bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An atypical Bacillus anthracis infection in a bull—A potential occupational health hazard
Authors: Friman Mari , Kakko Leila , Constantin Camelia , Simojoki Heli , Andersson Maria A. , Nagy Szabolcs , Salonen Heidi , Andersson Magnus 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBacillus anthracis infecting cattle is usually identified based on the typical symptom: sudden death. Bacillus anthracis causing atypical symptoms may remain undiagnosed and represent a potential occupational health hazard for, that is veterinarians and producers, butchers and tanners. In the year 2004, one case of sudden death in a dairy farm in southern Finland was diagnosed as bovine anthrax. Four years later 2008, an atypical case of anthrax was diagnosed in the same holding. The bull was taken to the Production Animal Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki because of fever, loss of appetite and a symmetrically swollen scrotal sac. Penicillin treatment cured the fever but not the swollen scrotum. Before the intended therapeutic castration, a punctuate consisting of 10 ml fluid collected into a syringe from the scrotal sac was cultivated on blood agar at 37°C. After 24 hr, an almost pure culture of a completely non‐hemolytic Bacillus cereus‐like bacteria was obtained. The strain was identified as B. anthracis using Ba‐specific primers by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (RUOKAVIRASTO). After the diagnosis, the bull was euthanized and destroyed, the personnel were treated with prophylactic antibiotics and the clinic was disinfected. In this particular case, treatment with water, Virkon S and lime seemed to be effective to eliminate endospores and vegetative cells since no relapses of anthrax have occurred in 10 years. This case is the last reported anthrax case in Finland.
Ensuring effective restoration efforts with salt marsh grass populations by assessing genetic diversity
Authors: Gaynor Michelle L. , Walters Linda J. , Hoffman Eric A. 
Published: July 2019

Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is a foundation species that naturally occurs along the Atlantic coast of North America and is often used in restoration due to its extensive rooting capacity and ability to halt erosion. Clonal species, such as S. alterniflora, are easy to rear for transplant, but using a predominantly asexual species for restoration may lead to genetically depauperate populations. We (1) identified if genetic diversity was maintained during restoration; (2) determined if genotypes from the native populations were genetically distinct from the restored populations; and (3) evaluated if current efforts limited the number of multiple copies of the same multilocus genotypes (MLG) within restoration sites along the shorelines of the Mosquito Lagoon (ML), Florida, United States. All objectives were addressed where only one representative of an identical MLG was retained within each population. We found that allelic richness (p = 0.618) and expected heterozygosity (p = 0.527) did not significantly differ between restored and natural populations. Furthermore, pairwise FST estimates between naturally occurring populations ranged from 0.021 to 0.178, while estimates ranged from approximately 0 to 0.084 among restored populations. When we evaluated differentiation between natural and restored populations, average FST was 0.087. Finally, we found that higher numbers of samples with multiple copies of the same MLG occurred in restored populations (31.4–55.9% of samples per population) compared to natural populations (0–11.8% of samples per population). Overall, we found that current restoration efforts in the ML are effective at maintaining natural levels of genetic diversity.
Market size and entry in international trade: Product versus firm fixed costs
Authors: Steingress Walter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper develops a theoretical framework to infer the nature of fixed costs from the relationship between entry patterns in international markets and destination market size. If fixed costs are at the firm level, firms take advantage of an intrafirm spillover by expanding firm‐level product range (scope). Few firms enter with many products and dominate international trade. If fixed costs are at the product level, an interfirm spillover reduces the fixed costs to export for all firms producing the product. The resulting entry pattern consists of many firms exporting different varieties of the same product. Using cross‐country data on firm and product entry, I find empirical evidence consistent with product‐level costs. More firms than products enter in larger markets offering their consumers lower prices and a greater variety of goods within the product category.
