bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcineurin inhibitor‐ and corticosteroid‐free immunosuppression in pediatric heart transplant patients
Authors: Sierra Caroline M. , Tan Robert , Eguchi Jim , Bailey Leonard , Chinnock Richard E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPediatric heart transplant patients at our institution are immunosuppressed with a CNI and another immune‐modulating agent without utilizing corticosteroids. Patients whose renal function worsened and who did not respond to CNI minimization had their CNI discontinued. The clinical history of 35 pediatric heart transplant patients with significant renal insufficiency whose CNI was discontinued was retrospectively analyzed. Data including serum creatinine and weight were collected before, at time of, and every 3–6 months after CNI discontinuation. This was used to calculate an eGFR. Cardiac allograft rejection and mortality data were also collected. CNI discontinuation occurred 39 times in 35 patients. The median eGFR significantly increased by 14 mL/min 3 months after CNI discontinuation and the increase continued to be significant (P≤.05) at 5 years. Freedom from rejection analysis showed no difference between graft rejection 2 years before versus after CNI discontinuation (P=.437). No mortality was associated with CNI discontinuation. Immunosuppression free of CNIs and corticosteroids appears to be a safe alternative in pediatric heart transplant patients with significant renal insufficiency. Furthermore, this strategy can significantly reverse renal insufficiency, even late after transplantation.
Transaction Costs and the Perceived Effectiveness of Complex Institutional Systems
Authors: Lubell Mark , Mewhirter Jack M. , Berardo Ramiro , Scholz John T. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis article studies factors affecting how policy actors perceive the effectiveness of political institutions involved in complex water governance systems. The ecology of games framework argues that participants are more likely to perceive institutions as effective when the benefits of solving collective action problems outweigh the transaction costs of developing political contracts within these institutions. The authors hypothesize that transaction costs are a function of conflict, type of participation, political knowledge, scientific knowledge, and actor resources. Survey results suggest that the importance of these different sources of transaction costs varies across study sites in the Tampa Bay watershed in Florida, the Sacramento–San Joaquin River delta in California, and the Paraná River delta in Argentina. Based on the observed differences, some initial ideas are sketched about the evolution of complex governance systems from fairly simple and informal rules and networks to well‐established tapestries of many formal institutions.
Human Interest or Hard Numbers? Experiments on Citizens’ Selection, Exposure, and Recall of Performance Information
Authors: Olsen Asmus Leth 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe abundance of quantitative performance information has motivated multiple studies about how citizens make sense of “hard” performance data. However, research in psychology emphasizes that episodic information (e.g., case stories) often leaves a greater mark on citizens. This contradiction is tested using multiple experiments embedded in a large, nationally representative sample of Danish citizens. The results stress three differences between statistical and episodic data. Citizens have strong preferences for statistical data when asked to evaluate an organization. However, episodic information has in some instances a stronger impact on citizens’ evaluations of an organization and often is more emotionally engaging than statistics. Finally, when asked to immediately recall recent performance information about public services, citizens report more elaborate information about personalized stories and experiences than about statistics. Overall, the results raise questions about the ability of hard performance data to dominate and crowd out episodic performance information.
Contingent Commissions and the Management of the Independent Agency
Authors: Puelz Robert 
Published: September 2016

AbstractInsurance agencies continue to exist as an important distribution mechanism because they give their contracting insurers advantages in risk selection and enable insurance applicants to transfer complex risks. While independent agencies are compensated by upfront commissions, a key component of their profitability is tied to contingent commissions. A contingency arrangement represents ex post compensation normally tied to underwriting profitability, volume, and annual growth. We report two actual contingency contracts in the context of a decision process for choosing among contingency offerings by insurers. We incorporate both uncertainty and correlation among key variables to arrive at values for competing contracts, then use a downside risk approach that helps agency owners select the better contract. The approach offered in this article is scalable to a selection problem for any number of contingency arrangements.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment in the United States: The Impact of Polycentric Governance and Contextual Changes
Authors: Zhou Shan , Matisoff Daniel C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAdvanced metering infrastructure provides the first building block in smart grids by empowering customers and utilities with real‐time information regarding energy use. It is a key element in the U.S. government's push for electric grid modernization. Using a panel dataset for 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia over the years 2007–2012, we evaluate the impacts of a polycentric governance system and socioeconomic contexts on states' performance in smart metering deployment. We find that the advanced metering technological change in the United States has been exclusively created by the interdependencies and interactions between different layers of government. High‐tech industry is the only socioeconomic factor that has a negative impact on smart meter deployment, whereas other factors, such as pressures from energy consumers and environmental groups, and electric grid conditions, have negligible impacts.
