bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deterministic Evolution of Strength in Multiple Comparisons Models: Who is the Greatest Golfer?
Authors: Baker Rose D. , McHale Ian G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present a statistical methodology for fitting time‐varying rankings, by estimating the strength parameters of the Plackett–Luce multiple comparisons model at regularly spaced times for each ranked item. We use the little‐known method of barycentric rational interpolation to interpolate between the strength parameters so that a competitor's strength can be evaluated at any time. We chose the time‐varying strengths to evolve deterministically rather than stochastically, a preference that we reason often has merit. There are many statistical and computational problems to overcome on fitting anything beyond ‘toy’ data sets. The methodological innovations here include a method for maximizing a likelihood function for many parameters, approximations for modelling tied data and an approach to the elimination of secular drift of the estimated ‘strengths’. The methodology has obvious applications to fields such as marketing, although we demonstrate our approach by analysing a large data set of golf tournament results, in search of an answer to the question ‘who is the greatest golfer of all time?’
The Tone of Spanish‐Language Presidential News Coverage
Authors: Eshbaugh‐Soha Matthew 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesI explore whether the tendency of English‐language news broadcasts to favor negative coverage of the president contrasts with Spanish‐language news coverage of the president, especially because a Latino news audience should prefer more positive stories of a Democratic president. I also examine whether presidential speeches and the political environment influence the tone of presidential news coverage.MethodsI describe the tone of presidential news coverage and use ordinary least squares regression to explain influences on the tone of Spanish‐ and English‐language presidential news coverage for 85 broadcast days and over 50 stories each in early 2011.ResultsNBC Nightly News is more negative than Noticiero Telemundo is in its coverage of the U.S. president. Although higher presidential approval ratings offer the president more positive news coverage on both networks, Latino support for President Obama does not encourage mostly positive coverage of immigration coverage on Spanish‐language news.ConclusionPresidents can expect less negative coverage on Spanish‐language news, but not necessarily on immigration policy, an issue of central importance to the Latino community.
Effects of seasonal grazing on soil respiration in alpine meadow on the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Cui S. , Zhu X. , Wang S. , Zhang Z. , Xu B. , Luo C. , Zhao L. , Zhao X. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLittle research has been conducted on how to balance plant production and soil respiration (Rs) under seasonal grazing patterns in alpine meadows. Our results from 2009 to 2012 showed that warm season grazing (WG) from June to September significantly increased aboveground net primary production compared with no‐grazing (NG), except in 2010, and compared with cold season grazing (CG) except in 2012, while there were no significant differences between NG and CG except in 2009. In both WG and CG treatments, grazing increased root biomass at 0–40 cm depth compared with NG, except in 2011. WG and CG only significantly increased seasonal Rs in 2009. Daily Rs was mainly affected by soil temperature, which explained 40–49% of the variation in daily Rs for all grazing treatments. Seasonal Rs from July to September was significantly influenced by soil temperature and root biomass, which explained 55% of the variation in seasonal Rs for all grazing treatments. Therefore, relative to NG, regardless of WG and CG, moderate grazing significantly increased plant production and had little influence on soil respiration in this alpine region.
State of the art: massive transfusion
Authors: McDaniel L. M. , Etchill E. W. , Raval J. S. , Neal M. D. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYThe aim of this article was to review recent developments in the resuscitation of both trauma and non‐trauma patients in haemorrhagic shock. Strategies for the resuscitation of massively haemorrhaging patients and the use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have been a major focus of the trauma literature over the past several years. The application of haemostatic resuscitation practices and MTPs to non‐trauma populations has long been in practice, but has only recently been the subject of active research. Medline and PubMed were reviewed for ‘massive transfusion’ (MT) from 2012 to present. Non‐English and paediatric articles were excluded. Articles were systematically reviewed for their relevance to MT. There were eight major areas of development identified. In recent MT literature, there was an increased focus on massively haemorrhaging non‐trauma patients, the role of acute traumatic coagulopathy, the use of thromboelastography (TEG), and the impact of MTPs on blood product waste and efficiency of product delivery. Other developments included additional MT prediction tools and The PRospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma Transfusion (PROMMTT) study. There was also interest in re‐evaluating the clinical relevance of the current MT definition and identifying new foci for MT. These recent developments reflect efforts to better understand and manage non‐traumatic haemorrhage and to address prior limitations in the trauma literature. Inevitably, new questions have been raised, which will likely direct ongoing and future research in MT.
