bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining essential processes in plant pathogenesis with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 disarmed polymutants and a subset of key type III effectors
Authors: Wei Hai‐Lei , Collmer Alan 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and its derivatives cause disease in tomato, Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana. The primary virulence factors include a repertoire of 29 effector proteins injected into plant cells by the type III secretion system and the phytotoxin coronatine. The complete repertoire of effector genes and key coronatine biosynthesis genes have been progressively deleted and minimally reassembled to reconstitute basic pathogenic ability in N. benthamiana, and in Arabidopsis plants that have mutations in target genes that mimic effector actions. This approach and molecular studies of effector activities and plant immune system targets have highlighted a small subset of effectors that contribute to essential processes in pathogenesis. Most notably, HopM1 and AvrE1 redundantly promote an aqueous apoplastic environment, and AvrPtoB and AvrPto redundantly block early immune responses, two conditions that are sufficient for substantial bacterial growth in planta. In addition, disarmed DC3000 polymutants have been used to identify the individual effectors responsible for specific activities of the complete repertoire and to more effectively study effector domains, effector interplay and effector actions on host targets. Such work has revealed that AvrPtoB suppresses cell death elicitation in N. benthamiana that is triggered by another effector in the DC3000 repertoire, highlighting an important aspect of effector interplay in native repertoires. Disarmed DC3000 polymutants support the natural delivery of test effectors and infection readouts that more accurately reveal effector functions in key pathogenesis processes, and enable the identification of effectors with similar activities from a broad range of other pathogens that also defeat plants with cytoplasmic effectors.
Investigating barriers to immunosuppressant medication adherence in renal transplant patients
Authors: Cossart Amelia Rose , Staatz Christine Elizabeth , Campbell Scott Bryan , Isbel Nicole Maree , Cottrell William Neil 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAimImmunosuppressant medication non‐adherence can result in allograft rejection and loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of non‐adherence and barriers to adherence with immunosuppressant medications, in an adult renal transplant cohort.MethodsKidney transplant recipients completed a self‐report survey consisting of five validated questionnaires (Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, Immunosuppressant Therapy Barrier Scale, Brief‐Illness Perception Questionnaire, and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale), and provided sociodemographic information. Adherence was categorised according to BAASIS, with adherence barriers compared between the groups.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐one patients in total completed the survey. Eighty‐six participants (55%) were categorised as non‐adherent, with 45% delaying doses, and 25% skipping doses. Non‐adherent patients were more likely to forget doses (P = 0.005), and more likely to skip doses when their daily routine changed (P < 0.001) or when short of money (P = 0.03). Additionally, non‐adherent patients had less self‐reported understanding about their graft than adherent patients (P = 0.008). Adherence was not associated with a patient's medicine beliefs or perception of locus of control.ConclusionOver half the patients self‐reported non‐adherence. The main modifiable barriers leading to non‐adherence were forgetfulness and skipped doses. Personalised interventions focused on habit forming may improve adherence in this population.
The effect of electricity technical losses on Ghana's economy: a simulation evaluation
Authors: Abrokwa Kennedy Kwabena , Dramani John Bosco , Bhattarai Keshab 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of electricity distribution inefficiencies in Ghana's electricity sector on output, consumption and investments. Inefficiencies are considered as losses in transmission and distribution channels from the generator to the final consumer of energy leading to supply–demand mismatch (shortages and blackouts). We assume that, a high inefficiency reflects high electricity cost in the sector. A simple dynamic version of the Ramsey growth model is developed, providing analytical solutions and applying simulations to evaluate the economic cost. Results from the simulations show that, electricity shortages and blackouts reduce output, consumption and investments in the economy. Improvements in energy technologies for generating and distributing electricity can offset the negative impacts and improve efficiency in the sector.
