bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface proteins of Setaria cervi induce inflammation in macrophage through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐mediated signalling pathway
Authors: Mukherjee Su. , Mukherjee Sa. , Bhattacharya S. , Sinha Babu S. P. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryLymphatic filariasis is a vectorborne parasitic disease that results in morbidities, disabilities and socio‐economic loss each year globally. Inflammatory consequences associated with any form of filariasis have drawn special attention. However, the molecular insight behind the inflammation of host macrophage (MФ) is considered as one of the shaded areas in filarial research. Herein, major emphasis was given to study the signalling pathway of MФ inflammation induced by surface proteins (SPs) of filarial parasite through in vitro and in vivo approaches. Twenty‐four hours of in vitro stimulation of Raw MФs with endotoxin‐free SPs of Setaria cervi resulted in the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) that revealed induction of inflammation, which was found to be elicited from classical NF‐кB activation. Moreover, this NF‐кB activation was found to be signalled from TLR4 and mediated by the downstream signalling intermediates, viz. MyD88, pTAK1 and NEMO. In vivo studies in adult Wistar rats, experimentally injected with SPs, clearly supported the outcomes of in vitro experiments by showing higher degree of inflammation rather classical activation of the peritoneal MФs. Therefore, SPs from S. cervi cuticle could be responsible for the induction of pro‐inflammatory response in MФ, which appears to be propagated through TLR4‐NF‐кB route.
For the Want of a Nail: The Interaction of Managerial Capacity and Human Resource Management on Organizational Performance
Authors: Melton Erin K. , Meier Kenneth J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHuman resource management and managerial capacity are well documented in the public management literature as integral management functions. The field has devoted attention to the importance of human resources, but it has yet to consider whether human resource management interacts with capacity in attaining organizational outcomes. Using a large‐N, multiyear data set of public organizations, this article seeks to rectify this gap in the literature. The findings validate scholarly arguments on the importance of public organizations’ need to manage human resources and capacity effectively, identifying just the right combination for performance gains. Empirical results encourage practitioners to consider the ways in which human resource management and capacity work together to influence performance but sometimes undermine each other in counterintuitive ways.
Rare species and aliens: reconsidering non‐native plants in the management of natural areas
Authors: Dunwiddie Peter W. , Rogers Deborah L. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNatural areas are often managed for the protection of native species and ecosystems. The presence of non‐native species is generally perceived to run counter to these objectives; thus, they are often controlled or tolerated but rarely deliberately favored. We suggest greater emphasis be placed on the role species play in ecological settings regardless of their origin, recognizing that only some non‐native plants are invasive, that the risk of causing ecological harm varies considerably, and that distributions will change as species migrate in response to climate change. We sense a disparity between the way this topic—conservation value of non‐native species—is addressed in the literature and how it is applied in management of natural areas. To encourage more discussion and consideration of appropriate roles for non‐natives in natural areas management, we present five case studies illustrating their value in the conservation of rare and endangered species, including Taylor's checkerspot and island marble butterflies, southwestern willow flycatcher, and the giant kangaroo rat. Our last case study describes a proposed conservation action for the rare Brewer spruce—that of assisted colonization, itself the creation of a non‐native for conservation purposes. Although we support continued avoidance of introducing invasives and a cautious treatment of non‐natives, we encourage those with responsibility for natural areas management to not only evaluate the threats posed by non‐natives, but to also consider their potential benefits in relation to management objectives.
Evolution of Strategic Levers in Insurance Claims Management: An Industry Survey
Authors: Mahlow Nils , Wagner Joël 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article discusses competing strategic goals and success factors in nonlife insurers' claims management using new and ad hoc empirical data. We structure the study of the companies' aims along the three main conflicting goals: (1) the minimization of claims volume, (2) the optimization of internal claims processes, and (3) the maximization of customer satisfaction. We analyze the insurance industry perspective through a qualitative survey carried out in Germany and Switzerland. Findings on the current and expected importance of selected topics are derived. The results shall lead to managerial implications improving industry practice and serve as a starting point for further research. Our findings are relevant for academics and practitioners beyond the two markets surveyed in the study.
