bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for effective implementation of lean production in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Authors: Belhadi Amine , Touriki Fatima Ezzahra , El fezazi Said 
Published: September 2016

Purpose: The present paper aims at developing an effective framework including all the components necessary for implementing lean production properly in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.Design/methodology/approach: The paper begins with the review of the main existing framework of lean implementation in order to highlight shortcomings in the literature through a lack of suitable framework for small companies. To overcome this literature gap, data of successful initiatives of lean implementation were collected based on a multiple case study approach. These initiatives has been juxtaposed in order to develop a new, practical and effective framework that includes all the components (process, tools, success factors) that are necessary to implement lean in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.Findings: The proposed framework presents many significant contributions: First, it provides an overcoming for the limitations of the existing frameworks by proposing for consultants, researchers and organizations an effective framework for lean implementation in SMEs that allows SMEs to benefit from competitive advantages gained by lean. Second, it brings together a set of the more essential and critical elements of lean implementation commonly used by SMEs and derived from the practical experiences of them in lean implementation. Finally, it highlights the successful experiences of small companies in implementing lean programs and then proves that lean can give a relevant results even for SMEs.Research limitations/implications: The proposed framework presents a number of limitations and still evokes extension for further researches: Although it was derived from practical experiences of SMEs, the proposed framework is not supported by practical implementation. On the other hand and even though the elements in the proposed framework from the practical experiences of four SMEs, the identified elements need to be generalized and enriching by conducting a survey to identify more elements that are also commonly used in SMEs.Practical implications: Implementing rigorously the proposed framework will help small companies’ managers to improve considerably their organization’s performance and benefits from lean strategies outcomes. Researches and practitioners in small businesses now possess an integral framework for successfully implementing lean strategies.Originality/value: To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first work that proposes an effective lean implementation framework believed to be easy to understund, practical and suitable for small companies. In short, this study is a real quantum leap to resolve the problematic unanswered of lean implementation in SMEs.
Presentation of Cryptic Peptides by MHC Class I Is Enhanced by Inflammatory Stimuli
Authors: Prasad Sharanya , Starck Shelley R. , Shastri Nilabh 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCytolytic T cells eliminate infected or cancer cells by recognizing peptides presented by MHC class I molecules on the cell surface. The antigenic peptides are derived primarily from newly synthesized proteins including those produced by cryptic translation mechanisms. Previous studies have shown that cryptic translation can be initiated by distinct mechanisms at non-AUG codons in addition to conventional translation initiated at the canonical AUG start codon. In this study, we show that presentation of endogenously translated cryptic peptides is enhanced by TLR signaling pathways involved in pathogen recognition as well as by infection with different viruses. This enhancement of cryptic peptides was caused by proinflammatory cytokines, secreted in response to microbial infection. Furthermore, blocking these cytokines abrogated the enhancement of cryptic peptide presentation in response to infection. Thus, presentation of cryptic peptides is selectively enhanced during inflammation and infection, which could allow the immune system to detect intracellular pathogens that might otherwise escape detection because of inhibition of conventional host translation mechanisms.