Systematic review: Hygiene and health: systematic review of handwashing practices worldwide and update of health effects
Authors: Freeman Matthew C. , Stocks Meredith E. , Cumming Oliver , Jeandron Aurelie , Higgins Julian P. T. , Wolf Jennyfer , Prüss‐Ustün Annette , Bonjour Sophie , Hunter Paul R. , Fewtrell Lorna , Curtis Valerie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the global prevalence of handwashing with soap and derive a pooled estimate of the effect of hygiene on diarrhoeal diseases, based on a systematic search of the literature.MethodsStudies with data on observed rates of handwashing with soap published between 1990 and August 2013 were identified from a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Knowledge. A separate search was conducted for studies on the effect of hygiene on diarrhoeal disease that included randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined. The search used Cochrane Library, Global Health, BIOSIS, PubMed, and Embase databases supplemented with reference lists from previously published systematic reviews to identify studies published between 1970 and August 2013. Results were combined using multilevel modelling for handwashing prevalence and meta‐regression for risk estimates.ResultsFrom the 42 studies reporting handwashing prevalence we estimate that approximately 19% of the world population washes hands with soap after contact with excreta (i.e. use of a sanitation facility or contact with children's excreta). Meta‐regression of risk estimates suggests that handwashing reduces the risk of diarrhoeal disease by 40% (risk ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.53–0.68); however, when we included an adjustment for unblinded studies, the effect estimate was reduced to 23% (risk ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.32–1.86).ConclusionsOur results show that handwashing after contact with excreta is poorly practiced globally, despite the likely positive health benefits.
Acetylated 1,3‐diaminopropane antagonizes abscisic acid‐mediated stomatal closing in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jammes Fabien , Leonhardt Nathalie , Tran Daniel , Bousserouel Hadjira , Véry Anne‐Aliénor , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Vavasseur Alain , Kwak June M. , Sentenac Hervé , Bouteau François , Leung Jeffrey 
Published: May 2014

SummaryFaced with declining soil‐water potential, plants synthesize abscisic acid (ABA), which then triggers stomatal closure to conserve tissue moisture. Closed stomates, however, also create several physiological dilemmas. Among these, the large CO2 influx required for net photosynthesis will be disrupted. Depleting CO2 in the plant will in turn bias stomatal opening by suppressing ABA sensitivity, which then aggravates transpiration further. We have investigated the molecular basis of how C3 plants resolve this H2O–CO2 conflicting priority created by stomatal closure. Here, we have identified in Arabidopsis thaliana an early drought‐induced spermidine spermine‐N1‐acetyltransferase homolog, which can slow ABA‐mediated stomatal closure. Evidence from genetic, biochemical and physiological analyses has revealed that this protein does so by acetylating the metabolite 1,3‐diaminopropane (DAP), thereby turning on the latter's intrinsic activity. Acetylated DAP triggers plasma membrane electrical and ion transport properties in an opposite way to those by ABA. Thus in adapting to low soil‐water availability, acetyl‐DAP could refrain stomates from complete closure to sustain CO2 diffusion to photosynthetic tissues.
Macrophage Depletion Prior to Neospora caninum Infection Results in Severe Neosporosis in Mice
Authors: Abe Chisa , Tanaka Sachi , Ihara Fumiaki , Nishikawa Yoshifumi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe observed that murine macrophages showed greater activation and increased interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-12p40, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production duringNeospora caninuminfection. Many macrophages migrated to the site of infection. Furthermore, macrophage-depleted mice exhibited increased sensitivity toN. caninuminfection. This study indicates that macrophages are required for achieving protective immunity againstN. caninum.
