bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus in Health Care Workers in a Low-Incidence Setting
Authors: Moon Hee-Won , Gaur Rajiv L. , Tien Sara Shu-Hwa , Spangler Mary , Pai Madhukar , Banaei Niaz 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough launched in 2015, little is known about the accuracy of QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus (QFT-Plus) for diagnosis of latentM. tuberculosisinfection (LTBI). Unlike its predecessor, QFT-Plus utilizes two antigen tubes to elicit an immune response from CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes. We conducted a cross-sectional study in low-risk health care workers (HCWs) at a single U.S. center to compare QFT-Plus to QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-tube (QFT). A total of 989 HCWs were tested with both QFT and QFT-Plus. Risk factors for LTBI were obtained from a questionnaire. QFT-Plus was considered positive if either antigen tube 1 (TB1) or TB2 tested positive, per the manufacturer's recommendations, or if both TB1 and TB2 tested positive, using a conservative definition. Results were compared using Cohen's kappa and linear regression, respectively. Agreement of QFT with QFT-Plus was high, at 95.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.3 to 96.9; kappa, 0.57). The majority of discordant results between QFT and QFT-Plus TB1 (84.8%) and QFT and QFT-Plus TB2 (88.6%) fell within the range of 0.2 to 0.7 IU/ml. The positivity rate in 626 HCWs with no identifiable risk factors and no self-reported history of positive LTBI tests was 2.1% (CI, 1.0 to 3.2) and 3.0% (CI, 1.7 to 4.3) with QFT and QFT-Plus, respectively. A conservative definition of a QFT-Plus-positive result yielded a positivity rate of 1.0% (CI, 0.2 to 1.7;Pvalue of 0.0002 versus QFT-Plus and 0.07 versus QFT). On follow-up testing, of 11 HCWs with discordant QFT-Plus results, 90.9% (10/11) had a negative QFT result. The QFT-Plus assay showed a high degree of agreement with QFT in U.S. HCWs. A conservative interpretation of QFT-Plus eliminated nearly all nonreproducible positive results in low-risk HCWs. Larger studies are needed to validate the latter finding and to more clearly define conditions under which a conservative interpretation can be used to minimize nonreproducible positive results in low-risk populations.
Simultaneous Single-Cell
In Situ
Analysis of Human Adenovirus Type 5 DNA and mRNA Expression Patterns in Lytic and Persistent Infection
Authors: Krzywkowski Tomasz , Ciftci Sibel , Assadian Farzaneh , Nilsson Mats , Punga Tanel 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

An efficient adenovirus infection results in high-level accumulation of viral DNA and mRNAs in the infected cell population. However, the average viral DNA and mRNA content in a heterogeneous cell population does not necessarily reflect the same abundance in individual cells. Here, we describe a novel padlock probe-based rolling-circle amplification technique that enables simultaneous detection and analysis of human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) genomic DNA and virus-encoded mRNAs in individual infected cells. We demonstrate that the method is applicable for detection and quantification of HAdV-5 DNA and mRNAs in short-term infections in human epithelial cells and in long-term infections in human B lymphocytes. Single-cell evaluation of these infections revealed high heterogeneity and unique cell subpopulations defined by differential viral DNA content and mRNA expression. Further, our single-cell analysis shows that the specific expression pattern of viral
E1A 13S
and
12S
mRNA splice variants is linked to HAdV-5 DNA content in the individual cells. Furthermore, we show that expression of a mature form of the HAdV-5 histone-like protein VII affects virus genome detection in HAdV-5-infected cells. Collectively, padlock probes combined with rolling-circle amplification should be a welcome addition to the method repertoire for the characterization of the molecular details of the HAdV life cycle in individual infected cells.