Effects of high‐intensity interval cycling performed after resistance training on muscle strength and hypertrophy
Authors: Tsitkanou S. , Spengos K. , Stasinaki A‐N. , Zaras N. , Bogdanis G. , Papadimas G. , Terzis G. 
Published: September 2016

Aim of the study was to investigate whether high‐intensity interval cycling performed immediately after resistance training would inhibit muscle strength increase and hypertrophy expected from resistance training per se. Twenty‐two young men were assigned into either resistance training (RE; N = 11) or resistance training plus high‐intensity interval cycling (REC; N = 11). Lower body muscle strength and rate of force development (RFD), quadriceps cross‐sectional area (CSA) and vastus lateralis muscle architecture, muscle fiber type composition and capillarization, and estimated aerobic capacity were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of training (2 times per week). Muscle strength and quadriceps CSA were significantly and similarly increased after both interventions. Fiber CSA increased significantly and similarly after both RE (type I: 13.6 ± 3.7%, type IIA: 17.6 ± 4.4%, type IIX: 23.2 ± 5.7%, P < 0.05) and REC (type I: 10.0 ± 2.7%, type IIA: 14.8 ± 4.3% type IIX: 20.8 ± 6.0%, P < 0.05). In contrast, RFD decreased and fascicle angle increased (P < 0.05) only after REC. Capillary density and estimated aerobic capacity increased (P < 0.05) only after REC. These results suggest that high‐intensity interval cycling performed after heavy‐resistance exercise may not inhibit resistance exercise‐induced muscle strength/hypertrophy after 2 months of training, while it prompts aerobic capacity and muscle capillarization. The addition of high‐intensity cycling after heavy‐resistance exercise may decrease RFD partly due to muscle architectural changes.
The infectious disease blood safety risk of Australian hemochromatosis donations
Authors: Hoad Veronica , Bentley Peter , Bell Barbara , Pathak Praveen , Chan Hiu Tat , Keller Anthony 
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUNDIt has been suggested that blood donors with hereditary hemochromatosis may pose an increased infectious disease risk and adversely affect recipient outcomes. This study compares the infectious disease risk of whole blood (WB) donors enrolled as therapeutic (T) donors to voluntary WB donors to evaluate the safety of blood products provided by the T donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a retrospective cohort study of all WB donations at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service who donated between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013, comparing a yearly mean of 11,789 T donors with 107,773 total donations and a yearly mean of 468,889 voluntary WB donors with 2,584,705 total donations. We compared postdonation notification of infectious illnesses, bacterial contamination screening results, and positive tests for blood borne viruses in T and WB donors.RESULTSRates of transfusion‐transmissible infections in donations destined for component manufacture were significantly lower in therapeutic donations compared to voluntary donations (8.4 vs. 21.6 per 100,000 donations). Bacterial contamination (43.0 vs. 45.9 per 100,000 donations) and postdonation illness reporting (136.2 vs. 110.8 per 100,000 donations) were similar in both cohorts.CONCLUSIONSThe Australian therapeutic venisection program enables T donors to provide a safe and acceptable source of donated WB that has a low infectious disease risk profile.
