bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human oropharynx as natural reservoir of Streptobacillus hongkongensis
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Chan Jasper F. W. , Tsang Chi-Ching , Chan Sau-Man , Ho Man-Ling , Que Tak-Lun , Lau Yu-Lung , Woo Patrick C. Y. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecently, we reported the isolation of Streptobacillus hongkongensis sp. nov. from patients with quinsy or septic arthritis. In this study, we developed a PCR sequencing test after sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and nalidixic acid enrichment for detection of S. hongkongensis. During a three-month study period, among the throat swabs from 132 patients with acute pharyngitis and 264 controls, PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed that S. hongkongensis and S. hongkongensis-like bacteria were detected in 16 patients and 29 control samples, respectively. Among these 45 positive samples, five different sequence variants were detected. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that sequence variant 1 was clustered with S. hongkongensis HKU33T/HKU34 with high bootstrap support; while the other four sequence variants formed another distinct cluster. When compared with the 16S rRNA gene of S. hongkongensis HKU33T, the five sequence variants possessed 97.5–100% sequence identities. Among sequence variants 2–5, their sequences showed ≥99.5% nucleotide identities to each other. Forty-two individuals (93.3%) only harbored one sequence variant. We showed that the human oropharynx is a reservoir of S. hongkongensis, but the bacterium is not associated with acute pharyngitis. Another undescribed novel Streptobacillus species is probably also residing in the human oropharynx.
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx)-induced abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism revealed by 1H-NMR-based metabonomics
Authors: Dan Yue  , Zhang Yuwei , Cheng Liuliu , Ma Jinhu , Xi Yufeng , Yang Liping , Su Chao , Shao Bin , Huang Anliang , Xiang Rong , Cheng Ping 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays an important role in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis; however, mechanisms underlying HBx-mediated carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this study, an NMR-based metabolomics approach was applied to systematically investigate the effects of HBx on cell metabolism. EdU incorporation assay was conducted to examine the effects of HBx on DNA synthesis, an important feature of nucleic acid metabolism. The results revealed that HBx disrupted metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids, especially nucleic acids. To understand the potential mechanism of HBx-induced abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism, gene expression profiles of HepG2 cells expressing HBx were investigated. The results showed that 29 genes involved in DNA damage and DNA repair were differentially expressed in HBx-expressing HepG2 cells. HBx-induced DNA damage was further demonstrated by karyotyping, comet assay, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analyses. Many studies have previously reported that DNA damage can induce abnormalities of nucleic acid metabolism. Thus, our results implied that HBx initially induces DNA damage, and then disrupts nucleic acid metabolism, which in turn blocks DNA repair and induces the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These findings further contribute to our understanding of the occurrence of HCC.
A Fluorescence Approach to Assess the Production of Soluble Microbial Products from Aerobic Granular Sludge Under the Stress of 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Wei Dong , Dong Heng , Wu Na , Ngo Huu Hao , Guo Wenshan , Du Bin , Wei Qin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this study, a fluorescence approach was used to evaluate the production of soluble microbial products (SMP) in aerobic granular sludge system under the stress of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). A combined use of three-dimension excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM), Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), synchronous fluorescence and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) were explored to respect the SMP formation in the exposure of different doses of 2,4-DCP. Data implied that the presence of 2,4-DCP had an obvious inhibition on biological nitrogen removal. According to EEM-PARAFAC, two fluorescent components were derived and represented to the presence of fulvic-like substances and humic-like substances in Component 1 and protein-like substances in Component 2. It was found from synchronous fluorescence that protein-like peak presented slightly higher intensity than that of fulvic-like peak. 2D-COS further revealed that fluorescence change took place sequentially in the following order: protein-like fraction > fulvic-like fraction. The obtained results could provide a potential application of fluorescence spectra in the released SMP assessment in the exposure of toxic compound during wastewater treatment.
A novel ZnO@Ag@Polypyrrole hybrid composite evaluated as anode material for zinc-based secondary cell
Authors: Huang Jianhang , Yang Zhanhong , Feng Zhaobin , Xie Xiaoe , Wen Xing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA novel ZnO@Ag@Polypyrrole nano-hybrid composite has been synthesized with a one-step approach, in which silver-ammonia complex ion serves as oxidant to polymerize the pyrrole monomer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) show the existence of metallic silver and polypyrrole. The structure of nano-hybrid composites are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which demonstrates that the surface of ZnO is decorated with nano silver grain coated with polypyrrole. When evaluated as anode material, the silver grain and polypyrrole layer not only suppress the dissolution of discharge product, but also helps to uniform electrodeposition due to substrate effect and its good conductivity, thus shows better cycling performance than bare ZnO electrode does.
Characterization and parameterization of aerosol cloud condensation nuclei activation under different pollution conditions
Authors: Che H. C. , Zhang X. Y. , Wang Y. Q. , Zhang L. , Shen X. J. , Zhang Y. M. , Ma Q. L. , Sun J. Y. , Zhang Y. W. , Wang T. T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTo better understand the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation capacity of aerosol particles in different pollution conditions, a long-term field experiment was carried out at a regional GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) station in the Yangtze River Delta area of China. The homogeneity of aerosol particles was the highest in clean weather, with the highest active fraction of all the weather types. For pollution with the same visibility, the residual aerosol particles in higher relative humidity weather conditions were more externally mixed and heterogeneous, with a lower hygroscopic capacity. The hygroscopic capacity (κ) of organic aerosols can be classified into 0.1 and 0.2 in different weather types. The particles at ~150 nm were easily activated in haze weather conditions. For CCN predictions, the bulk chemical composition method was closer to observations at low supersaturations (≤0.1%), whereas when the supersaturation was ≥0.2%, the size-resolved chemical composition method was more accurate. As for the mixing state of the aerosol particles, in haze, heavy haze, and severe haze weather conditions CCN predictions based on the internal mixing assumption were robust, whereas for other weather conditions, predictions based on the external mixing assumption were more accurate.
Cell Therapy with Human Dermal Fibroblasts Enhances Intervertebral Disk Repair and Decreases Inflammation in the Rabbit Model
Authors: Chee Ana , Shi Peng , Cha Thomas , Kao Ting-Hsien , Yang Shu-Hua , Zhu Jun , Chen Ding , Zhang Yejia , An Howard S. 
Published: April 2016