IMPORTANCE
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) have been extensively used as model systems to study various aspects of eukaryotic gene expression and genome organization. The vast majority of the HAdV studies are based on standard experimental procedures carried out using heterogeneous cell populations, where data averaging often masks biological differences. As every cell is unique, characteristics and efficiency of an HAdV infection can vary from cell to cell. Therefore, the analysis of HAdV gene expression and genome organization would benefit from a method that permits analysis of individual infected cells in the heterogeneous cell population. Here, we show that the padlock probe-based rolling-circle amplification method can be used to study concurrent viral DNA accumulation and mRNA expression patterns in individual HAdV-5-infected cells. Hence, this versatile method can be applied to detect the extent of infection and virus gene expression changes in different HAdV-5 infections.
SAT2 Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Structurally Modified for Increased Thermostability
Authors: Scott Katherine A. , Kotecha Abhay , Seago Julian , Ren Jingshan , Fry Elizabeth E. , Stuart David I. , Charleston Bryan , Maree Francois F. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), particularly strains of the O and SAT serotypes, is notoriously unstable. Consequently, vaccines derived from heat-labile SAT viruses have been linked to the induction of immunity with a poor duration and hence require more frequent vaccinations to ensure protection.
In silico
calculations predicted residue substitutions that would increase interactions at the interpentamer interface, supporting increased stability. We assessed the stability of the 18 recombinant mutant viruses in regard to their growth kinetics, antigenicity, plaque morphology, genetic stability, and temperature, ionic, and pH stability by using Thermofluor and inactivation assays in order to evaluate potential SAT2 vaccine candidates with improved stability. The most stable mutant for temperature and pH stability was the S2093Y single mutant, while other promising mutants were the E3198A, L2094V, and S2093H single mutants and the F2062Y-H2087M-H3143V triple mutant. Although the S2093Y mutant had the greatest stability, it exhibited smaller plaques, a reduced growth rate, a change in monoclonal antibody footprint, and poor genetic stability properties compared to those of the wild-type virus. However, these factors affecting production can be overcome. The addition of 1 M NaCl was found to further increase the stability of the SAT2 panel of viruses. The S2093Y and S2093H mutants were selected for future use in stabilizing SAT2 vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly contagious acute vesicular disease in cloven-hoofed livestock and wildlife. The control of the disease by vaccination is essential, especially at livestock-wildlife interfaces. The instability of some serotypes, such as SAT2, affects the quality of vaccines and therefore the duration of immunity. We have shown that we can improve the stability of SAT2 viruses by mutating residues at the capsid interface through predictive modeling. This is an important finding for the potential use of such mutants in improving the stability of SAT2 vaccines in countries where FMD is endemic, which rely heavily on the maintenance of the cold chain, with potential improvement to the duration of immune responses.
Collagenase injections for Dupuytren's disease: prospective cohort study assessing 2-year treatment effect durability
Authors: Lauritzson Anna , Atroshi Isam 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo assess 2-year durability of joint contracture correction following collagenase injections for Dupuytren's disease.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingOrthopaedic Department in Sweden.ParticipantsPatients with palpable Dupuytren's cord and active extension deficit (AED) ≥30° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. A surgeon injected 0.80 mg collagenase into multiple cord parts and performed finger manipulation under local anaesthesia after 24–48 hours. A hand therapist measured joint contracture before and 5 weeks after injection in all treated patients. Of 57 consecutive patients (59 hands), 48 patients (50 hands) were examined by a hand therapist 24–35 months (mean 26) after injection. Five of the patients had received a second injection in the same finger within 6 months of the first injection.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome was proportion of treated joints with ≥20° worsening in AED from 5 weeks to 2 years.ResultsBetween the 5-week and the 2-year measurements, AED had worsened by ≥20° in seven MCP and seven PIP joints (28% of the treated hands; all had received a single injection). Mean AED for the MCP joints was 54° before injection, 6° at 5 weeks and 9° at 2 years and for the PIP joints 30°, 13° and 16°, respectively. For joints with ≥10° contracture at baseline, mean (95 % CI) baseline to 2 years AED improvement was for MCP 49° (41–54) and for PIP 25° (17–32). No treatment-related adverse events were observed at the 2-year follow-up evaluation.ConclusionsTwo years after collagenase injections for Dupuytren's disease, improvement was maintained in 72% of the treated hands. Complete contracture correction was seen in more than 80% of the MCP but in less than half of the PIP joints.
Insomnia as a predictor of job exit among middle-aged and older adults: results from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Dong Liming , Agnew Jacqueline , Mojtabai Ramin , Surkan Pamela J , Spira Adam P 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesPoor health is a recognised predictor of workforce exit, but little is known about the role of insomnia in workforce exit. We examined the association between insomnia symptoms and subsequent job exit among middle-aged and older adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).MethodsThe study sample consisted of 5746 respondents aged between 50 and 70 who were working for pay when interviewed in the HRS 2004 and were followed up in the HRS 2006. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between number of insomnia symptoms (0, 1–2, 3–4) and job exit (no exit, health-related exit or exit due to other reasons).ResultsIn models adjusting for demographic characteristics, baseline health status and baseline job characteristics, compared with respondents with no insomnia symptoms, those with 3–4 insomnia symptoms had approximately twice the odds of leaving the workforce due to poor health (adjusted relative risk ratio=1.93, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.58, p=0.036). There was no association between insomnia and job exit due to non-health reasons.ConclusionsAn elevated number of insomnia symptoms is independently associated with leaving paid employment. Workplace screening for and treatment of insomnia symptoms may prolong labour force participation of middle-aged and older adults.
Identification of the theory of orthogonal polynomials in d-indeterminates with the theory of 3-diagonal symmetric interacting Fock spaces on ℂd
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Barhoumi Abdessatar , Dhahri Ameur 
Published: March 2017