Prediction with High Dimensional Regression Via Hierarchically Structured Gaussian Mixtures and Latent Variables
Authors: Tu Chun-Chen , Forbes Florence , Lemasson Benjamin , Wang Naisyin 
Published: July 2019

SummaryWe propose a hierarchical Gaussian locally linear mapping structured mixture model, named HGLLiM, to predict low dimensional responses based on high dimensional covariates when the associations between the responses and the covariates are non-linear. For tractability, HGLLiM adopts inverse regression to handle the high dimension and locally linear mappings to capture potentially non-linear relations. Data with similar associations are grouped together to form a cluster. A mixture is composed of several clusters following a hierarchical structure. This structure enables shared covariance matrices and latent factors across smaller clusters to limit the number of parameters to estimate. Moreover, HGLLiM adopts a robust estimation procedure for model stability. We use three real data sets to demonstrate different features of HGLLiM. With the face data set, HGLLiM shows ability to model non-linear relationships through mixtures. With the orange juice data set, we show that the prediction performance of HGLLiM is robust to the presence of outliers. Moreover, we demonstrate that HGLLiM is capable of handling large-scale complex data by using the data acquired from a magnetic resonance vascular fingerprinting study. These examples illustrate the wide applicability of HGLLiM to handle different aspects of a complex data structure in prediction.
“The only equality is the pain”: An exploration of the Irish policy sphere's approach to “access” and “entitlement” in health care
Authors: Malone Patrick , Millar Michelle 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper critically analyses how overarching policy goals and practices surrounding access and entitlement to health care (HC) have been dominated by a conflicting system of libertarian and equity‐based principles. We examine how this mixed‐motives system originated and the importance of policy legacies inherited from the Poor Laws era in shaping modern conceptions of access and entitlement to HC. We also considered how these determined the scope of state intervention in this policy domain. Drawing on empirical evidence and interviews with key stakeholders in Irish health policy, we explored the appetite to engage in meaningful HC reforms that address the growing gaps of inequity between higher and lower socio‐economic groups in society. Rather than emulating European counterpartsapos; emphasis on universal coverage within an egalitarian paradigm, Irish policy actors have sought to instill a spirit of fairness in HC delivery. Under the guise of equality of opportunity and equity, the policy focus has centred on directing publicly funded HC towards lower‐income groups and the most vulnerable in Irish society. However, we argue that the operation of the mixed‐motives structure has also created conflict and policy ambiguity surrounding overarching goals which frame the governance and consumption of HC in Ireland. This is evidenced by the dysfunction and complexity of the two‐tier system of public‐versus‐private access to HC services. Ultimately, we argue that the policy aspirations of equality that underpin the HC structures surrounding access and entitlement should be revisited to achieve greater health outcomes and create a more equal society.
Assessment of Citizens’ Populist Orientations: Development and Validation of the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale
Authors: Roccato Michele , Corbetta Piergiorgio , Cavazza Nicoletta , Colloca Pasquale 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesWe developed and validated the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale (composed of six five‐category items), operationalizing populist orientation as a unidimensional construct composed of six facets: (1) anti‐economic, financial, and intellectual establishment attitude; (2) anti‐political establishment; (3) conception of the people as a homogeneous and virtuous entity; (4) consideration of the people as legitimated to take part directly in political decision‐making processes; (5) need for a strong leader; and (6) loss of relevance of the traditional ideologies. To prevent response bias, we gave the POPOR Scale a forced‐choice format and a balanced structure.MethodWe surveyed a quota sample of 1,348 Italians extracted from the general population and analyzed the structure of the scale and its convergent validity via confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsThe POPOR Scale showed a unidimensional structure and a good convergent validity. Supplemental analyses showed its structural invariance across gender, age, education, and area of residence.
Who do we gain? Enhancement of blood supplies by additional testing for donors who travel
Authors: Reynolds C. A. , Cieply L. , Sell J. , Brailsford S. R. 