Study Design Pilot study using the rabbit model. Objective Low back pain is often associated with disk degeneration. Cell therapy for degenerating disks may promote tissue regeneration and repair. Human dermal fibroblasts, obtained from the patient's skin tissue or donated tissue, may be a promising cell therapy option for degenerating disks. The objective of these studies is to determine the effects of intradiscal transplantation of neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs) on intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration by measuring disk height, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity, gene expression, and collagen immunostaining. Methods New Zealand white rabbits ( n = 16) received an annular puncture to induce disk degeneration and were treated with nHDFs or saline 4 weeks later. At 2 and 8 weeks post-treatment, X-ray and MRI images were obtained. IVDs were isolated and examined for changes in collagen staining and gene expression. Results In the nHDF-treated group, there was a 10% increase in the disk height index after 8 weeks of treatment ( p ≤ 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the saline-treated group. When compared with the saline-treated disks, disks treated with nHDFs showed reduced expression of inflammatory markers, a higher ratio of collagen type II over collagen type I gene expression, and more intense immunohistochemical staining for both collagen types I and II. Conclusions Human dermal fibroblast introduction into the disk reduced inflammation and promoted tissue rich in both type I and type II collagens. The results of this study suggest that nHDFs would be a feasible cell therapy option for disk degeneration.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Adverse Outcome in Adult and Pediatric Patients With Healthcare-Associated Ventriculitis and Meningitis
Authors: Srihawan Chanunya , Castelblanco Rodrigo Lopez , Salazar Lucrecia , Wootton Susan H. , Aguilera Elizabeth , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Sandberg David I. , Choi HuiMahn A. , Lee Kiwon , Kitigawa Ryan , Tandon Nitin , Hasbun Rodrigo 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Background.  Healthcare-associated meningitis or ventriculitis is a serious and life-threatening complication of invasive neurosurgical procedures or penetrating head trauma.
Methods.  We performed a retrospective study of adults and children with the diagnosis of healthcare-associated meningitis or ventriculitis, as defined by the 2015 Centers of Disease Control and Prevention case definition, at 2 large tertiary care hospitals in Houston, Texas from July 2003 to November 2014. Patients were identified by infection control practitioners and by screening cerebrospinal fluid samples sent to the central laboratory. We collected data on demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory results, imaging studies, treatments, and outcomes.
Results.  A total of 215 patients were included (166 adults and 49 children). A positive cerebrospinal fluid culture was seen in 106 (49%) patients, with the majority of the etiologies being Staphylococcus and Gram-negative rods. An adverse clinical outcome was seen in 167 patients (77.7%) and was defined as death in 20 patients (9.3%), persistent vegetative state in 31 patients (14.4%), severe disability in 77 patients (35.8%), or moderate disability in 39 patients (18.1%). On logistic regression analysis, age &gt;45 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.31–18.11; P ≤ .001), abnormal neurological exam (adjusted OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.27–7.29; P = .013), and mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.51–18.92; P = .01) were associated with an adverse outcome.
Conclusions.  Healthcare-associated meningitis or ventriculitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Variance Adaptive Shrinkage (vash): Flexible Empirical Bayes estimation of variances
Authors: Lu Mengyin , Stephens Matthew 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMotivationWe consider the problem of estimating variances on a large number of “similar” units, when there are relatively few observations on each unit. This problem is important in genomics, for example, where it is often desired to estimate variances for thousands of genes (or some other genomic unit) from just a few measurements on each. A common approach to this problem is to use an Empirical Bayes (EB) method that assumes the variances among genes follow an inverse-gamma distribution. Here we describe a more flexible EB method, whose main assumption is that the distribution of the variances (or, as an alternative, the precisions) is unimodal.ResultsWe show that this more flexible assumption provides competitive performance with existing methods when the variances truly come from an inverse-gamma distribution, and can outperform them when the distribution of the variances is more complex. In analyses of several human gene expression datasets from the Genotype Tissues Expression (GTEx) consortium, we find that our more flexible model often fits the data appreciably better than the single inverse gamma distribution. At the same time we find that, for variance estimation, the differences between methods is often small, suggesting that the simpler methods will often suffice in practice.AvailabilityOur methods are implemented in an R packagevashravailable fromhttp://github.com/mengyin/vashr.
Estimating the nonlinear effects of female directors on financial performance
Authors: Ming Chen , Hock Eam Lim 
Published: April 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the non-linear effects of the presence of women directors on the board on the financial performances of Malaysian companies which undertakes initial public offerings (IPOs). This paper also analyzes the impacts of non-executive directors and independent directors on their company performances.Design/methodology/approachThis paper traces the effects of gender diversity on the board on the financial performance of a sample of 123 Malaysian companies from the list of 230 companies which have made IPOs and are listed during the period 2005-2012. The multiple regressions (with linear and non-linear specification) are used to estimate the effects of women directors on companies’ performance.FindingsThe results show that presence of women directors on the board do not purport to have any significant linear or non-linear impact on the financial performance of the companies under reference, except for the companies in the top 80th percentile of return on equity. Similarly, strong evidence is also found when the number of women as board members is more than 15 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper suggest that presence of women directors provides a beneficial impact on the return on equity of companies in Malaysia. Therefore, it is suggested that there should be greater participation of women as board members in the country.Originality/valuePrior studies tried to estimate linear relationship between the presence of woman directors on company performance. Present study assessed it from three different angles: the sample consists of companies in Malaysia issuing IPOs; possible non-linear relationship is also assessed; and apart from multiple regression, quantile regression technique was also used.
What drives store brand purchases during crisis periods? Evidence from panel data in four product categories
Authors: Diallo Mbaye Fall , kaswengi joseph 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
This study investigates how marketing policy and consumer characteristics affect consumer choices of store brands across four product categories during specific crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a large set of panel data (N = 80,732), the authors develop dynamic choice models to assess consumers’ choices of store brands during crisis periods.