Computer‐aided detection of intracoronary stent in intravascular ultrasound sequences
Authors: Ciompi Francesco , Balocco Simone , Rigla Juan , Carrillo Xavier , Mauri Josepa , Radeva Petia 
Published: September 2016

PurposeAn intraluminal coronary stent is a metal mesh tube deployed in a stenotic artery during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in order to prevent acute vessel occlusion. The identification of struts location and the definition of the stent shape is relevant for PCI planning and for patient follow‐up. The authors present a fully automatic framework for computer‐aided detection (CAD) of intracoronary stents in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image sequences. The CAD system is able to detect stent struts and estimate the stent shape.MethodsThe proposed CAD uses machine learning to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the local structure of the vessel by means of semantic classification. The output of the classification stage is then used to detect struts and to estimate the stent shape. The proposed approach is validated using a multicentric data‐set of 1,015 images from 107 IVUS sequences containing both metallic and bioabsorbable stents.ResultsThe method was able to detect struts in both metallic stents with an overall F‐measure of 77.7% and a mean distance of 0.15 mm from manually annotated struts, and in bioabsorbable stents with an overall F‐measure of 77.4% and a mean distance of 0.09 mm from manually annotated struts.ConclusionsThe results are close to the interobserver variability and suggest that the system has the potential of being used as a method for aiding percutaneous interventions.
Individually optimized contrast‐enhanced 4D‐CT for radiotherapy simulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Choi Wookjin , Xue Ming , Lane Barton F. , Kang Min Kyu , Patel Kruti , Regine William F. , Klahr Paul , Wang Jiahui , Chen Shifeng , D’Souza Warren , Lu Wei 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo develop an individually optimized contrast‐enhanced (CE) 4D‐computed tomography (CT) for radiotherapy simulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA).MethodsTen PDA patients were enrolled. Each underwent three CT scans: a 4D‐CT immediately following a CE 3D‐CT and an individually optimized CE 4D‐CT using test injection. Three physicians contoured the tumor and pancreatic tissues. Image quality scores, tumor volume, motion, tumor‐to‐pancreas contrast, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were compared in the three CTs. Interobserver variations were also evaluated in contouring the tumor using simultaneous truth and performance level estimation.ResultsAverage image quality scores for CE 3D‐CT and CE 4D‐CT were comparable (4.0 and 3.8, respectively; P = 0.082), and both were significantly better than that for 4D‐CT (2.6, P < 0.001). Tumor‐to‐pancreas contrast results were comparable in CE 3D‐CT and CE 4D‐CT (15.5 and 16.7 Hounsfield units (HU), respectively; P = 0.21), and the latter was significantly higher than in 4D‐CT (9.2 HU, P = 0.001). Image noise in CE 3D‐CT (12.5 HU) was significantly lower than in CE 4D‐CT (22.1 HU, P = 0.013) and 4D‐CT (19.4 HU, P = 0.009). CNRs were comparable in CE 3D‐CT and CE 4D‐CT (1.4 and 0.8, respectively; P = 0.42), and both were significantly better in 4D‐CT (0.6, P = 0.008 and 0.014). Mean tumor volumes were significantly smaller in CE 3D‐CT (29.8 cm3, P = 0.03) and CE 4D‐CT (22.8 cm3, P = 0.01) than in 4D‐CT (42.0 cm3). Mean tumor motion was comparable in 4D‐CT and CE 4D‐CT (7.2 and 6.2 mm, P = 0.17). Interobserver variations were comparable in CE 3D‐CT and CE 4D‐CT (Jaccard index 66.0% and 61.9%, respectively) and were worse for 4D‐CT (55.6%) than CE 3D‐CT.ConclusionsCE 4D‐CT demonstrated characteristics comparable to CE 3D‐CT, with high potential for simultaneously delineating the tumor and quantifying tumor motion with a single scan.
Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in a Child with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Ang Jocelyn Y. , Abdel-Haq Nahed , Zhu Frank , Thabit Abrar K. , Nicolau David P. , Satlin Michael J. , van Duin David 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

We describe a pediatric cystic fibrosis patient who developed a pulmonary exacerbation due to two multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates. In addition to these MDR organisms, the case was further complicated by β-lactam allergy. Despite the MDR phenotype, both isolates were susceptible to an antimicrobial combination.
