bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of a Peculiar
vtx2
-Converting Phage Frequently Present in Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 Isolated from Human Infections
Authors: Tozzoli Rosangela , Grande Laura , Michelacci Valeria , Fioravanti Rosa , Gally David , Xu Xuefang , La Ragione Roberto , Anjum Muna , Wu Guanghui , Caprioli Alfredo , Morabito Stefano 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Certain verocytotoxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(VTEC) O157 phage types (PTs), such as PT8 and PT2, are associated with severe human infections, while others, such as PT21, seem to be restricted to cattle. In an attempt to delve into the mechanisms underlying such a differential distribution of PTs, we performed microarray comparison of human PT8 and animal PT21 VTEC O157 isolates. The main differences observed were in the
vtx2
-converting phages, with the PT21 strains bearing a phage identical to that present in the reference strain EDL933, BP933W, and all the PT8 isolates displaying lack of hybridization in some regions of the phage genome. We focused on the region spanning the
gam
and
cII
genes and developed a PCR tool to investigate the presence of PT8-like phages in a panel of VTEC O157 strains belonging to different PTs and determined that a
vtx2
phage reacting with the primers deployed, which we named Φ8, was more frequent in VTEC O157 strains from human disease than in bovine strains. No differences were observed in the production of the VT2 mRNA when Φ8-positive strains were compared with VTEC O157 possessing BP933W. Nevertheless, we show that the
gam-cII
region of phage Φ8 might carry genetic determinants downregulating the transcription of the genes encoding the components of the type III secretion system borne on the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island.
Comparative cervical profiles of adult and under-18 front-row rugby players: implications for playing policy
Authors: Hamilton D F , Gatherer D , Robson J , Graham N , Rennie N , MacLean J G B , Simpson A H R W 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the cervical isometric strength, fatigue endurance and range of motion of adult and under-18 age-grade front-row rugby players to inform the development of a safe age group policy with particular reference to scrummaging.DesignCross-sectional cohort study.Setting‘Field testing’ at Murrayfield stadium.Participants30 high-performance under-18 players and 22 adult front-row rugby players.Outcome measuresIsometric neck strength, height, weight and grip strength.ResultsYouth players demonstrated the same height and grip strength as the adult players; however, the adults were significantly heavier and demonstrated substantially greater isometric strength (p<0.001). Only two of the ‘elite’ younger players could match the adult mean cervical isometric strength value. In contrast to school age players in general, grip strength was poorly associated with neck strength (r=0.2) in front-row players; instead, player weight (r=0.4) and the number of years’ experience of playing in the front row (r=0.5) were the only relevant factors in multivariate modelling of cervical strength (R2=0.3).ConclusionsExtreme forces are generated between opposing front rows in the scrum and avoidance of mismatch is important if the risk of injury is to be minimised. Although elite youth front-row rugby players demonstrate the same peripheral strength as their adult counterparts on grip testing, the adults demonstrate significantly greater cervical strength. If older youths and adults are to play together, such findings have to be noted in the development of age group policies with particular reference to the scrum.
Shape-Preserving and Convergence Properties for theq-Szász-Mirakjan Operators for Fixedq∈(0,1)
Authors: Wang Heping , Pu Fagui , Wang Kai 
Published: May 2014

