bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A genetic signature of the evolution of loss of flight in the Galapagos cormorant
Authors: Burga Alejandro , Wang Weiguang , Ben-David Eyal , Wolf Paul C. , Ramey Andrew M. , Verdugo Claudio , Lyons Karen , Parker Patricia G. , Kruglyak Leonid 
Published: June 2017

Loss of flight in the Galapagos cormorantAlthough rare among existing birds, the loss of flight appears to have occurred multiple times in evolutionary history. However, the genetic changes that ground avian species are not well understood. Burgaet al. sequenced genomes from three cormorant species and compared them with that of the flightless Galapagos cormorant (see the Perspective by Cooper). They identified variants in genes involved in primary ciliogenesis. Functional analyses of these variants suggest that the impaired function of the genes may be responsible for skeletal changes associated with the Galapagos cormorant’s loss of flight.Science, this issue p.eaal3345; see also p.904
A Cation-Binding Surface Protein as a Vaccine Antigen To Prevent Moraxella catarrhalis Otitis Media and Infections in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Murphy Timothy F. , Brauer Aimee L. , Johnson Antoinette , Wilding Gregory E. , Koszelak-Rosenblum Mary , Malkowski Michael G. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Moraxella catarrhalis
is an exclusively human respiratory tract pathogen that is a common cause of otitis media in children and respiratory tract infections in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A vaccine to prevent these infections would have a major impact on reducing the substantial global morbidity and mortality in these populations. Through a genome mining approach, we identified AfeA, an ∼32-kDa substrate binding protein of an ABC transport system, as an excellent candidate vaccine antigen. Recombinant AfeA was expressed and purified and binds ferric, ferrous, manganese, and zinc ions, as demonstrated by thermal shift assays. It is a highly conserved protein that is present in all strains of
M. catarrhalis
. Immunization with recombinant purified AfeA induces high-titer antibodies that recognize the native
M. catarrhalis
protein. AfeA expresses abundant epitopes on the bacterial surface and induces protective responses in the mouse pulmonary clearance model following aerosol challenge with
M. catarrhalis
. Finally, AfeA is expressed during human respiratory tract infection of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Based on these observations, AfeA is an excellent vaccine antigen to be included in a vaccine to prevent infections caused by
M. catarrhalis
.
Transcriptional Profiling Confirms the Therapeutic Effects of Mast Cell Stabilization in a Dengue Disease Model
Authors: Morrison Juliet , Rathore Abhay P. S. , Mantri Chinmay K. , Aman Siti A. B. , Nishida Andrew , St. John Ashley L. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThere are no approved therapeutics for the treatment of dengue disease despite the global prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) and its mosquito vectors. DENV infections can lead to vascular complications, hemorrhage, and shock due to the ability of DENV to infect a variety of immune and nonimmune cell populations. Increasingly, studies have implicated the host response as a major contributor to severe disease. Inflammatory products of various cell types, including responding T cells, mast cells (MCs), and infected monocytes, can contribute to immune pathology. In this study, we show that the host response to DENV infection in immunocompetent mice recapitulates transcriptional changes that have been described in human studies. We found that DENV infection strongly induced metabolic dysregulation, complement signaling, and inflammation. DENV also affected the immune cell content of the spleen and liver, enhancing NK, NKT, and CD8+T cell activation. The MC-stabilizing drug ketotifen reversed many of these responses without suppressing memory T cell formation and induced additional changes in the transcriptome and immune cell composition of the spleen, consistent with reduced inflammation. This study provides a global transcriptional map of immune activation in DENV target organs of an immunocompetent host and supports the further development of targeted immunomodulatory strategies to treat DENV disease.IMPORTANCEDengue virus (DENV), which causes febrile illness, is transmitted by mosquito vectors throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Symptoms of DENV infection involve damage to blood vessels and, in rare cases, hemorrhage and shock. Currently, there are no targeted therapies to treat DENV infection, but it is thought that drugs that target the host immune response may be effective in limiting symptoms that result from excessive inflammation. In this study, we measured the host transcriptional response to infection in multiple DENV target organs using a mouse model of disease. We found that DENV infection induced metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses and affected the immune cell content of the spleen and liver. The use of the mast cell stabilization drug ketotifen reversed many of these responses and induced additional changes in the transcriptome and immune cell repertoire that contribute to decreased dengue disease.
West Nile Virus NS1 Antagonizes Interferon Beta Production by Targeting RIG-I and MDA5
Authors: Zhang Hong-Lei , Ye Han-Qing , Liu Si-Qing , Deng Cheng-Lin , Li Xiao-Dan , Shi Pei-Yong , Zhang Bo 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes epidemics of encephalitis and viscerotropic disease worldwide. This virus has spread rapidly and has posed a significant public health threat since the outbreak in New York City in 1999. The interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral response represents an important component of virus-host interactions and plays an essential role in regulating viral replication. Previous studies have suggested that multifunctional nonstructural proteins encoded by flaviviruses antagonize the host IFN response via various means in order to establish efficient viral replication. In this study, we demonstrated that the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of WNV antagonizes IFN-β production, most likely through suppression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) activation. In a dual-luciferase reporter assay, WNV NS1 significantly inhibited the activation of the IFN-β promoter after Sendai virus infection or poly(I·C) treatment. NS1 also suppressed the activation of the IFN-β promoter when it was stimulated by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)/5D or its upstream molecules in the RLR signaling pathway. Furthermore, NS1 blocked the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3 upon stimulation by various inducers. Mechanistically, WNV NS1 targets RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) by interacting with them and subsequently causing their degradation by the proteasome. Furthermore, WNV NS1 inhibits the K63-linked polyubiquitination of RIG-I, thereby inhibiting the activation of downstream sensors in the RLR signaling pathway. Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which WNV NS1 interferes with the host antiviral response.