Draft Genome Sequences of 40 Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strains Isolated from Humans and Food in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Fernanda , Medeiros Marta Inês Cazentini , Rodrigues Dália Prazeres , Payne Justin , Timme Ruth E. , Allard Marc W. , Falcão Juliana Pfrimer 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Salmonellosis is an important health problem worldwide and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium is one of the most common isolated serovars. Here, we reported the draft genomes of 40
S
. Typhimurium strains isolated from humans and food in Brazil. These draft genomes will improve phylogenetic analysis and will help enhance our understanding of strains of this serovar isolated in Brazil.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. LAB-08 Isolated from Trichloroethene-Contaminated Aquifer Soil
Authors: Suzuki Kenshi , Aziz Fatma A. A. , Inuzuka Yuma , Tashiro Yosuke , Futamata Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas
sp. LAB-08 was isolated from a phenol-fed bioreactor constructed with contaminated aquifer soil as the inoculum. Strain LAB-08 utilized phenol as a sole carbon and energy source. Here, we report the genome sequence and annotation of
Pseudomonas
sp. LAB-08.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated from Sprouted Chia and Flax Seed Powders
Authors: Ronholm Jennifer , Petronella Nicholas , Tamber Sandeep 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

A 2014 foodborne salmonellosis outbreak in Canada and the United States implicated, for the first time, sprouted chia seed powder as the vehicle of transmission. Here, we report the draft whole genome sequences of two
Salmonella enterica
strains isolated from sprouted powders related to the aforementioned outbreak.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant Member of the
Erysipelotrichaceae
Family Isolated from a Swine Manure Storage Pit
Authors: Haley Bradd J. , Kim Seon Woo , Whitehead Terence R. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The swine gastrointestinal tract and stored swine manure may serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes, as well as sources of novel bacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a novel taxon in the
Erysipelotrichaceae
family, isolated from a swine manure storage pit that is resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Genome Sequence of the Arsenic-Resistant
Haladaptatus
sp. Strain R4 Isolated from Ramnagar, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sen Urmimala , Mukherjee Trinetra , Bose Sucharita , Roy Chayan , Rameez Moidu Jameela , Ghosh Wriddhiman , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the draft genome of
Haladaptatus
sp. strain R4, a halophilic archaea that produces an orange-pink pigment and is capable of growing in a wide salinity range. The genome assembly shows genes for arsenic resistance, siderophore production, trehalose and glycine betaine biosynthesis, uptake and transporters of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Diazotrophic, Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacterium of the Pseudomonas syringae Complex
Authors: Patten Cheryl L. , Jeong Haeyoung , Blakney Andrew J. C. , Wallace Natalie 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas syringae
GR12-2, a nitrogen-fixing, plant growth–promoting bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere of an Arctic grass. The 6.6-Mbp genome contains 5,676 protein-coding genes, including a nitrogen-fixation island similar to that in
P. stutzeri
.
Improving institutional childbirth services in rural Southern Tanzania: a qualitative study of healthcare workers’ perspective
Authors: Jaribu Jennie , Penfold Suzanne , Manzi Fatuma , Schellenberg Joanna , Pfeiffer Constanze 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo describe health workers’ perceptions of a quality improvement (QI) intervention that focused on improving institutional childbirth services in primary health facilities in Southern Tanzania.DesignA qualitative design was applied using in-depth interviews with health workers.SettingThis study involved the Ruangwa District Reproductive and Child Health Department, 11 dispensaries and 2 health centres in rural Southern Tanzania.Participants4 clinical officers, 5 nurses and 6 medical attendants from different health facilities were interviewed.ResultsThe healthcare providers reported that the QI intervention improved their skills, capacity and confidence in providing counselling and use of a partograph during labour. The face-to-face QI workshops, used as a platform to refresh their knowledge on maternal and newborn health and QI methods, facilitated peer learning, networking and standardisation of care provision. The onsite follow-up visits were favoured by healthcare providers because they gave the opportunity to get immediate help, learn how to perform tasks in practice and be reminded of what they had learnt. Implementation of parallel interventions focusing on similar indicators was mentioned as a challenge that led to duplication of work in terms of data collection and reporting. District supervisors involved in the intervention showed interest in taking over the implementation; however, funding remained a major obstacle.ConclusionsHealthcare workers highlighted the usefulness of applying a QI approach to improve maternal and newborn health in rural settings. QI programmes need careful coordination at district level in order to reduce duplication of work.