IDO1 and TGF-β Mediate Protective Effects of IFN-α in Antigen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Chalise Jaya Prakash , Pallotta Maria Teresa , Narendra Sudeep Chenna , Carlsson Björn , Iacono Alberta , Namale Joanitah , Boon Louis , Grohmann Ursula , Magnusson Mattias 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
IFN-α prevents Ag-induced arthritis (AIA), and in this study we investigated the role of IDO1 and TGF-β signaling for this anti-inflammatory property of IFN-α. Arthritis was induced by methylated BSA (mBSA) in mBSA-sensitized wild-type (WT), Ido1−/−, or Ifnar−/− mice, treated or not with IFN-α or the IDO1 product kynurenine (Kyn). Enzymatic IDO1 activity, TGF-β, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) were neutralized by 1-methyltryptophan and Abs against TGF-β and pDC, respectively. IDO1 expression was determined by RT-PCR, Western blot, and FACS, and enzymatic activity by HPLC. Proliferation was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation and TGF-β by RT-PCR and ELISA. WT but not Ido1−/− mice were protected from AIA by IFN-α, and Kyn, the main IDO1 product, also prevented AIA, both in WT and Ifnar−/− mice. Protective treatment with IFN-α increased the expression of IDO1 in pDC during AIA, and Ab-mediated depletion of pDC, either during mBSA sensitization or after triggering of arthritis, completely abrogated the protective effect of IFN-α. IFN-α treatment also increased the enzymatic IDO1 activity (Kyn/tryptophan ratio), which in turn activated production of TGF-β. Neutralization of enzymatic IDO1 activity or TGF-β signaling blocked the protective effect of IFN-α against AIA, but only during sensitization and not after triggering of arthritis. Likewise, inhibition of the IDO1 enzymatic activity in the sensitization phase, but not after triggering of arthritis, subdued the IFN-α–induced inhibition of mBSA-induced proliferation. In conclusion, presence of IFN-α at Ag sensitization activates an IDO1/TGF-β–dependent anti-inflammatory program that upon antigenic rechallenge prevents inflammation via pDC.
Signaling and Immunoresolving Actions of Resolvin D1 in Inflamed Human Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Titos Esther , Rius Bibiana , López-Vicario Cristina , Alcaraz-Quiles José , García-Alonso Verónica , Lopategi Aritz , Dalli Jesmond , Lozano Juan José , Arroyo Vicente , Delgado Salvadora , Serhan Charles N. , Clària Joan 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Persistent activation of the innate immune system greatly influences the risk for developing metabolic complications associated with obesity. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of the specialized proresolving mediator (SPM) resolvin D1 (RvD1) to actively promote the resolution of inflammation in human visceral adipose tissue from obese (Ob) patients. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry–based metabololipidomic analysis, we identified unbalanced production of SPMs (i.e., D- and E-series resolvins, protectin D1, maresin 1, and lipoxins) with respect to inflammatory lipid mediators (i.e., leukotriene B4 and PGs) in omental adipose tissue from Ob patients. In parallel, high-throughput transcriptomic analysis revealed a unique signature in this tissue that was characterized by overactivation of the IL-10 signaling pathway. Incubation of inflamed Ob visceral adipose tissues and human macrophages with RvD1 limited excessive activation of the IL-10 pathway by reducing phosphorylation of STAT proteins. Of interest, RvD1 blocked STAT-1 and its target inflammatory genes (i.e., CXCL9), as well as persistent STAT3 activation, without affecting the IL-10 anti-inflammatory response characterized by inhibition of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α. Furthermore, RvD1 promoted resolution by enhancing expression of the IL-10 target gene heme oxygenase-1 by mechanisms dependent on p38 MAPK activity. Together, our data show that RvD1 can tailor the quantitative and qualitative responses of human inflamed adipose tissue to IL-10 and provide a mechanistic basis for the immunoresolving actions of RvD1 in this tissue. These findings may have potential therapeutic implications in obesity-related insulin resistance and other metabolic complications.
Direct IL-6 Signals Maximize Protective Secondary CD4 T Cell Responses against Influenza
Authors: Strutt Tara M. , McKinstry Karl Kai , Kuang Yi , Finn Caroline M. , Hwang Ji Hae , Dhume Kunal , Sell Stewart , Swain Susan L. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Memory T cells can often respond against pathogens that have evaded neutralizing Abs and are thus key to vaccine-induced protection, yet the signals needed to optimize their responses are unclear. In this study, we identify a dramatic and selective requirement for IL-6 to achieve optimal memory CD4 T cell recall following heterosubtypic influenza A virus (IAV) challenge of mice primed previously with wild-type or attenuated IAV strains. Through analysis of endogenous T cell responses and adoptive transfer of IAV-specific memory T cell populations, we find that without IL-6, CD4+, but not CD8+, secondary effector populations expand less and have blunted function and antiviral impact. Early and direct IL-6 signals to memory CD4 T cells are required to program maximal secondary effector responses at the site of infection during heterosubtypic challenge, indicating a novel role for a costimulatory cytokine in recall responses.