Published: July 2019

SUMMARYAims/ObjectivesTo describe the impact of additional testing on the England blood supply.BackgroundThe blood service for England, NHS Blood and Transplant, applies a system of deferral and testing to donors with potential exposure to Chagas disease, malaria and West Nile virus; however, testing costs must be justified. Here, we describe the donations and donors gained by testing.MethodsDonation testing results and demographic data on donors in England where additional testing was applied were analysed in 2012–2016. The total number and proportion of donations tested, reactive and confirmed positive were calculated. Proportions of donors requiring additional tests were calculated by ethnic group for first‐time and repeat donors.ResultsAdditional testing for travel was applied to 3·5% of NHSBT blood donations between 2012 and 2016. Over 98% of these tests were non‐reactive. Only malaria tests were confirmed positive, in 1·7% of donations tested. In first‐time donors, 45 and 40% of Asian and Black donors required an additional test, respectively, mainly for malaria. Testing for West Nile virus increased from 1·5% in 2012 to 2·2% of donations in 2016.ConclusionThe majority of additional tests were screened negative, allowing approximately 64 000 donations to be released for issue annually. Donors most affected by malaria testing were more likely to have rare blood groups and be targeted for recruitment, whereas those given West Nile virus testing were mainly regular donors required for continuity of supply. These data show differences in the characteristics of donors by test and can be used to inform decisions about additional testing and deferrals.
Uncovering mechanisms of rubber biosynthesis in Taraxacum koksaghyz – role of cis‐prenyltransferase‐like 1 protein
Authors: Niephaus Eva , Müller Boje , van Deenen Nicole , Lassowskat Ines , Bonin Martin , Finkemeier Iris , Prüfer Dirk , Schulze Gronover Christian 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe Russian dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz synthesizes considerable amounts of high‐molecular‐weight rubber in its roots. The characterization of factors that participate in natural rubber biosynthesis is fundamental for the establishment of T. koksaghyz as a rubber crop. The cis‐1,4‐isoprene polymers are stored in rubber particles. Located at the particle surface, the rubber transferase complex, member of the cis‐prenyltransferase (cisPT) enzyme family, catalyzes the elongation of the rubber chains. An active rubber transferase heteromer requires a cisPT subunit (CPT) as well as a CPT‐like subunit (CPTL), of which T. koksaghyz has two homologous forms: TkCPTL1 and TkCPTL2, which potentially associate with the rubber transferase complex. Knockdown of TkCPTL1, which is predominantly expressed in latex, led to abolished poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) synthesis but unaffected dolichol content, whereas levels of triterpenes and inulin were elevated in roots. Analyses of latex from these TkCPTL1‐RNAi plants revealed particles that were similar to native rubber particles regarding their particle size, phospholipid composition, and presence of small rubber particle proteins (SRPPs). We found that the particles encapsulated triterpenes in a phospholipid shell stabilized by SRPPs. Conversely, downregulating the low‐expressed TkCPTL2 showed no altered phenotype, suggesting its protein function is redundant in T. koksaghyz. MS‐based comparison of latex proteomes from TkCPTL1‐RNAi plants and T. koksaghyz wild‐types discovered putative factors that convert metabolites in biosynthetic pathways connected to isoprenoids or that synthesize components of the rubber particle shell.
Iatrogenic cartilage injury associated with the use of stainless‐steel cannulas and silicone‐guarded cannulas for canine stifle arthroscopy
Authors: Cortés Isaac , Warnock Jennifer J. , Ranganathan Bharadhwaj , Bobe Gerd 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the ability to reduce iatrogenic cartilage injury (IACI) during canine stifle arthroscopy by using a silicone arthroscope cannula guard.Study designEx vivo canine cadaver experimental study.AnimalsPaired canine stifles from 14 cadavers (≥20 kg).MethodsStifles (N = 28) were assigned to unguarded traditional or silicone‐guarded arthroscopy. Stifle arthroscopy and full joint exploration with meniscal probing was performed by a second‐year surgery resident (I.C.) in fourteen canine cadavers, alternating between left and right stifles for guarded vs unguarded arthroscopy. After arthroscopy, stifles were disarticulated, and india ink assay was performed to identify IACI. Total IACI number, lesion length and area, duration of procedure, and procedure difficulty score were recorded for each stifle.ResultsUnguarded arthroscopy resulted in more total IACI per joint (unguarded 5.2 ± 3.0, guarded 2.4 ± 1.4; P = .02), larger IACI area (unguarded 5.2 ± 4.2 mm2, guarded 2.3 ± 1.5 mm2; P = .02), and IACI length (unguarded 13.6 ± 6.9 mm, guarded 8.6 ± 5.9 mm; P = .03). No difference was identified in duration of procedure (unguarded 11.8 ± 5.2 minutes, guarded 13.8 ± 4.3 minutes; P = .79) or procedure difficulty score (unguarded 1.7 ± 0.6, guarded 1.6 ± 0.6 P = .73).ConclusionSilicone‐guarded arthroscope cannulas decreased IACI number and size during canine cadaveric stifle arthroscopy without increasing duration of procedure or surgical difficulty.Clinical significanceSilicone‐guarded arthroscope cannulas may be safer than traditional cannulas for novice veterinary surgeons performing stifle arthroscopy.