Mediation of self‐regulation and mood in the relationship of changes in high emotional eating and nutritional behaviors: Moderating effects of physical activity
Authors: Annesi James J. , Mareno Nicole , McEwen Kristin L. 
Published: September 2016

High emotional eating (EE) is prevalent in women with obesity. A previous study's subsample of obese women classified as high emotional eaters participated in either a physical activity‐focused experimental (n = 29) or an educationally focused comparison (n = 22) behavioral treatment and was assessed over phases of expected weight loss (baseline–month 6) and short‐ and long‐term regain (months 6–12 and 6–24, respectively). The study's aim was to assess theory‐based psychological and behavioral mediation and moderation of changes in nutritional behaviors via emotional eating change in order to inform behavioral weight‐loss treatments. During the weight‐loss phase, significant improvements in eating self‐regulation and mood significantly mediated the relationship of reduced EE and intake of both fruits and vegetables (FV) and sweets. Self‐regulation was a significant independent mediator. Physical activity significantly moderated the relationship between EE and self‐regulation changes. All variables demonstrated large positive effects and significant time × group interactions favoring the experimental group. During the short and long‐term phases of expected weight regain, there were no significant changes in FV intake, although consumption of sweets significantly increased during months 6–24. Change in FV and sweets significantly predicted weight change, which was significantly greater in the experimental vs. comparison group over both the initial 6 months (−6.1% vs. −2.6%) and full 24 months of the study (−7.6% vs. −1.3%). Findings suggest that behavioral treatments should address EE through improvements in self‐regulation and mood, and supported physical activity will aid in that process. The need for an improved understanding of weight‐loss maintenance remains.
Quantum Dissipative Mechanism of Noncontact Friction
Authors: Mandel’ Arkadiy M. , Oshurko Vadim B. , Solomakho George I. , Shartz Alexandr A. , Solomakho Kirill G. 
Published: September 2016

It is well known that two ideally confident surfaces should give the effect of superlubricity, e.g. should slide without friction. In principle, the superlubricity deals with absence of energy dissipation mechanism. If we consider interatomic interactions, we see that the number of atoms, which resist sliding is equal to the number of atoms that push slider. In the case of noncontact quantum friction interacting surfaces are divided by some spatial interval. This sliding can take place in probe (atomic force or scanning tunneling) microscopy. However, experiments usually show nonzero friction force in this case.
Nowadays there are several mechanisms of the noncontact friction. According to all of these models the noncontact friction arises from photons momentum transfer between surfaces.
But there is much more efficient mechanism of noncontact friction dealing with electron tunneling. Two tunneling electron flows or tunneling currents between close conductive surfaces transmit momentum from a moving body (slider) to the fixed one (substrate) and at the same time in backward direction.
At the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions these two counter-flows are equal. We have calculated these flows. Two different approaches have been applied — quantum mechanical and quasi-classical ones. The complex shape of the sliding surface have been taken into account by introduction of special function for the distribution of the tunneling gap width. In this model, noncontact friction is similar to Newtonian viscous friction in the fluid.
Friction force has been calculated for both variants. Numerical evaluations according to both formulas have shown rather similar results. It has been found that in both cases friction force is proportional to the slider’s speed and exponentially decreases with increase of the tunneling gap.