Dichotomy between T Cell and B Cell Tolerance to Neonatal Retroviral Infection Permits T Cell Therapy
Authors: Mavrommatis Bettina , Baudino Lucie , Levy Prisca , Merkenschlager Julia , Eksmond Urszula , Donnarumma Tiziano , Young George , Stoye Jonathan , Kassiotis George 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Elucidation of the immune requirements for control or elimination of retroviral infection remains an important aim. We studied the induction of adaptive immunity to neonatal infection with a murine retrovirus, under conditions leading to immunological tolerance. We found that the absence of either maternal or offspring adaptive immunity permitted efficient vertical transmission of the retrovirus. Maternal immunodeficiency allowed the retrovirus to induce central Th cell tolerance in the infected offspring. In turn, this compromised the offspring’s ability to mount a protective Th cell–dependent B cell response. However, in contrast to T cells, offspring B cells were not centrally tolerized and retained their ability to respond to the infection when provided with T cell help. Thus, escape of retrovirus-specific B cells from deletional tolerance offers the opportunity to induce protective retroviral immunity by restoration of retrovirus-specific T cell help, suggesting similar T cell immunotherapies for persistent viral infections.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 9 Enhances Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Leukocyte Recruitment to the Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Appleby Sarah L. , Mitrofan Claudia-Gabriela , Crosby Alexi , Hoenderdos Kim , Lodge Katharine , Upton Paul D. , Yates Clara M. , Nash Gerard B. , Chilvers Edwin R. , Morrell Nicholas W. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)9 is a circulating growth factor that is part of the TGF-β superfamily and is an essential regulator of vascular endothelial homeostasis. Previous studies have suggested a role for BMP9 signaling in leukocyte recruitment to the endothelium, but the directionality of this effect and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we report that BMP9 upregulates TLR4 expression in human endothelial cells and that BMP9 pretreatment synergistically increases human neutrophil recruitment to LPS-stimulated human endothelial monolayers in an in vitro flow adhesion assay. BMP9 alone did not induce neutrophil recruitment to the endothelium. We also show that E-selectin and VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1, are upregulated in response to BMP9 in LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells. Small interfering RNA knockdown of activin receptor–like kinase 1 inhibited the BMP9-induced expression of TLR4 and VCAM-1 and inhibited BMP9-induced human neutrophil recruitment to LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells. BMP9 treatment also increased leukocyte recruitment within the pulmonary circulation in a mouse acute endotoxemia model. These results demonstrate that although BMP9 alone does not influence leukocyte recruitment, it primes the vascular endothelium to mount a more intense response when challenged with LPS through an increase in TLR4, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 and ultimately through enhanced leukocyte recruitment.
Effects of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Benign Breast Lesions Compared to Cancers: Should an Additional Lesion on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Responding Similar to Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy be Viewed with Suspicion?
Authors: Leddy Rebecca , Irshad Abid , Hewett Lara , Collins Heather , Vento Frank , Ackerman Susan , Lewis Madelene 
Published: September 2016

Purpose:
Determining the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on benign breast lesions and to evaluate their response in comparison to breast cancers.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis performed on breast cancer patients between 2008 and 2014 to identify patients who had a pre- and post-NAC magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy-proven benign lesions. Pre- and post-NAC size and intensity of enhancement of benign lesions and cancers were measured. Breast glandularity and background enhancement were graded. A 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVAs and Sidak post hoc tests were conducted for multiple comparisons. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine changes over time, and two-tailed P values were reported.