Expression profile of human porcine endogenous retrovirus A receptors (HuPAR‐1, HuPAR‐2) and transcription factor activator protein‐2γ (TFAP‐2C) genes in infected human fibroblasts—Model in vitro
Authors: Wojdas Emilia , Łopata Krzysztof , Nowak Roman , Kimsa‐Dudek Magdalena , Łopata Paweł , Mazurek Urszula 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundXenotransplantation of porcine tissues raises concerns, especially in the context of the potential interspecies transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). To date, the possibility of PERV infections of various human cells has been confirmed in vitro. PERVs infect cells coupling viral Env protein with adequate functional receptor on the surface of the host cell. So far, two PERV‐A receptors have been described in humans: HuPAR‐1 and HuPAR‐2. TFAP‐2C was described as one of the transcription factors engaged in the expression of HuPAR‐2.MethodsBacterial LPS, well known as a strong inflammation inducer, was used in this study to stimulate changes of the expression profile of inflammation‐related genes in human cells in vitro. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression profile of HuPAR‐1 and HuPAR‐2 and TFAP‐2C genes in human NHDF cells treated with LPS and/or infected with PERVs from PK15 cells. PERV infection and expression was confirmed by qPCR and RTqPCR. The expression of HuPAR‐1, HuPAR‐2, and TFAP‐2C genes was studied using HGU 133A 2.0 microarrays and RTqPCR.ResultsNHDF cells expressed both HuPAR‐1 and HuPAR‐2 genes with a higher expression of HuPAR‐1. LPS down‐regulated the expression of HuPAR‐1 and TFAP‐2C in NHDF cells, but had no effect on HuPAR‐2 expression. These changes induced by LPS were more pronounced in the presence of PERV infection.ConclusionAs reported previously, treatment of NHDF cells with LPS decreased PERV‐A provirus integration and increased PERV‐A mRNA expression. PERV infection alone did not modulate the expression of HuPAR‐1, HuPAR‐2, and TFAP‐2C. This is the first study analyzing the expression profile of HuPAR‐1, HuPAR‐2, and TFAP‐2C in NHDF cells treated by LPS and/or infected by PERVs.
Temperature Survivability and Surge Analysis for Bhogat Marine Facility
Authors: Shukla Manuj , Grandhi Kalyan 
Published: July 2019

This paper explains the complexity in marine tanker loading of highly waxy RJ Crude via Single Point Mooring System at Bhogat Terminal. It mainly presents the key challenges in temperature sustenance of Rajasthan Crude in the marine pipelines during the tanker loading operation. It also presents how the pump logic and valve closure timings are configured to prevent high pressure surge in the system.
Due to the waxy crude characteristics of Mangala Crude, it is required to always maintain the Crude temperature above its Wax Appearance Temperature of 65 Deg C. As the marine system partly consists of non-heated section like the under buoy and the floating hoses, it was required to simulate the temperature losses in the system and provide a pipeline flushing sequence at the end of the operation. Various flow and operational scenarios are modelled in OLGA and recommendations are implemented for the system. Similarly, Surge analysis was performed in PIPENET to determine acceptable valve closure timing for the tanker valves, breakaway couplings (BAC), SPM and PLEM valves to prevent overpressure in the marine system.