We introduce aq-generalization of Szász-Mirakjan operatorsSn,qand discuss their properties for fixedq∈(0,1). We show that theq-Szász-Mirakjan operatorsSn,qhave good shape-preserving properties. For example,Sn,qare variation-diminishing, and preserve monotonicity, convexity, and concave modulus of continuity. For fixedq∈(0,1), we prove that the sequence{Sn,qf}converges toB∞,q(f)uniformly on[0,1]for eachf∈C[0, 1/(1-q)], whereB∞,qis the limitq-Bernstein operator. We obtain the estimates for the rate of convergence for{Sn,qf}by the modulus of continuity off, and the estimates are sharp in the sense of order for Lipschitz continuous functions.
Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C on B-Cell Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Lee Sae-Kyung , Chwee Jyh Y. , Ma Cheryl A.P. , Le Bert Nina , Huang Caleb W. , Gasser Stephan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurpose: The low immunogenicity of many cancer cells and the immunosuppression by various cancers and anticancer therapies have been an obstacle in the development of efficacious immunotherapies. Our goal was to test whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents synergize in rendering tumor cells more immunogenic.Experimental Design: We treated B-cell lymphoma cells with the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 and the genotoxic anticancer agent 1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C). The effects on the immunogenicity of tumor cells were measured in transfer experiments and in vitro studies.Results: The treatment of B-cell lymphoma cells with the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 enhanced the anticancer effects of the genotoxic agent Ara-C. Mice injected with cotreated tumor cells survived longer than mice challenged with Pam3CSK4 or Ara-C–treated cells. Administration of Pam3CSK4 or Ara-C reduced the tumor load of mice injected with tumor cells. Cotreatment had no effect on the rate of apoptosis or proliferation of Ara-C–treated cells, but upregulated the expression of several immunomodulatory molecules. Consistent with an increased immunogenicity of Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C–treated B-cell lymphoma cells, rejection of cotreated tumor cells required natural killer cells and T cells. We demonstrate that the upregulation of immunomodulatory molecules in response to Pam3CSK4 and Ara-C depended in part on NF-κB.Conclusion: TLR agonists can increase the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies by altering the immunogenicity of B-cell lymphoma cells. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3485–95. ©2014 AACR.
Stakeholder Discussion to Reduce Population-Wide Sodium Intake and Decrease Sodium in the Food Supply
Authors: Antman Elliott M. , Appel Lawrence J. , Balentine Douglas , Johnson Rachel K. , Steffen Lyn M. , Miller Emily Ann , Pappas Antigoni , Stitzel Kimberly F. , Vafiadis Dorothea K. , Whitsel Laurie 
Published: May 2014

Background—
A 2-day interactive forum was convened to discuss the current status and future implications of reducing sodium in the food supply and to identify opportunities for stakeholder collaboration.

Methods and Results—
Participants included 128 stakeholders engaged in food research and development, food manufacturing and retail, restaurant and food service operations, regulatory and legislative activities, public health initiatives, healthcare, academia and scientific research, and data monitoring and surveillance. Presentation topics included scientific evidence for sodium reduction and public health policy recommendations; consumer sodium intakes, attitudes, and behaviors; food technologies and solutions for sodium reduction and sensory implications; experiences of the food and dining industries; and translation and implementation of sodium intake recommendations. Facilitated breakout sessions were conducted to allow for sharing of current practices, insights, and expertise.