Results:
The effects of NAC in 38 cancers were compared to the effects of NAC in 47 benign lesions in these patients. From pre- to post-NAC, the mean size (cm) of malignant lesions on MRI decreased from 4.09 (±standard deviation [SD] 2.51) to 1.54 (±SD 2.32), (P < 0.001); the mean size (cm) of benign lesions decreased from 0.83 (±SD 0.54 cm) to 0.28 (±SD 0.51), (P < 0.001). Both benign and malignant lesions decreased in size after NAC, the size reduction in malignant lesions was significantly greater than benign lesions. From pre- to post-NAC, the mean lesion enhancement of the malignant lesions (scale 1–4) decreased from 3.43 (±SD 0.80) to 1.02 (±SD 1.34); the mean lesion enhancement of benign lesions decreased from 2.96 (±SD 1.04) to 0.98 (±SD 1.51). For both benign and malignant lesions, there was a significant overall reduction in enhancement after NAC from moderate at pre-NAC to minimal at post-NAC, P < 0.001. There was no overall difference in the enhancement of cancers (mean = 2.22, SD = 0.79) versus benign lesions (mean = 1.97, SD = 1.08), (P = 0.23). There was no significant change in glandularity from pretherapy (mean = 3.11, SD = 0.84) to posttherapy (mean = 3.13, SD = 0.82), P < 0.001.

Conclusion:
Similar to cancers, benign breast lesions also show a significant decrease in size and enhancement after NAC; however, the decrease in size is less compared to cancers.
Januário Godinho. Arquitecto. (1910-1990)
Authors: Sales Fátima 
Published: September 2016

<p>Januário Godinho es una figura crucial en la transición de la arquitectura portuguesa, de la tradición de los maestros de los años 20 a la situación marcada por las realizaciones de los arquitectos que inician su actividad en los años 50, inspirándose y teniendo por base los elementos de cada lugar. En el final de los años 50 surgen, en el contexto internacional, las primeras inquietudes que inician el proceso de revisión crítica del Movimiento Moderno. Januário Godinho distanciándose de Le Corbusier, al cual se refería como “excesivamente idealista”, y cuya influencia marcaba la arquitectura de sus colegas de generación: Arménio Losa y Viana de Lima, se aproxima al único maestro, al cual se rindió, F. Ll. Wright. Conoce la arquitectura holandesa, contacta con Dudock y adopta una metodología proyectual próxima al “empirismo” nórdico. También el expresionismo de Mendelsohn y el clasicismo de A. Perret marcaron muchos de sus trabajos. Por otra parte, su arquitectura revela una serie de aproximaciones interculturales no solo de forma visual sino de carácter experimental y estructural. La capacidad de integrar las conquistas de la modernidad y la experiencia de la tradición, el respeto por la naturaleza y por el paisaje, transformándolo en una referencia de gran significado que anticipa, en Portugal, toda la problemática de la arquitectura contemporánea.</p>
Saharan dust long-range transport across the Atlantic studied by an airborne
Doppler wind lidar and the MACC model
Authors: Chouza Fernando , Reitebuch Oliver , Benedetti Angela , Weinzierl Bernadett 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. A huge amount of dust is transported every year from north Africa into the Caribbean region. This paper presents an investigation of this long-range transport process based on airborne Doppler wind lidar (DWL) measurements conducted during the SALTRACE campaign (June–July 2013), as well as an evaluation of the ability of the MACC (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) global aerosol model to reproduce it and its associated features. Although both the modeled winds from MACC and the measurements from the DWL show a generally good agreement, some differences, particularly in the African easterly jet (AEJ) intensity, were noted. The observed differences between modeled and measured wind jet speeds are between 5 and 10 m s−1. The vertical aerosol distribution within the Saharan dust plume and the marine boundary layer is investigated during the June–July 2013 period based on the MACC aerosol model results and the CALIOP satellite lidar measurements. While the modeled Saharan dust plume extent shows a good agreement with the measurements, a systematic underestimation of the marine boundary layer extinction is observed. Additionally, three selected case studies covering different aspects of the Saharan dust long-range transport along the west African coast, over the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean are presented. For the first time, DWL measurements are used to investigate the Saharan dust long-range transport. Simultaneous wind and backscatter measurements from the DWL are used, in combination with the MACC model, to analyze different features associated with the long-range transport, including an African easterly wave trough, the AEJ and the intertropical convergence zone.