The identification mentioned in the title allows a formulation of the multidimensional Favard lemma different from the ones currently used in the literature and which parallels the original 1-dimensional formulation in the sense that the positive Jacobi sequence is replaced by a sequence of positive Hermitean (square) matrices and the real Jacobi sequence by a sequence of positive definite kernels. The above result opens the way to the program of a purely algebraic classification of probability measures on [Formula: see text] with moments of any order and more generally of states on the polynomial algebra on [Formula: see text]. The quantum decomposition of classical real-valued random variables with all moments is one of the main ingredients in the proof.
Determining the porosity of mudrocks using methodological pluralism
Authors: Busch Andreas , Schweinar Kevin , Kampman Niko , Coorn Ab , Pipich Vitaliy , Feoktystov Artem , Leu Leon , Amann-Hildenbrand Alexandra , Bertier Pieter 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Porosity of shales is an important parameter that impacts rock strength for seal or wellbore integrity, gas-in-place calculations for unconventional resources or the diffusional solute and gas transport in these microporous materials. From a well section obtained from the Mont Terri Underground Rock Laboratory in St Ursanne, Switzerland, we determined porosity, pore size distribution and specific surface areas on a set of 13 Opalinus Clay samples. The porosity methods employed are helium-pycnometry, water and mercury injection porosimetry, liquid saturation and immersion, and low pressure N
2
sorption, as well as small-angle to ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (SANS–USANS). These were used in addition to mineralogical and geochemical methods for sample analysis that comprise X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, total organic carbon content and cation exchange capacity. We find large variations in total porosity, ranging from approximately 23% for the neutron-scattering method to approximately 10% for mercury injection porosimetry. These differences can partly be related to differences in pore accessibility, while no or negligible inaccessible porosity was found. Pore volume distributions between neutron scattering and low-pressure sorption compare very well but differ significantly from those obtained from mercury porosimetry: this is realistic since the latter provides information on pore throats only, and the two former methods on pore throats and pore bodies. Finally, we find that specific surface areas determined using low-pressure sorption and neutron scattering match well.
Stress-dependence of porosity and permeability of the Upper Jurassic Bossier shale: an experimental study
Authors: Fink R. , Krooss B. M. , Amann-Hildenbrand A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In order to characterize the stress-dependence of porosity and permeability of Bossier shale, a series of measurements was conducted on three dry, horizontally orientated samples using various gases under controlled stress conditions.