Evaluating the GDP–energy consumption nexus for the ASEAN‐5 countries using nonlinear ARDL model
Authors: Kisswani Khalid M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the GDP–energy consumption nexus for five Asian countries (ASEAN‐5) during the 1971–2013 period by estimating the asymmetric long‐run as well as short‐run effects in a cointegration framework. We apply the recently developed nonlinear autoregressive distributed lags (NARDL) model of Shinet al. () for individual country‐by‐country analysis. Meanwhile, we employ the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator of Pesaran and Smith () and Pesaranet al. () for the ASEAN‐5 countries pooled as a panel set. The empirical results, in case of country‐by‐country, show long‐run asymmetry for Singapore and Thailand only, when considering structural breaks. However, the panel analysis confirms asymmetry for the sample data. Finally, the causality tests employed show mixed results for both set‐ups: country‐by‐country and panel sample.
Innate lymphoid cells and parasites: Ancient foes with shared history
Authors: Neill D. R. , Fallon P. G. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThis special issue of Parasite Immunology charts the rapid advances made in our understanding of the myriad interactions between innate lymphoid cells and parasites and how these interactions have shaped our evolutionary history. Here, we provide an overview of the issue and highlight key findings from studies in mice and man.
Evaluation of the Influenza Risk Reduction from Antimicrobial Spray Application on Porous Surfaces
Authors: Chabrelie Alexandre , Mitchell Jade , Rose Joan , Charbonneau Duane , Ishida Yoshiki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAntimicrobial spray products are used by millions of people around the world for cleaning and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces. Influenza A is a pathogen of major concern, leading to up to 49,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States alone. One of the recognized routes of transmission for influenza A is by transfer of viruses from surfaces to hands and subsequently to mucous membranes. Therefore, routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is an important part of the environmental management of influenza A. While the emphasis is generally on spraying hard surfaces and laundering cloth and linens with high temperature machine drying, not all surfaces can be treated in this manner. The quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach was used to develop a stochastic risk model for estimating the risk of infection from indirect contact with porous fomite with and without surface treatment with an antimicrobial spray. The data collected from laboratory analysis combined with the risk model show that influenza A infection risk can be lowered by four logs after using an antimicrobial spray on a porous surface. Median risk associated with a single touch to a contaminated fabric was estimated to be 1.25 × 10−4 for the untreated surface, and 3.6 × 10−8 for the treated surface as a base case assumption. This single touch scenario was used to develop a generalizable model for estimating risks and comparing scenarios with and without treatment to more realistic multiple touch scenarios over time periods and with contact rates previously reported in the literature. The results of this study and understanding of product efficacy on risk reduction inform and broaden the range of risk management strategies for influenza A by demonstrating effective risk reduction associated with treating nonporous fomites that cannot be laundered at high temperatures.
Factors associated with anterior open bite in children with developmental disabilities
Authors: de Castilho Lia Silva , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães , Pires e Souza Luiz Gustavo de Almeida , Romualdo Leiliane Teresinha de Almeida , Souza e Silva Maria Elisa , Resende Vera Lúcia Silva 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAim: To investigate factors associated with anterior open bite in individuals aged from 2 to 33 years with developmental disabilities. Design: This is a cross‐sectional study. A total of 271 dental records were examined. The anterior open bite analyzed was determined based on clinic exam. These variables were also analyzed: gender, age, education level of mother, International Code of Diseases (ICD), mouth breathing, use of anticonvulsant drugs, hyperkinesis, pacifier use, thumb sucking, seizure, and involuntary movements. For the purposes of analysis, the individuals were categorized as being with and without anterior open bite. Variables with a p‐value of < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the logistic regression models. Results: Mouth breathers had a 2.60‐fold (95% CI: 1.35–5.01) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite than nasal breathers. Pacifier users are more likely to have an anterior open bite (3.32‐fold, 95% CI: 1.62–6.77). Individuals with reported involuntary movements had a 2.66‐fold (95% CI: 1.26–5.63) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite. Users of anticonvulsants drugs had a 3.05 (95% CI: 1.57–5.92) greater chance of showing anterior open bite. Conclusion: Involuntary movements, mouth breathing, using anticonvulsant drugs, and using pacifier are factors associated with anterior open bite in patients with developmental disabilities.