Optimization of GPS water vapor tomography technique with radiosonde and
COSMIC historical data
Authors: Ye Shirong , Xia Pengfei , Cai Changsheng 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The near-real-time high spatial resolution of atmospheric water vapor distribution is vital in numerical weather prediction. GPS tomography technique has been proved effectively for three-dimensional water vapor reconstruction. In this study, the tomography processing is optimized in a few aspects by the aid of radiosonde and COSMIC historical data. Firstly, regional tropospheric zenith hydrostatic delay (ZHD) models are improved and thus the zenith wet delay (ZWD) can be obtained at a higher accuracy. Secondly, the regional conversion factor of converting the ZWD to the precipitable water vapor (PWV) is refined. Next, we develop a new method for dividing the tomography grid with an uneven voxel height and a varied water vapor layer top. Finally, we propose a Gaussian exponential vertical interpolation method which can better reflect the vertical variation characteristic of water vapor. GPS datasets collected in Hong Kong in February 2014 are employed to evaluate the optimized tomographic method by contrast with the conventional method. The radiosonde-derived and COSMIC-derived water vapor densities are utilized as references to evaluate the tomographic results. Using radiosonde products as references, the test results obtained from our optimized method indicate that the water vapor density accuracy is improved by 15 and 12 % compared to those derived from the conventional method below the height of 3.75 km and above the height of 3.75 km, respectively. Using the COSMIC products as references, the results indicate that the water vapor density accuracy is improved by 15 and 19 % below 3.75 km and above 3.75 km, respectively.
Greenhouse gas emissions from fen soils used for forage production in
northern Germany
Authors: Poyda Arne , Reinsch Thorsten , Kluß Christof , Loges Ralf , Taube Friedhelm 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. A large share of peatlands in northwestern Germany is drained for agricultural purposes, thereby emitting high amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In order to quantify the climatic impact of fen soils in dairy farming systems of northern Germany, GHG exchange and forage yield were determined on four experimental sites which differed in terms of management and drainage intensity: (a) rewetted and unutilized grassland (UG), (b) intensive and wet grassland (GW), (c) intensive and moist grassland (GM) and (d) arable forage cropping (AR). Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and fluxes of CH4 and N2O were measured using closed manual chambers. CH4 fluxes were significantly affected by groundwater level (GWL) and soil temperature, whereas N2O fluxes showed a significant relation to the amount of nitrate in top soil. Annual balances of all three gases, as well as the global warming potential (GWP), were significantly correlated to mean annual GWL. A 2-year mean GWP, combined from CO2–C eq. of NEE, CH4 and N2O emissions, as well as C input (slurry) and C output (harvest), was 3.8, 11.7, 17.7 and 17.3 Mg CO2–C eq. ha−1 a−1 for sites UG, GW, GM and AR, respectively (standard error (SE) 2.8, 1.2, 1.8, 2.6). Yield-related emissions for the three agricultural sites were 201, 248 and 269 kg CO2–C eq. (GJ net energy lactation; NEL)−1 for sites GW, GM and AR, respectively (SE 17, 9, 19). The carbon footprint of agricultural commodities grown on fen soils depended on long-term drainage intensity rather than type of management, but management and climate strongly influenced interannual on-site variability. However, arable forage production revealed a high uncertainty of yield and therefore was an unsuitable land use option. Lowest yield-related GHG emissions were achieved by a three-cut system of productive grassland swards in combination with a high GWL (long-term mean  ≤  20 cm below the surface).