Successful Control of Winter Pyrexias Caused by Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 in Japanese Training Centers by Achieving High Vaccination Coverage
Authors: Bannai Hiroshi , Mae Naomi , Ode Hirotaka , Nemoto Manabu , Tsujimura Koji , Yamanaka Takashi , Kondo Takashi , Matsumura Tomio 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTEquine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of winter pyrexia in racehorses in two training centers (Ritto and Miho) in Japan. Until the epizootic period of 2008-2009, a vaccination program using a killed EHV-1 vaccine targeted only susceptible 3-year-old horses with low antibody levels to EHV-1 antigens. However, because the protective effect was not satisfactory, in 2009-2010 the vaccination program was altered to target all 3-year-old horses. To evaluate the vaccine's efficacy, we investigated the number of horses with pyrexia due to EHV-1 or equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) infection or both and examined the vaccination coverage in the 3-year-old population and in the whole population before and after changes in the program. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) estimated numbers of horses infected with EHV-1 or EHV-4 or both, among pyretic horses from 1999-2000 to 2008-2009 were 105 ± 47 at Ritto and 66 ± 44 at Miho. Although the estimated number of infected horses did not change greatly in the first period of the current program, it decreased from the second period, with means (±SD) of 21 ± 12 at Ritto and 14 ± 15 at Miho from 2010-2011 to 2012-2013. Vaccination coverage in the 3-year-old population was 99.4% at Ritto and 99.8% at Miho in the first period, and similar values were maintained thereafter. Coverage in the whole population increased more gradually than that in the 3-year-old population. The results suggest that EHV-1 epizootics can be suppressed by maintaining high vaccination coverage, not only in the 3-year-old population but also in the whole population.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium microti Isolates in Wild Boar from Northern Italy
Authors: Boniotti M. Beatrice , Gaffuri Alessandra , Gelmetti Daniela , Tagliabue Silvia , Chiari Mario , Mangeli Anna , Spisani Matteo , Nassuato Claudia , Gibelli Lucia , Sacchi Cristina , Zanoni Mariagrazia , Pacciarini M. Lodovica 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Approximately 23,000 hunter-harvested wild boars from the pre-Alpine area of northern Italy were examined for tuberculosis over a 9-year period (2003 to 2011). Retropharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes from the wild boars were examined grossly, and 1,151 of the lymph nodes were analyzed in our laboratory by histology (728 samples) and culture isolation (819 samples).
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC)-specific PCR (1,142 samples) was used for molecular-level detection in tissue samples, as was a
gyrB
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay (322 samples). Lesions compatible with tuberculosis and indistinguishable from those described in cases of
Mycobacterium bovis
infection had been observed since 2003.
Mycobacterium microti
was identified directly in 256 tissue samples by the adopted molecular approaches. However, only 26
M. microti
strains were obtained by culture isolation due to the well-known difficulties in isolating this slow-growing mycobacterium. During 2006, a prevalence study was performed in two provinces of the area, and the diffusion of
M. microti
was calculated to be 5.8% (95% confidence intervals surrounding the estimated prevalences [CI
P95%
], 3.94 to 7.68%). Over the following years (2007 to 2011), the presence of
M. microti
appeared to be stable. All isolates were genotyped by spoligotyping and exact tandem repeat analysis (ETR types A to F). In addition to the typical vole type (SB0118), a new spoligotype lacking the 43 spacers was found. Spoligotyping was also applied directly to tissue samples, and a geographical cluster distribution of the two spoligotypes was observed. This is the first report studying the diffusion and genetic variability of
M. microti
in wild boar.