Findings
Key marketing variables (i.e., price, product quantity, displays, and feature promotions) and consumer characteristics both affect store brand choice significantly. However, crisis intensity moderates the unique relationships of the four marketing variables, consumer characteristics, and store brand choice. Furthermore, the findings vary across product categories, such that the effects differ depending on the product category, because consumers adopt diverse strategies to deal with difficult economic situations.

Research limitations/implications
The findings reveal both theoretical implications for marketing research and managerial orientations for retailers and manufacturers that hope to sell different products in challenging economic situations. A limitation of this research is its failure to include perceptual variables in the analysis.

Originality/value
In contrast with previous studies, this research investigates how crisis intensity affects the relationship of brand choice with both marketing variables and consumer characteristics. It also documents differences between product categories, using a panel data analysis and dynamic modelling.
Channel design to enrich customers’ shopping experiences: synchronizing clicks with bricks in an omni-channel perspective - the Direct Optic case
Authors: Picot-Coupey Karine , Huré Elodie , Piveteau Lauren 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this research is two-fold: (1) to investigate the challenges e-tailers are confronted with when synchronizing clicks with bricks into an omni-channel perspective and (2) to shed light on the possible ways to overcome these challenges in order to successfully implement an omni-channel strategy.

Design/methodology/approach
To answer our research questions, we draw on an in-depth longitudinal case study conducted within the French on-line eyewear retailer Direct Optic from January 2013 to March 2015. From an ethnographic perspective, we document the evolution of the retailing company’s decisions and processes as they moved towards defining and implementing an omni-channel strategy. Research was carried out using primary (1500+ hours of participant observation and 118 interviews) and secondary data sources. A conceptualizing content analysis was conducted both manually and with NVivo software.