The Klinkenberg-corrected permeability and gas slippage factors varied by more than two orders of magnitude (0.21–86 µD) and by one order of magnitude (0.09–0.89 MPa), respectively. Porosity values measured under
in situ
stress conditions were lower by up to 30% than those measured at ambient conditions. Therefore, disregarding the stress-dependence of porosity may lead to a substantial overestimation of the free gas storage capacity.

The stress sensitivity of Klinkenberg-corrected permeability coefficients (−0.012–−0.063MPa
−1
) is much larger than the stress sensitivity of porosity (−0.0014–−0.0033 MPa
−1
). Particularly for pore systems dominated by microfractures or slit-shaped pores, the permeability is highly sensitive to effective stress changes. While conventional pore models use porosity stress-sensitivity exponents (
m
) ranging between 3 and 5, we measured values of up to 27. Strongly stress-sensitive permeability behaviour is a result of effective stress preferentially reducing the volume and effective cross-section of transport pathways. In contrast, stress-dependent permeability of a less stress-sensitive sample is instead controlled by the redistribution of flow.
IL-1β-induces NF-κB and upregulates microRNA-372 to inhibit spinal cord injury recovery
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yuan Tongzhou , Gao Youshui , Yin Peipei , Liu Wei , Pan Chenhao , Liu Yingjie , Yu Xiaowei 
Published: March 2017

Excessive inflammation including IL-1β-initiated signaling is among the earlies reactions that can cause neuronal damage following spinal cord injury (SCI). It has been suggested that microRNAs may participate in stem cell repair to facilitate functional recovery following SCI. In this study we have shown that in cultured human neural stem cells (hNSC), IL-1β reduced the expression of both KIF3B (kinesin family member 3B) and NOSIP (nitric oxide synthase-interacting protein), two key modulators for restricting inflammation and promoting neuronal regeneration. The induction of microRNA-372 (miR-372) by IL-1β is specifically responsible for the inhibition of KIF3B and NOSIP. The 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of both KIF3B and NOSIP contain targeting sequences to miR-372 that directly inhibit their expression. Moreover, we found that the expression of miR-372 was stimulated in hNSC by IL-1β through an NF-κB binding site at its promoter region. Finally, stable overexpression of miR-372 inhibitor in hNSC rescued the IL-1β-induced impairment as shown by significant improvements in tissue water content, myeloperoxidase activity, and behavioral assessments in SCI rats. These findings suggest a critical role of miR-372 in inflammatory signaling and pinpoint a novel target for the treatment of acute SCI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our data demonstrate that IL-1β can impair the functional recovery of neural stem cell transplant therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment in rats. This effect is dependent on microRNA-372 (miR-372)-dependent gene repression of KIF3B and NOSIP. Therefore, specific knockdown of miR-372 may provide benefits for SCI treatments.
A Comparative Analysis of Integrated Boost Flyback Converter using PID and Fuzzy Controller
Authors: Babu R.Samuel Rajesh 
Published: March 2017

<div class="Section1"><p class="papertitle">This paper presents a comparative analysis of Integrated boost flyback converter for Renewable energy System. IBFC is the combination of boost converter and fly back converter. The proposed converter is simulated in open and closed loop using PID and FUZZY controller. The Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is used reduce the rise time, settling time to almost negligible and try to remove the delay time and inverted response. The performance of IBFC with fuzzy logic controller is found better instead of PID controller. The simulation results are verified experimentally and the output of converter is free from ripples and has regulated output voltage.</p></div>
Adaptive Method for Power Quality Improvement through Minimization of Harmonics Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Thirumoorthi P. , T D Raheni 
Published: March 2017