Conclusions—
A well-established body of scientific research shows that there is a strong relationship between excess sodium intake and high blood pressure and other adverse health outcomes. With Americans getting >75% of their sodium from processed and restaurant food, this evidence creates mounting pressure for less sodium in the food supply. The reduction of sodium in the food supply is a complex issue that involves multiple stakeholders. The success of new technological approaches for reducing sodium will depend on product availability, health effects (both intended and unintended), research and development investments, quality and taste of reformulated foods, supply chain management, operational modifications, consumer acceptance, and cost. The conference facilitated an exchange of ideas and set the stage for potential collaboration opportunities among stakeholders with mutual interest in reducing sodium in the food supply and in Americans’ diets. Population-wide sodium reduction remains a critically important component of public health efforts to promote cardiovascular health and prevent cardiovascular disease and will remain a priority for the American Heart Association.
Fine Neural Tuning for Orthographic Properties of Words Emerges Early in Children Reading Alphabetic Script
Authors: Zhao Jing , Kipp Kerstin , Gaspar Carl , Maurer Urs , Weng Xuchu , Mecklinger Axel , Li Su 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The left-lateralized N170 component of ERPs for words compared with various control stimuli is considered as an electrophysiological manifestation of visual expertise for written words. To understand the information sensitivity of the effect, researchers distinguish between coarse tuning for words (the N170 amplitude difference between words and symbol strings) and fine tuning for words (the N170 amplitude difference between words and consonant strings). Earlier developmental ERP studies demonstrated that the coarse tuning for words occurred early in children (8 years old), whereas the fine tuning for words emerged much later (10 years old). Given that there are large individual differences in reading ability in young children, these tuning effects may emerge earlier than expected in some children. This study measured N170 responses to words and control stimuli in a large group of 7-year-olds that varied widely in reading ability. In both low and high reading ability groups, we observed the coarse neural tuning for words. More interestingly, we found that a stronger N170 for words than consonant strings emerged in children with high but not low reading ability. Our study demonstrates for the first time that fine neural tuning for orthographic properties of words can be observed in young children with high reading ability, suggesting that the emergent age of this effect is much earlier than previously assumed. The modulation of this effect by reading ability suggests that fine tuning is flexible and highly related to experience. Moreover, we found a correlation between this tuning effect at left occipitotemporal electrodes and children's reading ability, suggesting that the fine tuning might be a biomarker of reading skills at the very beginning of learning to read.
Etiology and Time to Presentation of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Spataro Emily A. , Grindler David J. , Paniello Randal C. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the etiology, laterality, and time to presentation of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) at a tertiary care institution over 10 years.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsAll patients seen between 2002 and 2012 by the Department of Otolaryngology at the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), with a diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, were included. Medical records were reviewed for symptom onset date, presentation date(s), and etiology of UVFP.ResultsOf the patients, 938 met inclusion criteria and were included. In total, 522 patients (55.6%) had UVFP due to surgery; 158 (16.8%) were associated with thyroid/parathyroid surgery, while 364 (38.8%) were due to nonthyroid surgery. Of the patients, 416 (44.4%) had nonsurgical etiologies, 124 (13.2%) had idiopathic UVFP, and 621 (66.2%) had left‐sided UVFP. The diagnosis was more common on the left side in cases of intrathoracic surgeries and malignancies, as expected, but also in idiopathic, carotid endarterectomy, intubation, and skull base tumors. In total, 9.8% of patients presented first to an outside otolaryngologist at a median time of 2.1 months after onset, but these patients presented to WUSM at a median time of 9.5 months. Overall, 70.6% of patients presented to a WUSM otolaryngologist within 3 months of onset.ConclusionIatrogenic injury remains the most common cause of UVFP. Thyroidectomy remains the leading cause of surgery‐related UVFP. Patients are typically seen within 3‐4 months of onset; however, a significant delay exists for those referred to WUSM.
Aortic distensibility in bicuspid aortic valve patients with normal aortic diameter
Authors: Moaref Alireza , Khavanin Mohammad , Shekarforoush Shahnaz 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with aortic abnormalities. The ascending aorta tends to dilate and its elasticity deteriorates. The morphology of the BAV and the elasticity of the proximal ascending aorta seem to influence the outcome. This study aimed to determine the distensibility of the ascending aorta with normal diameter in BAV patients and its relation to its morphology. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. In the patients with BAV referred for echocardiography, the phenotype was defined as anteroposterior (AP) or mediolateral (ML) leaflet orientations. The aortic distensibility at 5–10 mm above the sinotubular junction was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography in 50 BAV patients, and 50 healthy controls with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) matched by gender and age. Results: The ascending aorta in BAV patients had less distensibility compared with that in the control subjects (0.00298 ± 0.0023 versus 0.00805 ± 0.0028 cm2 dynes−1 × 10−6, respectively, p < 0.001). The ML phenotype of BAVs was more frequent. However, the reduced distensibility was not related to gender and morphology of the valve. Conclusions: Regardless of the valve morphology and also in the absence of aortic dilation, aortic distensibility is impaired in BAV subjects compared with TAV subjects. This finding supports the idea of an intrinsic aortic wall anomalies underlying the impaired elasticity of the aorta in BAV patients.
Set-valued mappings in partially ordered fuzzy metric spaces
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra , Vaezpour S Mansour , Park Choonkil , Saadati Reza , Vetro Calogero 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we provide coincidence point and fixed point theorems satisfying an implicit relation, which extends and generalizes the result of Gregori and Sapena, for set-valued mappings in complete partially ordered fuzzy metric spaces. Also we prove a fixed point theorem for set-valued mappings on complete partially ordered fuzzy metric spaces which generalizes results of Mihet and Tirado.

