within macrophage cultures at least as well as a virulent laboratory strain, as judged by microscopy and by enumerating CFU. Likewise, 72 h after infection, the yield of viable-cell counts increased >100-fold for each of the representative SG1 clinical isolates, Flint premise plumbing SG6 ST367 and -461 isolates, and two Detroit residential isolates. We verified by immunostaining that SG1-specific antibody does not cross-react with the SG6
L. pneumophila
environmental strains. Because the widely used urinary antigen diagnostic test does not readily detect non-SG1
L. pneumophila
, Legionnaires’ disease caused by SG6
L. pneumophila
is likely underreported worldwide.

IMPORTANCE
L. pneumophila
is the leading cause of disease outbreaks associated with drinking water in the United States. Compared to what is known of the established risks of colonization within hospitals and hotels, relatively little is known about residential exposure to
L. pneumophila
. One year after two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Genesee County, MI, that coincided with damage to the Flint municipal water system, our multidisciplinary team launched an environmental surveillance and laboratory research campaign aimed at informing risk management strategies to provide safe public water supplies. The most prevalent
L. pneumophila
strains isolated from residential plumbing were closely related strains of SG6. In laboratory tests of virulence, the SG6 environmental isolates resembled SG1 clinical strains, yet they are not readily detected by the common diagnostic urinary antigen test, which is specific for SG1. Therefore, our study complements the existing epidemiological literature indicating that Legionnaires’ disease due to non-SG1 strains is underreported around the globe.
Neuronal PirB Upregulated in Cerebral Ischemia Acts as an Attractive Theranostic Target for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Ying , Xia Jing , Cai Tingting , Du Jiawei , Chen Jinpeng , Li Ping , Shen Yuqing , Zhang Aifeng , Fu Bo , Gao Xueren , Miao Fenqin , Zhang Jianqiong , Teng Gaojun 
Published: February 2018

Background
Ischemic stroke is a complex disease with multiple etiologies and clinical manifestations. Paired immunoglobulin‐like receptor B (PirB), which is originally thought to function exclusively in the immune system, is now also known to be expressed by neurons. A growing number of studies indicate that PirB can inhibit neurite outgrowth and restrict neuronal plasticity. The aim of the study is to investigate whether PirB can be an attractive theranostic target for ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

First, we investigated the spatial‐temporal expression of PirB in multiple ischemic stroke models, including transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, photothrombotic cerebral cortex ischemia, and the neuronal oxygen glucose deprivation model. Then, anti‐PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe was developed by thin‐film hydration method and investigated its specific targeting in vitro and in vivo. Finally, soluble PirB ectodomain (
sP
irB) protein delivered by polyethylene glycol–modified nanoliposome was used as a therapeutic reagent for ischemic stroke by blocking PirB binding to its endogenous ligands. These results showed that PirB was significantly upregulated after cerebral ischemic injury in ischemic stroke models. Anti‐PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe was successfully developed and specifically bound to PirB in vitro. There was accumulation of anti‐PirB immunoliposome nanoprobe in the ischemic hemisphere in vivo. Soluble PirB ectodomains remarkably improved ischemic stroke model recovery by liposomal delivery system.

Conclusions
These data indicated that PirB was a significant element in the pathological process of cerebral ischemia. Therefore, PirB may act as a novel theranostic target for ischemic stroke.
Association of Hemoglobin Concentration and Its Change With Cardiovascular and All‐Cause Mortality
Authors: Lee Gyeongsil , Choi Seulggie , Kim Kyuwoong , Yun Jae‐Moon , Son Joung Sik , Jeong Su‐Min , Kim Sung Min , Park Sang Min 
Published: February 2018

Background
Anemia is thought to increase mortality risks, but the effects of high hemoglobin concentration on survival are unclear. The effect of change in hemoglobin concentrations on survival in the general population is also unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of hemoglobin concentrations and their changes on cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality risks.

Methods and Results
We retrospectively analyzed a cohort from the NHIS‐HEALS (National Health Insurance Service–National Health Screening Cohort) database, including 170 078 men and 122 116 women without cardiovascular diseases, aged >40 years at baseline, with hemoglobin concentrations available for both first and second health examinations. We assessed 2 independent variables: “One‐time” hemoglobin concentrations and changes in hemoglobin from first to second examination. Participants were followed up for a median of 8 years to determine mortality related to myocardial infarction, stroke, all cardiovascular diseases, and all causes. Hemoglobin concentrations showed a U‐ or J‐shaped association with cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. When anemic men achieved normal hemoglobin concentrations, the all‐cause mortality risk decreased, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.77), in comparison with those whose anemia persisted. Both increases and decreases of hemoglobin concentration outside the normal range elevated all‐cause mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.39 [95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.49] and 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.20], respectively), compared with persistent normal hemoglobin concentrations. The trend was similar in women but was less significant.