The Molecular Bacterial Load Assay Replaces Solid Culture for Measuring Early Bactericidal Response to Antituberculosis Treatment
Authors: Honeyborne Isobella , Mtafya Bariki , Phillips Patrick P. J. , Hoelscher Michael , Ntinginya Elias N. , Kohlenberg Anke , Rachow Andrea , Rojas-Ponce Gabriel , McHugh Timothy D. , Heinrich Norbert 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the use of the molecular bacterial load (MBL) assay, for measuring viable
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in sputum, in comparison with solid agar and liquid culture. The MBL assay provides early information on the rate of decline in bacterial load and has technical advantages over culture in either form.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Nucleocapsid Protein Antagonizes Beta Interferon Production by Sequestering the Interaction between IRF3 and TBK1
Authors: Ding Zhen , Fang Liurong , Jing Huiyuan , Zeng Songlin , Wang Dang , Liu Lianzeng , Zhang Huan , Luo Rui , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a porcine enteropathogenic coronavirus, causes lethal watery diarrhea in piglets and results in large economic losses in many Asian and European countries. A large-scale outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea occurred in China in 2010, and the virus emerged in the United States in 2013 and spread rapidly, posing significant economic and public health concerns. Previous studies have shown that PEDV infection inhibits the synthesis of type I interferon (IFN), and viral papain-like protease 2 has been identified as an IFN antagonist. In this study, we found that the PEDV-encoded nucleocapsid (N) protein also inhibits Sendai virus-induced IFN-β production, IFN-stimulated gene expression, and activation of the transcription factors IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB. We also found that N protein significantly impedes the activation of the IFN-β promoter stimulated by TBK1 or its upstream molecules (RIG-I, MDA5, IPS-1, and TRAF3) but does not counteract its activation by IRF3. A detailed analysis revealed that the PEDV N protein targets TBK1 by direct interaction and that this binding sequesters the association between TBK1 and IRF3, which in turn inhibits both IRF3 activation and type I IFN production. Together, our findings demonstrate a new mechanism evolved by PEDV to circumvent the host's antiviral immunity.

IMPORTANCE
PEDV has received increasing attention since the emergence of a PEDV variant in China and the United States. Here, we identify nucleocapsid (N) protein as a novel PEDV-encoded interferon (IFN) antagonist and demonstrate that N protein antagonizes IFN production by sequestering the interaction between IRF3 and TBK1, a critical step in type I IFN signaling. This adds another layer of complexity to the immune evasion strategies evolved by this economically important viral pathogen. An understanding of its immune evasion mechanism may direct us to novel therapeutic targets and more effective vaccines against PEDV infection.
Uracil DNA Glycosylase BKRF3 Contributes to Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Replication through Physical Interactions with Proteins in Viral DNA Replication Complex
Authors: Su Mei-Tzu , Liu I-Hua , Wu Chia-Wei , Chang Shu-Ming , Tsai Ching-Hwa , Yang Pei-Wen , Chuang Yu-Chia , Lee Chung-Pei , Chen Mei-Ru 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BKRF3 shares sequence homology with members of the uracil-N-glycosylase (UNG) protein family and has DNA glycosylase activity. Here, we explored how BKRF3 participates in the DNA replication complex and contributes to viral DNA replication. Exogenously expressed Flag-BKRF3 was distributed mostly in the cytoplasm, whereas BKRF3 was translocated into the nucleus and colocalized with the EBV DNA polymerase BALF5 in the replication compartment during EBV lytic replication. The expression level of BKRF3 increased gradually during viral replication, coupled with a decrease of cellular UNG2, suggesting BKRF3 enzyme activity compensates for UNG2 and ensures the fidelity of viral DNA replication. In immunoprecipitation-Western blotting, BKRF3 was coimmunoprecipitated with BALF5, the polymerase processivity factor BMRF1, and the immediate-early transactivator Rta. Coexpression of BMRF1 appeared to facilitate the nuclear targeting of BKRF3 in immunofluorescence staining. Residues 164 to 255 of BKRF3 were required for interaction with Rta and BALF5, whereas residues 81 to 166 of BKRF3 were critical for BMRF1 interaction in glutathione
S
-transferase (GST) pulldown experiments. Viral DNA replication was defective in cells harboring BKRF3 knockout EBV bacmids. In complementation assays, the catalytic mutant BKRF3(Q90L,D91N) restored viral DNA replication, whereas the leucine loop mutant BKRF3(H213L) only partially rescued viral DNA replication, coupled with a reduced ability to interact with the viral DNA polymerase and Rta. Our data suggest that BKRF3 plays a critical role in viral DNA synthesis predominantly through its interactions with viral proteins in the DNA replication compartment, while its enzymatic activity may be supplementary for uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) function during virus replication.