Based on the transient simulations, temperature loss during RJ crude export (at 4,636m3/hr) from terminal to the tanker in 24 hours is negligible (less than 10 Deg C). This indicates that the insulations in the pipelines are adequately designed for preventing heat loss. Whereas, the temperature in the hoses falls below 42 Deg C within 12 hours of shutdown which may lead to wax formation and may block the hoses. Therefore, RJ crude is to be flushed out of the system using flushing oil before it can cool to below its wax appearance temperature of 65 Deg C. It is recommended to insulate the bare pipe-works such as the PLEM, SPM and tanker if possible to facilitate a reasonable response time for setting up flushing oil displacement. It is also recommended that the pipelines are heated to 50 Deg C prior in advance of commencing flushing oil displacement operations to terminal and in preparation for RJ crude export.
Based on the hydraulic surge analysis, a closure time of 30 seconds is acceptable for PLEM valve closure. It is recommended to trip the export pumps at loading arm pressure High High of 7 bara. However, closure of both the breakaway couplings (BAC) cause pressure surges which exceed the MASP of the hoses for BAC closure times of 10 to 60 seconds.
City Gas Distribution Challenges: Challenges Faced by CGD, IGL — A Case Study With Solutions Adopted
Authors: Dhyani Ritesh 
Published: July 2019

There are some issues and concerns that need urgent attention. Chief among these are delays in securing multiple clearances, lack of well-defined market potential, entry barriers, deficient pipeline connectivity and uncertainty regarding domestic gas supply. The challenges during the reward of license revolve around issues affecting project Internal Rate of Return (IRR), project investment rate of return, market exclusivity, gas allocation, gas availability issues, logistic and manpower issues. With the formation of PNGRB, the safety practices and guidelines were looked into and framed. But once allocation process is over and operation is in progress, there are still several challenges that are being faced as:
• Safety Management
• Space Constraint for CNG station facilities
• Queue Management
• GIS for CGD network
• Third party damages
• Coordination with other utility Companies
• Compliance of emission norms
• Equipment Availability
• Customer satisfaction (Services, Metering, billing)
• Threat of alternate energy solutions
• Embrace digital technology in conjunction with analytics intervention.
• Compliance of stringent targets by the ministry.
For IGL, being into the operation at the capital of the nation the major concern with CGD is safety, customer friendly operation and on-time solutions. This paper will discuss in detail the work adopted by IGL to cater the problem of space constraint, queue management and external threats. Apart from this, it also covers the various technologies and automation strategies adopted towards safety system, metering, billing, equipment availability etc.
CGD companies must embrace digital technology in conjunction with analytics intervention to enjoy technology renaissance. It will help in achieving improvements and address issues in PNG, CNG and management of assets, among others. Emphasis will be given to provide a few such initiatives in detail, mentioned above, such as the pilot project going for HCNG plant, SCADA system for online monitoring of equipment, GIS system for pipeline integrity, automation of safety system and customer satisfaction.
‘I’m here to save my life’: a qualitative study of experiences navigating a cryotherapy referral system for human papillomavirus-positive women in western Kenya
Authors: Huchko Megan , Adewumi Konyin , Oketch Sandra , Saduma Ibrahim , Bukusi Elizabeth 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundWe sought to understand the beliefs, social norms and logistical factors that affect human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women’s uptake of cryotherapy treatment as part of a two-part cervical cancer screening strategy in rural Kenya.MethodsIn-depth interviews within a parent cluster-randomised trial.SettingGovernment-run county hospital in western Kenya.Participants273 of 372 (73.4%) HPV-positive women who underwent cryotherapyResultsMany women feared that an HPV infection meant they would develop cancer. Almost all women reported initial fear of the treatment procedure, followed by a more positive experience than anticipated. Lacking funds for transportation to the treatment site was the most common barrier. Women felt that decentralised treatment would be the most important facilitator of greater access. Spousal encouragement and financial support were key facilitators of treatment access, however many women felt that other husbands in the community would not be supportive. Women described successfully acquiring treatment as empowering, and almost all would recommend seeking cryotherapy to other women who test HPV-positive. Most felt eager to share their own experiences with others to encourage treatment.ConclusionsThe main facilitators of treatment access were understanding of the health risks and sense of empowerment. A decentralised treatment model or transportation support may facilitate access, along with improved health messaging about HPV infection, cancer and the treatment process. Focusing on women’s personal feelings of empowerment may further improve uptake and satisfaction. These data will be used to design a strategy to improve linkage to treatment.Trial RegistrationNCT02124252.