IMPORTANCE
WNV Nile virus (WNV) has received increased attention since its introduction to the United States. However, the pathogenesis of this virus is poorly understood. This study demonstrated that the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of WNV antagonizes the induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) by interacting with and degrading retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), which are crucial viral sensors in the host innate immune system. Further experiments suggested that NS1-mediated inhibition of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway involves inhibition of RIG-I K63-linked polyubiquitination and that the proteasome plays a role in RIG-I degradation. This study provides new insights into the regulation of WNV NS1 in the RLR signaling pathway and reveals a novel mechanism by which WNV evades the host innate immune response. The novel findings may guide us to discover new therapeutic targets and develop effective vaccines for WNV infections.
Incidence, risk factors and management of intractable diplopia
Authors: Newsham David , O’Connor Anna R , Harrad Richard A 
Published: June 2017

AimsThere is a paucity of literature concerning intractable diplopia. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of intractable diplopia in the UK, identify the causes and any associated risk factors, establish how cases are managed and if the treatment is successful and tolerated.MethodsA 1-year prospective observational study was undertaken via the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU). This involved implementation of a reporting mechanism, which then triggered distribution of an incident questionnaire to explore clinical details concerning each case and a follow-up questionnaire 6 months later to explore how the case had been managed.ResultsThe incidence of intractable diplopia was 53 cases per year. The most common preceding events were strabismus surgery (32%), no known preceding event, that is,spontaneous (25%), severe head trauma (8%), cataract surgery (6%) and vitrectomy (6%). In the at-risk age group of 7 years and above, the incidence of intractable diplopia following strabismus surgery is 1 in 494 (95% CI; 1 in 296 to 790) cases. A total of nine different treatments were used in the management, with many patients receiving between two and four different methods. The overall success rate was poor, but most effective were opaque intraocular lenses (IOLs) (86%) and opaque contact lenses (50%).ConclusionIntractable diplopia is a relatively rare but important condition. The main risk factor is a pre-existing strabismus, and careful counselling is needed when planning surgical correction in patients with no demonstrable binocular function. Treatment success of intractable diplopia is high when using opaque IOLs, although with additional risk, but is often disappointing via other methods where it can be difficult to eradicate the diplopia successfully.
Primary enucleation for group D retinoblastoma in the era of systemic and targeted chemotherapy: the price of retaining an eye
Authors: Fabian Ido D , Stacey Andrew W , Johnson Kenneth C , Chowdhury Tanzina , Duncan Catriona , Reddy M Ashwin , Sagoo Mandeep S 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundChemotherapy is increasingly used as primary treatment for group D retinoblastoma, whereas primary enucleation is considered to have a diminishing role. This study aimed to compare the management course, including number of examinations under anaesthesia (EUAs), of group D patients treated by enucleation versus chemotherapy.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 92 group D patients, of which 40 (37 unilateral) underwent primary enucleation and 52 (17 unilateral) were treated with intravenous chemotherapy. Number of EUAs was compared between the treatment groups with respect to the whole cohort, using univariate and multivariate analysis, and to unilateral cases only.ResultsPatients were followed up for a median of 61 months (mean: 66, range: 14–156), in which time primary enucleated patients had on average seven EUAs and chemotherapy-treated patients 21 EUAs (p<0.001). Chemotherapy, young age, bilateral disease, multifocal tumours, familial and germline retinoblastoma were found on univariate analysis to correlate with increased number of EUAs (p≤0.019). On multivariate analysis, however, only treatment type and presentation age were found significant (p≤0.001). On subanalysis of the unilateral cases, patients undergoing primary enucleation had in average seven EUAs, as compared with 16 in the chemotherapy group (p<0.001). Of the 55 unilateral-presenting patients, a new tumour developed in the fellow eye only in a single familial case.ConclusionGroup D patients’ families should be counselled regarding the significant difference in number of EUAs following primary enucleation versus chemotherapy when deciding on a treatment strategy. In this regard, primary enucleation would be most beneficial for older patients with unilateral disease.
Randomised controlled trial of transanal endoscopic microsurgery versus endoscopic mucosal resection for large rectal adenomas (TREND Study)
Authors: Barendse Renée M , Musters Gijsbert D , de Graaf Eelco J R , van den Broek Frank J C , Consten Esther C J , Doornebosch Pascal G , Hardwick James C , de Hingh Ignace H J T , Hoff Chrisiaan , Jansen Jeroen M , van Milligen de Wit A W Marc , van der Schelling George P , Schoon Erik J , Schwartz Matthijs P , Weusten Bas L A M , Dijkgraaf Marcel G , Fockens Paul , Bemelman Willem A , Dekker Evelien 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveNon-randomised studies suggest that endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is equally effective in removing large rectal adenomas as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), but EMR might be more cost-effective and safer. This trial compares the clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of TEM and EMR for large rectal adenomas.DesignPatients with rectal adenomas ≥3 cm, without malignant features, were randomised (1:1) to EMR or TEM, allowing endoscopic removal of residual adenoma at 3 months. Unexpected malignancies were excluded postrandomisation. Primary outcomes were recurrence within 24 months (aiming to demonstrate non-inferiority of EMR, upper limit 10%) and the number of recurrence-free days alive and out of hospital.ResultsTwo hundred and four patients were treated in 18 university and community hospitals. Twenty-seven (13%) had unexpected cancer and were excluded from further analysis. Overall recurrence rates were 15% after EMR and 11% after TEM; statistical non-inferiority was not reached. The numbers of recurrence-free days alive and out of hospital were similar (EMR 609±209, TEM 652±188, p=0.16). Complications occurred in 18% (EMR) versus 26% (TEM) (p=0.23), with major complications occurring in 1% (EMR) versus 8% (TEM) (p=0.064). Quality-adjusted life years were equal in both groups. EMR was approximately €3000 cheaper and therefore more cost-effective.ConclusionUnder the statistical assumptions of this study, non-inferiority of EMR could not be demonstrated. However, EMR may have potential as the primary method of choice due to a tendency of lower complication rates and a better cost-effectiveness ratio. The high rate of unexpected cancers should be dealt with in further studies.
System of Interintegraptive Constructive-Analytical Problems As a Method For Forming of Future Engineers’ Professionally-Oriented Abilities
Authors: Юматова  , Yumatova E. 
Published: June 2017