Findings
First, our results show that the challenges faced in shifting to omni-channel strategy are so numerous and so engaging that, de facto, it is impossible to evolve directly from a multi-channel, siloed strategy to an omni-channel strategy without any transition. Second, throughout this transformative process, our result show that the challenges faced by the company evolved gradually in terms of scope and priority, and can be categorized into two main categories: the strategy-related challenges (organizational, cultural, managerial, marketing and resources) which were the highest priority in the first stage and the development-related challenges (retailing mix, information systems and CRM) which became the highest priority during the second stage.

Research limitations/implications
We emphasize the importance of carefully orchestrating how strategy-related and development-related challenges are addressed as, for retailers engaged in going omni-channel, this involves a complete transformation of their configuration.

Originality/value
Our study contributes to channel management and retailing research by (1) deepening the conceptualization of multi-, cross- and omni-channel retailing, (2) exploring the nature, importance and sequence of the strategy-related challenges and development-related challenges when shifting to an omni-channel strategy, and (3) providing insights into how successfully navigating the transformative process to be omni-channel requires investigating different possible solutions, and further testing and re-testing them, before deploying the appropriate ones. Up to our knowledge, it is one of the first studies to empirically investigate the challenges of an e-tailer when moving towards an omni-channel strategy.
Effect of Sb on wetting behavior of near eutectic Sn-Cu solder micro-alloyed with Ni and Ge
Authors: Nobari Amir Hossein , Maalekian Mehran , Seelig Karl , Pekguleryuz Mihriban 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Sb (0, 0.2 and 2 wt.%) on wetting performance of lead-free solder of near eutectic Sn-Cu micro-alloyed with Ni and Ge.

Design/methodology/approach
The melting characteristic of the lead-free alloys was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Wettability was examined using wetting balance test for two liquid fluxes, water based and alcohol based in two temperatures 265°C and 277°C. Also, contact angle was measured using sessile drop test.

Findings
It is shown that 0.2 wt.% Sb reduces the melting temperature and pasty range. Moreover, the addition of 0.2 wt.% Sb improves wetting behavior for alcohol-based flux. It is also demonstrated that the effect of Sb on meniscus height in wetting balance test and contact angle in sessile drop test follows the trend of wetting performance.

Originality/value
It is found that adding 0.2 wt.% Sb improves the wettability of Ni-Ge micro-alloyed Sn-Cu solder; however, higher concentration of Sb does not benefit the alloy.
Behçet's disease: A comprehensive review with a focus on epidemiology, etiology and clinical features, and management of mucocutaneous lesions
Authors: Alpsoy Erkan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBehçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory multisystem disease of unknown etiology. Oral ulcers, genital ulcers, cutaneous lesions, and ocular and articular involvement are the most frequent features of the disease. Mucocutaneous lesions are considered hallmarks of the disease, and often precede other manifestations. Therefore, their recognition may permit earlier diagnosis and treatment with beneficial results for prognosis. BD is particularly prevalent in “Silk Route” populations but has a global distribution. The disease usually starts around the third or fourth decade of life. Sex distribution is roughly equal. The diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, as there is no pathognomonic test. Genetic factors have been investigated extensively, and association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B51 is still known as the strongest genetic susceptibility factor. The T‐helper 17 and interleukin (IL)‐17 pathways are active, and play an important role, particularly in acute attacks of BD. Neutrophil activity is increased in BD, and the affected organs show a significant neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration. HLA‐B51 association and increased IL‐17 response are thought to play a role in neutrophil activation. Treatment is mainly based on the suppression of inflammatory attacks of the disease using immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents. Although treatment has become much more effective in recent years with the introduction of newer drugs, BD is still associated with considerable morbidity and increased mortality. Male sex, younger age of onset and increased number of organs involved at the diagnosis are associated with a more severe disease and, therefore, require more aggressive treatment.
Nonclinical Safety Assessment ofMorus alba L. Fruits: Study of 90‐D Toxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats and Genotoxicity inSalmonella
Authors: Chang Bo Yoon , Kim Seon Beom , Lee Mi Kyeong , Park Hyun , Kim Sung Yeon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMorus alba L. is a traditional herb with a long history of consumption, both as an edible fruit and as medicine. However, its safety evaluation has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate subchronic oral toxicity and genotoxicity ofM. alba L. fruits (MFE). The subchronic toxicity after daily oral administration of MFE at 0, 40, 200, and 1000 mg/kg for 90 d was examined in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. MFE administration did not lead to death, adverse effects, change in food and water consumption, and body weight gain. Significant toxic effects were not found within the parameters of organ weight, biochemical values, and hematological and urine analysis between the control and the MFE group. The genotoxicity of MFE was assayed by Ames test inSalmonella typhimuriumstrains TA98, TA102, and TA1535. No genotoxicity was found in all the tested strains. Thus in this study, a no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level for MFE in 90 d repeated oral toxicity study in rats was determined to be greater than 1000 mg/kg regardless of gender. The results also suggested that MFE does not have a genotoxicity potential.