IMPORTANCE
Catalytic activities of both cellular UDG UNG2 and viral UDGs contribute to herpesviral DNA replication. To ensure that the enzyme activity executes at the right time and the right place in DNA replication forks, complex formation with other components in the DNA replication machinery provides an important regulation for UDG function. In this study, we provide the mechanism for EBV UDG BKRF3 nuclear targeting and the interacting domains of BKRF3 with viral DNA replication proteins. Through knockout and complementation approaches, we further demonstrate that in addition to UDG activity, the interaction of BKRF3 with viral proteins in the replication compartment is crucial for efficient viral DNA replication.
Particle Conformation Regulates Antibody Access to a Conserved GII.4 Norovirus Blockade Epitope
Authors: Lindesmith Lisa C. , Donaldson Eric F. , Beltramello Martina , Pintus Stefania , Corti Davide , Swanstrom Jesica , Debbink Kari , Jones Taylor A. , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Baric Ralph S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
GII.4 noroviruses (NoVs) are the primary cause of epidemic viral acute gastroenteritis. One primary obstacle to successful NoV vaccination is the extensive degree of antigenic diversity among strains. The major capsid protein of GII.4 strains is evolving rapidly, resulting in the emergence of new strains with altered blockade epitopes. In addition to characterizing these evolving blockade epitopes, we have identified monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize a blockade epitope conserved across time-ordered GII.4 strains. Uniquely, the blockade potencies of MAbs that recognize the conserved GII.4 blockade epitope were temperature sensitive, suggesting that particle conformation may regulate functional access to conserved blockade non-surface-exposed epitopes. To map conformation-regulating motifs, we used bioinformatics tools to predict conserved motifs within the protruding domain of the capsid and designed mutant VLPs to test the impacts of substitutions in these motifs on antibody cross-GII.4 blockade. Charge substitutions at residues 310, 316, 484, and 493 impacted the blockade potential of cross-GII.4 blockade MAbs with minimal impact on the blockade of MAbs targeting other, separately evolving blockade epitopes. Specifically, residue 310 modulated antibody blockade temperature sensitivity in the tested strains. These data suggest access to the conserved GII.4 blockade antibody epitope is regulated by particle conformation, temperature, and amino acid residues positioned outside the antibody binding site. The regulating motif is under limited selective pressure by the host immune response and may provide a robust target for broadly reactive NoV therapeutics and protective vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we explored the factors that govern norovirus (NoV) cross-strain antibody blockade. We found that access to the conserved GII.4 blockade epitope is regulated by temperature and distal residues outside the antibody binding site. These data are most consistent with a model of NoV particle conformation plasticity that regulates antibody binding to a distally conserved blockade epitope. Further, antibody “locking” of the particle into an epitope-accessible conformation prevents ligand binding, providing a potential target for broadly effective drugs. These observations open lines of inquiry into the mechanisms of human NoV entry and uncoating, fundamental biological questions that are currently unanswerable for these noncultivatable pathogens.
Health inequalities in European cities: perceptions and beliefs among local policymakers
Authors: Morrison Joana , Pons-Vigués Mariona , Bécares Laia , Burström Bo , Gandarillas Ana , Domínguez-Berjón Felicitas , Diez Èlia , Costa Giuseppe , Ruiz Milagros , Pikhart Hynek , Marinacci Chiara , Hoffmann Rasmus , Santana Paula , Borrell Carme ,   and partners from the INEQ-Cities Project
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the knowledge and beliefs of public policymakers on social inequalities in health and policies to reduce them in cities from different parts of Europe during 2010 and 2011.DesignPhenomenological qualitative study.Setting13 European cities.Participants19 elected politicians and officers with a directive status from 13 European cities.Main outcomePolicymaker's knowledge and beliefs.ResultsThree emerging discourses were identified among the interviewees, depending on the city of the interviewee. Health inequalities were perceived by most policymakers as differences in life-expectancy between population with economic, social and geographical differences. Reducing health inequalities was a priority for the majority of cities which use surveys as sources of information to analyse these. Bureaucracy, funding and population beliefs were the main barriers.ConclusionsThe majority of the interviewed policymakers gave an account of interventions focusing on the immediate determinants and aimed at modifying lifestyles and behaviours in the more disadvantaged classes. More funding should be put towards academic research on effective universal policies, evaluation of their impact and training policymakers and officers on health inequalities in city governments.