Oral manifestations and dentofacial anomalies in β‐thalassemia major children in Dubai (UAE)
Authors: Al‐Raeesi Sheikha , Kowash Mawlood , Hassan Amar , Al‐Halabi Manal 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAimsThe purpose of this study was to identify special oral and dentofacial manifestations of β‐thalassemia major (ΒTM) in Emarati children in Dubai (UAE).Materials and methodsA total of 38 (ΒTM) and 76 healthy Emirati children were recruited. An oral examination was conducted to determine dmft/DMFT indices, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, occlusal anomalies, dentofacial, and soft‐tissue abnormalities.ResultsΒTM children had significantly higher DMFT compared to the healthy controls (p‐value, 0.017). The Met Need Index (MNI) and the Restorative Index (RI) were lower in the ΒTM group but without statistical significance. Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher in ΒTM children (p‐value, 0.002). The proportion of gingivitis was significantly lower in the ΒTM group (p‐value, 0.009). ΒTM children had significantly higher proportion of retained primary teeth (p‐value, 0.001) and gingival pigmentation compared with healthy controls (p‐value, 0.001). BTM children did not have any statistically significant difference in the Angle molar classiication compared to the control. Interestigly, a significantly higher proportion of transverse cross bite was found in the control subjects compared to the BTM group (p‐value, 0.004).ConclusionsSignificantly higher DMFT, retained primary teeth, gingival pigmentation, and CI was found in the BTM group compared to the controls while significantly lower gingivitis index and transverse cross bite was seen in the BTM group.
Meteoric diagenesis and dedolomite fabrics in precursor primary dolomicrite in a mixed carbonate–evaporite system
Authors: Hauck Tyler E. , Corlett Hilary J. , Grobe Matthias , Walton Erin L. , Sansjofre Pierre 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDedolomitization is a common diagenetic process in shallow burial environments and is often associated with sulphates in mixed carbonate‐evaporite successions. In these settings, elevated Ca2+/Mg2+ ratios necessary for dedolomitization result from the dissolution of sulphate phases by the incursion of undersaturated groundwater. Reported dedolomite textures from other studies are varied, but the most prevalent is a rhombic texture interpreted to result from the partial to complete pseudomorphic replacement of secondary dolomite rhombs formed in the burial diagenetic realm. In this study of primary cryptocrystalline to finely crystalline dolomicrites in the Prairie Evaporite Formation of north‐eastern Alberta, dedolomitization has resulted in sutured to loosely packed mosaics of dedolomite that range from subhedral to distinctly euhedral (rhombic) crystal fabrics; however, no prior aggrading neomorphism producing dolomite rhombs is evident in the precursor dolomicrites. Non‐pseudomorphic dedolomitization of the dolomicrites results in textures that include rhombic dedolomite crystals with cloudy cores comprising remnant dolomicrite and clear rims. These textures are similar to those observed in the pseudomorphic dedolomitization of secondary dolomite rhombs. The Prairie Evaporite Formation of north‐eastern Alberta has experienced extensive karstification near the erosional margin of the sedimentary succession. Dedolomitization of dolomicrites occurs in marker beds within the Prairie Evaporite succession associated with evaporite karstification. Along with stratigraphic and petrographic considerations, stable isotope results support the interpretation of a shallow dedolomitization event influenced by meteoric waters derived from the basin margin. Negative δ18O and low δ13C values (averages of −13·6‰VPDB and 0·5‰VPDB, respectively) of the dedolomite, compared with those of the primary dolomicrite (averages of −6·0‰VPDB and 1·2‰VPDB, respectively), point to isotopically light diagenetic fluids. These results show that rhombic dedolomite textures can form through shallow, non‐pseudomorphic dedolomitization of dolomicrites by meteoric fluids in the presence of sulphates, with resulting textures that are similar to the pseudomorphic dedolomitization of secondary dolomite rhombs.