Power system harmonics are a menace to electric power system with disastrous consequence. Due to the presence of non linear load, power quality of the system gets affected. To overcome this, shunt active power filter have been used near harmonic producing loads or at the point of common coupling to block current harmonics. The shunt active power filter is designed to minimize harmonics in source current and reactive power in the non linear power supplies which are creating harmonics. In this paper, Instantaneous power of p-q theory is employed to generate the reference currents and PI controller is used to control the dc link voltage. In addition to this, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique is used to minimize the harmonics produced by nonlinear load. The main objective of this paper is to analyze and compare THD of the source current with PI controller and by artificial neural network based back propagation algorithm. The proposed system is designed with MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.
Thrombotic risk according to SERPINC1 genotype in a large cohort of subjects with antithrombin inherited deficiency
Authors: Alhenc-Gelas Martine , Plu-Bureau Genevieve , Hugon-Rodin Justine , Picard Veronique , Horellou Marie-Helene ,   GFHT study group on Genetic Thrombophilia
Published: March 2017

SummaryInherited quantitative (type I) or qualitative (type II) antithrombin deficiency (ATD) due to mutations in the SERPINC1 gene is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism. ATD may also increase risk for arterial thrombosis. Few studies have investigated risk for thrombosis according to mutations. We addressed this topic in a large retrospective cohort study of 540 heterozygous carriers of SERPINC1 mutations and compared risk for first venous or arterial thrombosis associated with carrying of different type II or type I mutations. No clear difference in risk for first venous thrombotic event was observed among type I (missense or null), type IIRS or type IIPE mutation carriers except for a few variants that displayed lower risk [all events, adjusted relative risk: Cambridge II: 0.42 (95%CI 0.25–0.70), Dublin: 0.35 (95%CI 0.13–0.99)]. IIHBS mutation carrying was associated with a clearly lower risk than type I mutation carrying [0.28 (95%CI 0.20–0.40)]. These differences in risk were observed for both all venous thrombotic events and pulmonary embolism associated with deep venous thrombosis. The HBS group was also heterogeneous, with AT Budapest 3 carriers displaying a non-significantly different risk [0.61 (95%CI 0.31–1.20)] compared to type I mutation carriers. We also studied risk for arterial thrombosis and found no significant influence of mutation type. Altogether, our findings suggest a place for SERPINC1 genotyping in the diagnosis of ATD.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Changes in Body Weight and Composition Are Associated With Changes in Left Ventricular Geometry and Function in the General Population
Authors: Markus Marcello Ricardo Paulista , Werner Nicole , Schipf Sabine , Siewert-Markus Ulrike , Bahls Martin , Baumeister Sebastian Edgar , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan Burkhard , Ittermann Till , Dörr Marcus 
Published: March 2017

Background—
The different effects of total body weight (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) on left ventricular (LV) geometry and function are complex. We investigated the associations of changes over time in TBW, FM, and FFM with changes in LV geometry and function.

Methods and Results—
We analyzed data from 1189 subjects (694 women), aged 44 to 86 years, from the baseline and the 5-year follow-up examination of the population-based SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania). TBW was measured, and FFM and FM were calculated based on height-weight models derived from bioelectrical impedance studies. Echocardiographic measurements of LV geometry and function were performed according to the guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography. Changes in body composition measures were associated with changes in LV geometry and function by multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. A 1-kg increase/decrease in TBW or FM was associated, respectively, with an increase/decrease of 0.89 g or 1.84 g in LV mass, whereas there was no such association on changes in FFM. Moreover, an increase in FM was associated with LV concentric remodeling and impairment of systolic and diastolic function parameters, whereas an increase in FFM was associated with LV eccentric remodeling and improved systolic and diastolic functional variables.

Conclusions—
Our findings indicate that changes in LV morphology and function depend on the type of body mass composition. Prospective data need to address whether specific changes in body composition over time may affect the risk for heart dysfunction more precisely than the change in TBW.