In this paper is considered a procedure for improving the efficiency of engineers’ geometric and graphic training in construction University through a system problem-based teaching, promoting the development of students’ creative constructive,
analytical and spatial abilities. Two contradictions have been revealed: 1) the level of learners’ productive abilities in the area of geometric and graphic education does not meet requirements for modern development of construction industry; 2) an effective procedure for the continuous problem-based teaching on the foundation of generalized constructive and analytical techniques for junior students’ activities in the area of architecture and construction has not been sufficiently revealed. To resolve these contradictions have been realized selection and classification of professionally-oriented design tasks on reconstruction parameters’ optimizing for junior students. The following types of teaching tasks on optimization for space-planning decisions and improvement of geometric objects’ aesthetic indicators based on technical specifications: 1) increase of building’s total structural volume and area; 2) increase the storage capacity or throughput
capability; 3) restoration of some lost building elements; 4) change the front end; 5) architectural re-planning in respect of interchangeability and inter-consistency of structures and their elements. It has been founded that to shift a focus from educational activity to the teaching one the algorithm for the design objectives’ solution should be based on: 1) analytic-synthetic activity through the recursive formula: analysis — synthesis — analysis; 2) student involvement in the creation of optimal algorithms for modeling. Eventually has been formulated an essence of the concept “inter- integration constructive and analytical task», in which the student’s educational activity on development of architectural solutions aimed not only at optimization of reconstruction parameters, but also at optimization of the algorithm for formation and transformation of geometric information models by means of computer technologies, with a focus on understanding of actions’ types
and methods. In accordance with modern construction’s specificity, teaching objective and problem situations’ types has been clarified the structure of the educational system, complemented by problematic and inter-integration unit based on information and geometrical modeling and including four levels of tasks: 1) algorithmic and reproductive; 2) part-search; 3) problem; 4) problematic and inter-integration. The fourth level supposes the optimization of the reconstruction parameters on the basis of building’s unified geometrical information model by means of information technologies. The each level’s tasks content has been revealed, and corresponding examples have been presented.
Sex differences in the splenic flexure
Authors: Brookes AF , Macano CAW , Stone T , Cheetham M , Meecham L 
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTIONAnecdotally, surgeons claim splenic flexure mobilisation is more difficult in male patients. There have been no scientific studies to confirm or disprove this hypothesis. The implications in colorectal surgery could be profound. The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively whether there is an anatomical difference in the position of the splenic flexure between men and women using computed tomography (CT).METHODSPortal venous phase CT performed for preoperative assessment of colorectal malignancy was analysed using the hospital picture archiving and communication system. The splenic flexure was compared between men and women using two variables: anatomical height corresponding to the adjacent vertebral level (converted to ordinal values between 1 and 17) and distance from the midline.RESULTSIn total, 100 CT images were analysed. Sex distribution was even. The mean ages of the male and female patients were 68.1 years and 66.7 years respectively (p=0.630). The mean vertebral level for men was 8.88, equating to the inferior half of the T11 vertebral body (range: 1–17 [superior half of T9 to inferior half of L2]), and 11.36 for women, equating to the inferior half of the T12 vertebral body (range: 4–16 [superior half of T10 to superior half of L2]). This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001) and is equivalent to one whole vertebra. The mean distance from the midline was 160.8mm (range: 124–203mm) for men and 138.2mm (range: 107–185mm) for women (p<0.0001).CONCLUSIONSThe splenic flexure is both higher and further from the midline in men than in women. This provides one theory as to why mobilising the splenic flexure may be more difficult in male patients.
Las personas “sin hogar”. Un marco para el análisis sociológico
Authors: Sánchez Morales María del Rosario 
Published: June 2017