In addition, the friction force disappears at zero temperature. The tangential stresses have been obtained from numerical calculations for different surfaces with different roughness and for the atomically smooth surfaces. These values are close to macroscopic friction stress in experiments.
Assessing task performance in FFDM, DBT, and synthetic mammography using uniform and anthropomorphic physical phantoms
Authors: Ikejimba Lynda C. , Glick Stephen J. , Choudhury Kingshuk Roy , Samei Ehsan , Lo Joseph Y. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to quantify the differences in detectability between full field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and synthetic mammography (SM) for challenging, low contrast signals, in the context of both a uniform and an anthropomorphic, textured phantom.MethodsImages of the phantoms were acquired using a Hologic Selenia Dimensions system. Images were taken at 50%, 100%, and 200% of the dose delivered under automatic exposure control (AEC). Low‐contrast disks, created using an inkjet printer with iodine‐doped ink, were inserted into the phantom. The disks varied in diameter from 210 to 630 μm, and in local contrast from 1.1% to 2.8% in regular increments. Human observers located the disks in a 4 alternative forced choice experiment. Proportion correct (PC) was computed as the number of correct localizations out of the total number of tries.ResultsOverall, scores from FFDM and DBT were consistently greater than scores from SM. At an exposure corresponding to the AEC setting, mean PC scores for the largest disks with the uniform phantom were 0.80 for FFDM, 0.83 for DBT, and 0.66 for SM, with the same rank ordering at other doses. Scores were similar but lower for the nonuniform background. At an exposure twice the AEC setting, however, the difference between uniform and nonuniform scores was most pronounced for DBT alone. Differences between scores for FFDM and SM were statistically significant, while those between FFDM and DBT were not. Scores were used to compute the minimum contrast level needed to reach 62.5% detection rate. The minimum contrast for SM was 36%–81% higher compared to FFDM or DBT, in either background.ConclusionsThis study shows that an anthropomorphic phantom and lesions inserts may be used to conduct a reader study. Detectability was significantly lower for synthetic mammography than for FFDM or DBT, for all conditions. Additionally, observer performance was consistently lower for the anthropomorphic phantom, indicating the greater challenge due to anatomical background. Because of this, it may be important to use realistic phantoms in observer studies in order to draw conclusions that are more clinically relevant.
Correlation between k‐space sampling pattern and MTF in compressed sensing MRSI
Authors: Heikal A. A. , Wachowicz K. , Fallone B. G. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between the k‐space sampling patterns used for compressed sensing MR spectroscopic imaging (CS‐MRSI) and the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the metabolite maps. This relationship may allow the desired frequency content of the metabolite maps to be quantitatively tailored when designing an undersampling pattern.MethodsSimulations of a phantom were used to calculate the MTF of Nyquist sampled (NS) 32 × 32 MRSI, and four‐times undersampled CS‐MRSI reconstructions. The dependence of the CS‐MTF on the k‐space sampling pattern was evaluated for three sets of k‐space sampling patterns generated using different probability distribution functions (PDFs). CS‐MTFs were also evaluated for three more sets of patterns generated using a modified algorithm where the sampling ratios are constrained to adhere to PDFs.ResultsStrong visual correlation as well as high R2 was found between the MTF of CS‐MRSI and the product of the frequency‐dependant sampling ratio and the NS 32 × 32 MTF. Also, PDF‐constrained sampling patterns led to higher reproducibility of the CS‐MTF, and stronger correlations to the above‐mentioned product.ConclusionsThe relationship established in this work provides the user with a theoretical solution for the MTF of CS MRSI that is both predictable and customizable to the user's needs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SBo1 Isolated from
Bactrocera oleae
Authors: Blow Frances , Vontas John , Darby Alistair C. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Bacteria of the genus
Stenotrophomonas
are ubiquitous in the environment and are increasingly associated with insects.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
SBo1 was cultured from the gut of
Bactrocera oleae
. The draft genome sequence presented here will inform future investigations into the nature of the interaction between insects and their microbiota.