MSC:54E40, 54E35, 54H25.
On weak exponential expansiveness of skew-evolution semiflows in Banach spaces
Authors: Yue Tian , Song Xiao-qiu , Li Dong-qing 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to give several characterizations for weak exponential expansiveness properties of skew-evolution semiflows in Banach spaces. Variants for weak exponential expansiveness of some well-known results in uniform exponential stability theory (Datko (1973)) and exponential instability theory (Lupa (2010), Megan et al. (2008)) are obtained.

MSC:93D20, 34D20.
On a weakly singular quadratic integral equations of Volterra type in Banach algebras
Authors: Yu Xiulan , Zhu Chun , Wang JinRong 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we present existence and uniqueness theorems of nonnegative, asymptotically stable, and ultimately nondecreasing solutions for weakly singular quadratic integral equations of Volterra type in Banach algebras. The concept of the measure of noncompactness and a fixed point theorem due to Darbo acting in a Banach algebra are the main tools in carrying out our proof. An effective numerical example is given to illustrate our theory results.

MSC:45G05, 47H30.
A single exponential BKM type estimate for the 3D incompressible ideal MHD equations
Authors: Liu Jianli , Wei Fenglun , Pan Kejia 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we give a Beale-Kato-Majda type criterion of strong solutions to the incompressible ideal MHD equations. Instead of double exponential estimates, we get a single exponential bound on

∥
(
u
,
h
)
∥

H
s

(

s
>

5
2

). It can be applied to a system of an ideal viscoelastic flow.

MSC:35B65, 76W05.
Investigation of supramolecular synthons and structural characterisation of aminopyridine-carboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Hemamalini Madhukar , Loh Wan-Sin , Quah Ching Kheng , Fun Hoong-Kun 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Co-crystal is a structurally homogeneous crystalline material that contains two or more neutral building blocks that are present in definite stoichiometric amounts. The main advantage of co-crystals is their ability to generate a variety of solid forms of a drug that have distinct physicochemical properties from the solid co-crystal components. In the present investigation, five co-crystals containing 2-amino-6-chloropyridine (AMPY) moiety were synthesized and characterized.

Results
The crystal structure of 2-amino-6-chloropyridine (AMPY) (I), and the robustness of pyridine-acid supramolecular synthon were discussed in four stoichiometry co-crystals of AMPY…BA (II), AMPY…2ABA (III), AMPY…3CLBA (IV) and AMPY…4NBA (V). The abbreviated designations used are benzoic acid (BA), 2-aminobenzoic acid (2ABA), 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3CLBA) and 4-nitrobenzoic acid (4NBA). All the crystalline materials have been characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR, photoluminescence, TEM analysis and X-ray diffraction. The supramolecular assembly of each co-crystal is analyzed and discussed.

Conclusions
Extensive N---H · · · N/N---H · · · O/O---H · · · N hydrogen bonds are found in (I-V), featuring different supramolecular synthons. In the crystal structure, for compound (I), the 2-amino-6-chloropyridine molecules are linked together into centrosymmetric dimers by hydrogen bonds to form homosynthon, whereas for compounds (II-V), the carboxylic group of the respective acids (benzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid, 3-chlorobenzoic acid and 4-nitrobenzoic acid) interacts with pyridine molecule in a linear fashion through a pair of N---H · · · O and O---H · · · N hydrogen bonds, generating cyclic hydrogen-bonded motifs with the graph-set notation