En este texto se hace un recorrido por algunas de las principales perspectivas teóricas que a lo largo del pensamiento social han atendido a la problemática del “sinhogarismo”, muchas dispares entre sí e incluso antagónicas. Desde nuestra visión histórica, se trata de un fenómeno que debe ser analizado a la luz de una interpretación procesual y multicausal, vinculada a los estudios sobre la exclusión social y a la perspectiva analítica de la noción de ciudadanía, ya que sopesamos que la complejidad de las sociedades de nuestros días exige una comprensión de los trayectos vitales de las personas “sin hogar” en términos de un “apartamiento” de lo social y una pérdida progresiva de derechos de ciudadanía.
Desarrollo de algoritmos para la selección de canales espectrales en redes inalámbricas de radio cognitiva usando las estrategias rectiva y proactiva - Development of algorithms for the selection of spectral channels in wireless cognitive radio networks using rective and proactive strategies
Authors: López-Sarmiento Danilo Alfonso , Salamanca- Cespez Jorge Enrique , Gallego-Torres Adriana Patricia 
Published: June 2017

La Radio Cognitiva (CR) es el paradigma que permite optimizar la eficiencia del espectro radio eléctrico a través de una gestión dinámica basado en el sensado, decisión, compartición y movilidad espectral, siendo la toma de decisiones la encargada de la selección del mejor/mejores canales para la transmisión de los datos de los nodos cognitivos (SUs), dependiendo de la calidad de servicio solicitada (Best Effort (BE) o Real Time (RT)). La literatura existente plantea implícitamente la utilización de una estrategia reactiva para la selección de dichas bandas; no obstante, ello implica que las solicitudes de los SUs solo se procesarán una vez arriben a la estación base (BS) de la red cognitiva, generando retrasos adicionales en el envío de los datos. En el presente artículo se plantea el uso de la estrategía proactiva planteada en [1], pretendiendo con ello que el procesamiento de las solicitudes de asignación de espectro para los SUs se realice de manera más rápida o eficiente (tiempo menor de procesamiento en la estación base (BS)), con ello optimizando la etapa de decisión espectral en CR. Los resultados demuestran que el sistema proactivo reduce el tiempo de asignación de canales a los SUs sin degradar la comunicación del PU.
SOLUCIÓN DE LA ECUACIÓN NO LINEAL DE SCHRODINGER (1+1) EN UN MEDIO KERR
Authors: Segovia Francis Armando , Cabrera Emilse 
Published: June 2017

Se presenta un marco teórico y se muestra una simulación numérica de la propagación de solitones. Con especial atención a los solitones ópticos espaciales, se calcula analíticamente el perfil de solitón correspondiente a la ecuación Schrodinger no-lineal para un medio Kerr. Los resultados muestran que los solitones ópticos son pulsos estables cuya forma y espectro son preservados en grandes distancias.Solution of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (1+1) in a Kerr mediumABSTRACTThis document presents a theoretical framework and shows a numerical simulation for the propagation of solitons. With special attention to the spatial optical solitons, we calculates analytically the profile of solitón corresponding to the non-linear Schrodinger equation for a Kerr medium. The results show that the optical solitons are stable pulses whose shape and spectrum are preserved at great distances.Keywords: nonlinear optics, nonlinear Schrodinger equation, solitons.