Waypoints for Evaluating Big Science*
Authors: Bianco William , Gerhart Donald , Nicolson‐Crotty Sean 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs illustrated by the articles in this volume, there are considerable gaps in the measurement of research productivity/innovation for programs enabled by large initial and ongoing infrastructure investments. Such programs include NASA's International Space Station, DOE's National Ignition Facility, NSF's Polar Program, and CERN's Large Hadron Collider. The enormous sums spent on these projects are often justified by predictions about their contributions to knowledge, the economy, or innovation. But at virtually any point in the lifecycle of a Big Science program, it is not easy to explain to the public, elected officials, and scientists whose proposals were rejected why the program is a compelling investment, given that all of the aforementioned benefits will emerge only over time—if at all.
The International Space Station: Collaboration, Utilization, and Commercialization*
Authors: Ruttley Tara M. , Robinson Julie A. , Gerstenmaier William H. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThis article explores the many factors that have been involved in International Space Station (ISS) on‐orbit utilization activities, and the approaches that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is taking to evaluate, communicate, and maximize the value of these activities.MethodsA review of the initiatives, stakeholders, vehicle assembly, science and technology outcomes, and benefits to Earth and space exploration illustrates the evolving nature of this unique microgravity research platform.ResultsThe ISS partnership works together to implement many strategic approaches to maximizing the ISS platform so that the full potential of this laboratory is realized.
On the identification of an effective cross section for a cruciform specimen
Authors: Härtel M. , Pfeiffer S. , Schmaltz S. , Söhngen B. , Kulawinski D. , Willner K. , Henkel S. , Biermann H. , Wagner M. F.‐X. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBiaxial tensile testing of sheet metals is becoming increasingly popular for sheet metal forming. Determining equivalent stresses in biaxial tensile specimens is more complicated than in conventional uniaxial tensile specimens. In the present study, we compare four different approaches to calculate effective stresses during biaxial tensile loading of a cruciform specimen: (a) partial unloading method, where stresses are determined based on force–strain curves; (b) identification with uniaxial tensile testing; (c) an analysis of equivalent biaxial tests; and (d) numerical simulations. Considering experimental results for an AA1050 aluminium alloy and for a low‐carbon steel DC06, we show that, for the cruciform sample studied here, two methods do not yield physically reasonable results: The uniaxial approach does not properly take into account the effect of transverse loading, and the equivalent biaxial approach exhibits uncertainties in strain measurement data. The most comprehensible approach is the numerical method, because it also yields detailed information about the local stress and strain states. The numerical results are in excellent agreement with the partial unloading method in terms of the initial flow stress and of effective stress–strain curves for strains up to 0.02, with both methods predicting a similar effective cross section of 18.0 mm2 for the considered specimen.
Three‐dimensional indoor network accessibility auditing for floor plan design
Authors: Dao Thi Hong Diep , Thill Jean‐Claude 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBuilt environments have played an increasingly important and complex role in contemporary cities in the face of the significant number of discretionary and non‐discretionary event‐based activities that take place indoors, and the great variety of three‐dimensional designs that indoor spaces have grown to assume. However, intelligent tools that can assist designers to achieve high accessibility, particularly for large and complex buildings, are still underdeveloped. This article presents an innovative custom computer‐based design tool, dubbed FloorplanAAU (floor plan accessibility auditing), that couples GIS data modeling, indoor traversable network accessibility analysis, and interactive three‐dimensional visualization for built environments, to interactively evaluate and audit floor plans for high accessibility. The proposed method contributes to the success of applying GIS and transportation geography concepts to establish computational tools toward intelligent design and assessment of built environments.