Genome Sequence of the Oral Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius JF
Authors: Jia Fang 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus salivarius
is a nonpathogenic Gram-positive bacterium and the predominant colonizer of the oral microbiota. It finds a wide application in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections, also reducing the frequency of other main pathogens. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the oral probiotic
S. salivarius
JF.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Clostridium
sp. Strain W14A Isolated from a Cellulose-Degrading Biofilm in a Landfill Leachate Microcosm
Authors: Ransom-Jones Emma , McDonald James E. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome of
Clostridium
sp. strain W14A, isolated from the anaerobic, cellulolytic biofilm of a cotton string sample incubated in a landfill leachate microcosm. The draft genome comprises 131 contigs, 3,823,510 bp, 51.5% G+C content, and 4,119 predicted coding domain sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain (New Sequence Type 2357) Carrying Tn
3926
Authors: Weng Xing-bei , Mi Zu-huang , Wang Chun-xin , Zhu Jian-ming 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

We present the draft genome sequence of a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase–producing sequence type 2357 (ST2357) strain, NB60, which contains drug-resistant genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, colistin, macrolides, and tetracycline. Strain NB60 was isolated from human blood, making it an important tool for studying
K. pneumoniae
pathogenesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Plasmopara viticola
, the Grapevine Downy Mildew Pathogen
Authors: Dussert Yann , Gouzy Jérôme , Richart-Cervera Sylvie , Mazet Isabelle D. , Delière Laurent , Couture Carole , Legrand Ludovic , Piron Marie-Christine , Mestre Pere , Delmotte François 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Plasmopara viticola
is a biotrophic pathogenic oomycete responsible for grapevine downy mildew. We present here the first draft of the
P. viticola
genome. Analysis of this sequence will help in understanding plant-pathogen interactions in oomycetes, especially pathogen host specialization and adaptation to host resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Spiroplasma turonicum Tab4c
T
, a Bacterium Isolated from Horse Flies (
Haematopota
sp.)
Authors: Lo Wen-Sui , Gasparich Gail E. , Kuo Chih-Horng 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Spiroplasma turonicum
Tab4c
T
was isolated from a horse fly (
Haematopota
sp.; probably
Haematopota pluvialis
) collected at Champchevrier, Indre-et-Loire, Touraine, France, in 1991. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this bacterium to facilitate the investigation of its biology and the comparative genomics among
Spiroplasma
spp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Heavy Metal-Resistant Cupriavidus alkaliphilus ASC-732
T
, Isolated from Agave Rhizosphere in the Northeast of Mexico
Authors: Rojas-Rojas Fernando Uriel , Huntemann Marcel , Clum Alicia , Pillay Manoj , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Varghese Neha , Mikhailova Natalia , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T. B. K. , Markowitz Victor , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Ibarra J. Antonio , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Cupriavidus alkaliphilus
ASC-732
T
was isolated from the rhizosphere of agave plant growing in alkaline soils in San Carlos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The species is able to grow in the presence of arsenic, zinc, and copper. The genome sequence of strain ASC-732
T
is 6,125,055 bp with 5,586 genes and an average G+C content of 67.81%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces clavuligerus F613-1, an Industrial Producer of Clavulanic Acid
Authors: Cao Guangxiang , Zhong Chuanqing , Zong Gongli , Fu Jiafang , Liu Zhong , Zhang Guimin , Qin Ronghuo 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Streptomyces clavuligerus
strain F613-1 is an industrial strain with high-yield clavulanic acid production. In this study, the complete genome sequence of
S. clavuligerus
strain F613-1 was determined, including one linear chromosome and one linear plasmid, carrying numerous sets of genes involving in the biosynthesis of clavulanic acid.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Cheese Isolate Streptococcus macedonicus 679
Authors: Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Bolotin Alexander , Tsakalidou Effie , Renault Pierre 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

It is well recognized that
Streptococcus macedonicus
can populate artisanal fermented foods, especially those of dairy origin. However, the safety of
S. macedonicus
remains to be established. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence of strain 679, which was isolated from a French uncooked semihard cheese made with cow milk.