Conclusions
Low or high hemoglobin concentrations were associated with elevated cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. Reaching and maintaining hemoglobin concentrations within the normal range correlated with decreased all‐cause mortality.
In vitro assessment of nutraceutical compounds and novel nutraceutical formulations in a liver-steatosis-based model
Authors: Stellavato Antonietta , Pirozzi Anna Virginia Adriana , de Novellis Francesca , Scognamiglio Ilaria , Vassallo Valentina , Giori Andrea Maria , De Rosa Mario , Schiraldi Chiara 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background
Steatosis is a chronic liver disease that depends on the accumulation of intracellular fatty acids. Currently, no drug treatment has been licensed for steatosis; thus, only nutritional guidelines are indicated to reduce its progression. The aim of this study is to combine different nutraceutical compounds in order to evaluate their synergistic effects on a steatosis in vitro model compared to their separate use. In particular, three different formulations based on silymarin, curcumin, vitamin E, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline, and phosphatidylcholine were assayed.

Methods
Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 cell line) were treated with a mixture of fatty acids in order to induce an in vitro model of steatosic cells, and then the amount of intracellular fat was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ (PPARα and γ) expression, closely correlated to lipid metabolism, was evaluated. The efficiency of these receptors was evaluated through the study of LPL mRNA expression, a marker involved in the lipolysis mechanism. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-2) and malondialdehydes (MDA) in lipid peroxidation were assayed as specific biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, experiments were performed using human liver cells stressed to obtain a steatosis model. In particular, the content of the intracellular fat was assayed using Oil Red O staining, the activation of PPARα and γ was evaluated through western blotting analyses, and the LPL mRNA expression level was analyzed through qRT-PCR.

Results
All formulations proved effective on lipid content reduction of about 35%. The oxidative stress damage was reduced by all the substances separately and even more efficiently by the same in formulation (i.e. Formulation 1 and Formulation 3, which reduced the SOD-2 expression and induced the PPARs activation). Lipid peroxidation, was reduced about 2 fold by foormulation2 and up to 5 fold by the others compared to the cells pretreated with H2O2.Formulation 1, was more effective on PPARγ expression (2.5 fold increase) respect to the other compounds on FA treated hepathocytes. Beside, LPL was activated also by Formulation 3 and resulted in a 5 to 9 fold-increase respect to FA treated control.

Conclusions
Our results proved that the formulations tested could be considered suitable support to face steatosis disease beside the mandatory dietetic regimen.
Dose Rounding of Biologic and Cytotoxic Anticancer Agents: A Position Statement of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association
Authors: Fahrenbruch Rebecca , Kintzel Polly , Bott Anne Marie , Gilmore Steven , Markham Ryan 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To present a position statement from the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) that pertains to dose rounding of biologic and cytotoxic anticancer agents. Methods: The HOPA Standards Committee organized a work group of oncology pharmacist specialists to examine the safety and value of dose rounding of biologic and cytotoxic anticancer agents. Primary literature that describes methods for dose rounding, with clinical or economic data, were analyzed. Relevant pharmacokinetic characteristics and aspects of product formulation were considered. Issues for institutional application were addressed. Results: Rounding of biologic and cytotoxic agents within 10% of the ordered dose is designated as acceptable for routine clinical care. Dose changes ≤ 10% are not expected to reduce the safety or effectiveness of therapy. The rounding amount—10%—is rational in the context of standard dose adjustments for patient tolerance and tumor response (≥ 20%), clinical trial deficiency criteria (> 10%), and the influence of interpatient pharmacokinetic variability. HOPA supports the use of the same threshold for dose rounding of anticancer drugs as that used for palliative and curative therapy. Potential exceptions to dose rounding are discussed. Conclusion: Dose rounding reduces waste and health care costs. HOPA recommends that each institution develop its own dose-rounding policy that addresses biologic and cytotoxic agents. Institutional guidelines for dose rounding of anticancer agents, including criteria for automatic dose rounding, the allowable percentage, and institutional processes for operationalizing and documenting dose rounding, should be determined by collaborative stakeholder consensus. Exceptions to dose rounding should be determined a priori. Additional studies that evaluate the impact of dose rounding on patient outcome are warranted.