Tools of the crook‐ infection strategies of fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Rodriguez‐Moreno Luis , Ebert Malaika K. , Bolton Melvin D. , Thomma Bart P.H.J. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryFungi represent an ecologically diverse group of microorganisms that includes plant pathogenic species able to cause considerable yield loses in crop production systems worldwide. In order to establish compatible interactions with their hosts, pathogenic fungi rely on the secretion of molecules of diverse nature during host colonization to modulate host physiology, manipulate other environmental factors or provide self‐defence. These molecules, collectively known as effectors, are typically small secreted cysteine‐rich proteins, but may also comprise secondary metabolites and sRNAs. Here, we discuss the most common strategies that fungal plant pathogens employ to subvert their host plants in order to successfully complete their life cycle and secure the release of abundant viable progeny.
Unrelated donor choices for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in Canada: an evaluation of factors influencing donor selection
Authors: Greco‐Stewart Valerie , Kiernan Jeffrey , Killeen Donna , Haun Sherry , Mercer Dena , Young Kimberly , Liwski Robert S. , Allan David S. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDUtilization of unrelated donors and cord blood units (CBUs) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation continues to increase. Understanding the practices of donor selection by transplant centers is critical for unrelated donor registries and cord blood banks to optimize registry composition and inventory to meet patient need.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSUnrelated donor and CBU selection practices of Canadian transplant centers served by Canadian Blood Services' OneMatch Stem Cell & Marrow Network (OM) were reviewed, including HLA match level, locus of disparity, age, sex, and product choice (donor vs. CBU).RESULTSHLA‐matched donors within OM and/or international (INT) registries were preferentially investigated, underscoring the primary importance of HLA matching. In the case of HLA‐mismatched donors, HLA‐A disparities were most common while DRB1 mismatches were least common. Advanced age, sex, and lack of donor availability were the most frequent reasons that high‐probability OM donors were overlooked in favor of INT donors. High‐probability 10 of 10 HLA‐matched female donors from OM were often avoided in favor of INT male donors. Use of female donors, however, increased in cases restricted to more HLA‐disparate donor options. Caucasian patients were more likely to find 10 of 10 matched donors, whereas use of mismatched donors and CBUs were more prevalent among non‐Caucasian patients.CONCLUSIONSRecruitment and retention of young, male donors from diverse ethnic backgrounds may increase the usage of histocompatible OM donors for patients in need.
A multicentre study investigating vital sign changes occurring in complicated and uncomplicated transfusions
Authors: Gehrie E. A. , Roubinian N. H. , Chowdhury D. , Brambilla D. J. , Murphy E. L. , Gottschall J. L. , Wu Y. , Ness P. M. , Strauss R. G. , Hendrickson J. E. ,   the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology‐Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III)
Published: December 2017

Background and ObjectivesMany hospitals require transfusions to be discontinued when vital signs stray from predetermined ranges, regardless of clinical symptoms. Variations in vital signs may be unrelated to transfusion, however, and needlessly stopping a transfusion may delay medical care while increasing donor exposures and healthcare costs. We hypothesized that a detailed study of vital sign changes associated with transfusion of blood product by component, including those associated with potential reactions (complicated) and those deemed to be uncomplicated, would establish a useful framework of reference for treating clinicians and transfusion services alike.Materials and MethodsA retrospective electronic record review of transfusion service and transfusion recipient data was completed on 3852 inpatient transfusion episodes over a 6‐month period at four academic tertiary care hospitals across the United States. Vital signs pre‐ and post‐transfusion were recorded by trained clinical research nurses. Serious reactions were adjudicated by a panel of transfusion medicine experts.ResultsIn both uncomplicated transfusions (n = 3765) and those including an adverse reaction (n = 87), vital sign fluctuations were generally modest. Compared to uncomplicated transfusions, transfusions complicated by febrile reactions were associated with higher pretransfusion temperature and higher pretransfusion pulse rates. Episodes of transfusion circulatory overload were associated with higher pretransfusion respiration rates compared to uncomplicated transfusions.ConclusionMost transfusions are associated with only modest changes in vital signs. Pretransfusion vital signs may be an important yet previously understudied predictor of vital sign changes during transfusion. The optimal role of vital sign assessment during blood transfusion deserves further study.