Complete Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides Type Strain NCTC10360
Authors: Alexander Sarah , Fazal Mohammed-Abbas , Burnett Edward , Deheer-Graham Ana , Oliver Karen , Holroyd Nancy , Parkhill Julian , Russell Julie E. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Plesiomonas shigelloides
is a Gram-negative rod within the
Enterobacteriaceae
family. It is a gastrointestinal pathogen of increasing notoriety, often associated with diarrheal disease.
P. shigelloides
is waterborne, and infection is often linked to the consumption of seafood. Here, we describe the first complete genome for
P. shigelloides
type strain NCTC10360.
Dupuytren disease is highly prevalent in male field hockey players aged over 60 years
Authors: Broekstra Dieuwke C , van den Heuvel Edwin R , Lanting Rosanne , Harder Tom , Smits Inge , Werker Paul M N 
Published: September 2016

Background/aimDupuytren disease is a fibroproliferative hand condition. The role of exposure to vibration as a risk factor has been studied with contradictory results. Since field hockey is expected to be a strong source of hand-arm vibration, we hypothesised that long-term exposure to field hockey is associated with Dupuytren disease.MethodsIn this cross-sectional cohort study, the hands of 169 male field hockey players (IQR: 65–71 years) and 156 male controls (IQR: 59–71 years) were examined for signs of Dupuytren disease. Details about their age, lifestyle factors, medical history, employment history and leisure activities were gathered. Prior to the analyses, the groups were balanced in risk factors using propensity score matching. The association between field hockey and Dupuytren disease was determined using a subject-specific generalised linear mixed model with a binomial distribution and logit link function (matched pairs analysis).ResultsDupuytren disease was observed in 51.7% of the field hockey players, and in 13.8% of the controls. After propensity score matching, field hockey playing as dichotomous variable, was associated with Dupuytren disease (OR=9.42, 95% CI 3.01 to 29.53). A linear dose-response effect of field hockey (hours/week x years) within the field hockey players could not be demonstrated (OR=1.03, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.56).DiscussionWe found that field hockey playing has a strong association with the presence of Dupuytren disease. Clinicians in sports medicine should be alert to this less common diagnosis in this sport.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal distress/birth asphyxia: a population-based nested case–control study
Authors: Lindqvist Pelle G , Silva Aldo T , Gustafsson Sven A , Gidlöf Sebastian 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveVitamin D deficiency causes not only skeletal problems but also muscle weakness, including heart muscle. If the fetal heart is also affected, it might be more susceptible to fetal distress and birth asphyxia. In this pilot study, we hypothesised that low maternal vitamin D levels are over-represented in pregnancies with fetal distress/birth asphyxia.Design and settingA population-based nested case–control study.PatientsBanked sera of 2496 women from the 12th week of pregnancy.Outcome measuresVitamin D levels were analysed using a direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vitamin D levels in early gestation in women delivered by emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress were compared to those in controls. Birth asphyxia was defined as Apgar <7 at 5 min and/or umbilical cord pH≤7.15.ResultsVitamin D levels were significantly lower in mothers delivered by emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress (n=53, 43.6±18 nmol/L) compared to controls (n=120, 48.6±19 nmol/L, p=0.04). Birth asphyxia was more common in women with vitamin D deficiency (n=95) in early pregnancy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.7).ConclusionsLow vitamin D levels in early pregnancy may be associated with emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress and birth asphyxia. If our findings are supported by further studies, preferably on severe birth asphyxia, vitamin D supplementation/sun exposure in pregnancy may lower the risk of subsequent birth asphyxia.