R

2

2

8

, to form heterosynthon. In compound (II), another intermolecular N---H · · · O hydrogen bonds further link these heterosynthons into zig-zag chains. Whereas in compounds (IV) and (V), these heterosynthons are centrosymmetrically paired via N---H · · · O hydrogen bonds and each forms a complementary DADA [D = donor and A = acceptor] array of quadruple hydrogen bonds, with graph-set notation

R

2

3

8

,

R
2
2

8

and

R
2
3

8

.
Gluteal silicone injections and total hip arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Seeger Jörn B , Ahmed Gafar A , Basad Erhan , Rickert Markus , Ishaque Bernd A 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Silicone injection is a common procedure in cosmetic surgery. Granuloma formation and migration are the most commonly observed complications.

Case presentation
We report an unusual case of avascular necrosis of the hip in a 41-year-old woman from Thailand presenting with hip pain. Subcutaneous nodules were observed in the clinical examination. A pelvic X-ray revealed necrosis of the right femoral head and histological analysis of the punctuated nodules showed a reaction of foreign body granulomas. During surgical treatment with a hip replacement solitary silicone cysts were removed.

Conclusions
This case report emphasizes that orthopedic surgeons treating patients with necrosis of the hip joint in combination with palpable granulomas in the gluteal region have to be aware of silicone augmentation and its potential complications before planning a hip replacement.
Immunosuppressive roles of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the skin
Authors: McKee Sara J , Mattarollo Stephen R , Leggatt Graham R 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe skin is a complex immunological niche providing immunity to invading pathogens while simultaneously maintaining tolerance to innocuous environmental antigens. Consistent with this complex response, the skin is resident to both immunosuppressive and effector cell populations whose activities are tightly regulated. While NKT cells can activate immune responses in the skin, this review will highlight studies on UV-induced photodamage, models of NMSCs, transplantation and allergic inflammation where NKT cells appear to have an immunosuppressive role in the skin.
Pattern of Frequent But Nontargeted Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis for Hospitalized Patients With Cancer at Academic Medical Centers: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional, Multicenter Study
Authors: Zwicker Jeffrey I. , Rojan Adam , Campigotto Federico , Rehman Nadia , Funches Renee , Connolly Gregory , Webster Jonathan , Aggarwal Anita , Mobarek Dalia , Faselis Charles , Neuberg Donna , Rickles Frederick R. , Wun Ted , Streiff Michael B. , Khorana Alok A. 
Published: May 2014

Purpose Hospitalized patients with cancer are considered to be at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite strong recommendations in numerous clinical practice guidelines, retrospective studies have shown that pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is underutilized in hospitalized patients with cancer. Patients and Methods We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with cancer at five academic hospitals to determine prescription rates of thromboprophylaxis and factors influencing its use during hospitalization. Results A total of 775 patients with cancer were enrolled across five academic medical centers. Two hundred forty-seven patients (31.9%) had relative contraindications to pharmacologic prophylaxis. Accounting for contraindications to anticoagulation, the overall rate of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis was 74.2% (95% CI, 70.4% to 78.0%; 392 of 528 patients). Among the patients with cancer without contraindications for anticoagulation, individuals hospitalized with nonhematologic malignancies were significantly more likely to receive pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis than those with hematologic malignancies (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.82; P = .007). Patients with cancer admitted for cancer therapy were significantly less likely to receive pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis than those admitted for other reasons (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.61; P < .001). Sixty-three percent of patients with cancer classified as low risk, as determined by the Padua Scoring System, received anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis. Among the 136 patients who did not receive anticoagulation, 58.8% were considered to be high risk by the Padua Scoring System. Conclusion We conclude that pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis is frequently administered to hospitalized patients with cancer but that nearly one third of patients are considered to have relative contraindications for prophylactic anticoagulation. Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients with cancer is commonly prescribed without regard to the presence or absence of concomitant risk factors for VTE.