Characteristics related to early secondary amenorrhoea and pregnancy among women diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus: an analysis using the GOAL study
Authors: Knight Jessica H , Howards Penelope P , Spencer Jessica B , Tsagaris Katina C , Lim Sam S 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately affects women and often develops during their reproductive years. Research suggests that some women who receive cyclophosphamide as treatment for SLE experience earlier decline in menstrual function, but reproductive health among women with SLE who have not taken this drug is less well understood. This study aims to better understand the relation between SLE and reproduction by assessing early secondary amenorrhoea and pregnancy in women treated with and without cyclophosphamide from a population-based cohort with large numbers of African-Americans.MethodsFemale patients with SLE, ages 20–40 at time of diagnosis, who were 40 years or older at the time of the survey were included in this analysis (N=147). Participants in the Georgians Organized Against Lupus (GOAL) study were asked about their reproductive histories including early secondary amenorrhoea, defined as loss of menstruation before age 40.ResultsWomen who were cyclophosphamide naïve had an increased prevalence of early secondary amenorrhoea compared with population estimates, 13–17% compared with 1–5%. Factors associated with early secondary amenorrhoea in women not treated with cyclophosphamide were marital status and receipt of a kidney transplant. Treatment with cyclophosphamide doubled the prevalence after adjustment for patient characteristics. Over 88% of women reported being pregnant at least once, and about 83% of these had a child, but the majority of pregnancies occurred before diagnosis.ConclusionsSLE diagnosed in early adulthood may affect women's reproductive health even if they are not treated with cyclophosphamide. Better understanding of other factors related to reproductive health in this population will improve clinicians' and patients' abilities to make treatment and family planning decisions.
Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to flumioxazin soil residues from preceding dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) desiccation
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H. 
Published: September 2016

Nine field studies were conducted during 2011 to 2013 in Ontario to determine the effect of flumioxazin residues on winter wheat. For early- and mid-fall applied flumioxazin, there was no impact of the interval, 1, 2 or 4 weeks pre-plant (WPP), between flumioxazin application and winter wheat planting on injury, plant height, and yield. Injury was low, ranging from 0% to 4%, and was generally higher when flumioxazin was applied at 142.8 g ai ha−1 compared with 35.7 or 71.4 g ai ha−1. For late-fall applications, there was greater injury in the fall when flumioxazin was applied 2 WPP vs. 1 WPP. When combined over flumioxazin rates, winter wheat injury was 16% to 24% and 0% to 3% at 2 and 1 WPP, respectively. Injury increased when the rate increased from 35.7 to 142.8 g ai ha−1. Flumioxazin applied at 142.8 g ai ha−1 caused 1%, 5%, and 6% injury when applied 1 WPP and 32%, 53%, and 37% injury when applied 2 WPP at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after emergence in winter wheat, respectively. In all studies, flumioxazin applied at 35.7, 71.4 or 142.8 g ai ha−1 applied at various application timings caused no adverse effect on winter wheat height and yield.
Weak linear representation of M-estimaton in GLMs with dependent errors
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Hu Hongchang 
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we consider the generalized linear models (GLMs) [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a continuous differentiable function, [Formula: see text] are dependent errors. We obtain the M-estimator [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] from the following equation: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is assumed to be a convex function. We also show the linear representation and asymptotic normality of the estimator, which extend the correspondingly results of Wu et al. (M-estimation of linear models with dependent errors, Ann. Statist. 2007) to GLMs.