bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing blood volume requirements for clinical pathology testing in toxicologic studies—points to consider
Authors: Poitout‐Belissent Florence , Aulbach Adam , Tripathi Niraj , Ramaiah Lila 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn preclinical safety assessment, blood volume requirements for various endpoints pose a major challenge. The goal of this working group was to review current practices for clinical pathology (CP) testing in preclinical toxicologic studies, and to discuss advantages and disadvantages of methods for reducing blood volume requirements. An industry‐wide survey was conducted to gather information on CP instrumentation and blood collection practices for hematology, clinical biochemistry, and coagulation evaluation in laboratory animals involved in preclinical studies. Based on the survey results and collective experience of the authors, the working group proposes the following “points to consider” for CP testing: (1) For most commercial analyzers, 0.5 mL and 0.8 mL of whole blood are sufficient for hematology and biochemistry evaluation, respectively. (2) Small analyzers with low volume requirements and low throughput have limited utility in preclinical studies. (3) Sample pooling or dilution is inappropriate for many CP methods. (4) Appropriate collection sites should be determined based on blood volume requirements and technical expertise. (5) Microsampling does not provide sufficient volume given current analyzer and quality assurance requirements. (6) Study design considerations include: the use of older/larger animals (rodents), collection of CP samples before toxicokinetic samples, use of separate subsets of mice for hematology and clinical biochemistry testing, use of a priority list for clinical biochemistry, and when possible, eliminating coagulation testing.
Spatial Probabilistic Modeling of Corrosion in Ship
Structures
Authors: Luque Jesus , Hamann Rainer , Straub Daniel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Corrosion in ship structures is influenced by a variety of factors that are varying in time and space. Existing corrosion models used in practice only partially address the spatial variability of the corrosion process. Typical estimations of corrosion model parameters are based on averaging measurements for one ship type over structural elements from different ships and operational conditions. Most models do not explicitly predict the variability and correlation of the corrosion process among multiple locations in the structure. This correlation is of relevance when determining the necessary inspection coverage, and it can influence the reliability of the ship structure. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic spatiotemporal corrosion model based on a hierarchical approach, which represents the spatial variability and correlation of the corrosion process. The model includes as hierarchical levels vessel–compartment–frame–structural element–plate element. At all levels, variables representing common influencing factors (e.g., coating life) are introduced. Moreover, at the lowest level, which is the one of the plate element, the corrosion process can be modeled as a spatial random field. For illustrative purposes, the model is trained through Bayesian analysis with measurement data from a group of tankers. In this application, the spatial dependence among corrosion processes in different parts of the ships is identified and quantified using the proposed hierarchical model. Finally, how this spatial dependence can be exploited when making inference on the future condition of the ships is demonstrated.
Robust Design Optimization for Crashworthiness of Vehicle Side
Impact
Authors: Chakraborty Souvik , Chatterjee Tanmoy , Chowdhury Rajib , Adhikari Sondipon 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Optimization for crashworthiness is of vast importance in automobile industry. Recent advancement in computational prowess has enabled researchers and design engineers to address vehicle crashworthiness, resulting in reduction of cost and time for new product development. However, a deterministic optimum design often resides at the boundary of failure domain, leaving little or no room for modeling imperfections, parameter uncertainties, and/or human error. In this study, an operational model-based robust design optimization (RDO) scheme has been developed for designing crashworthiness of vehicle against side impact. Within this framework, differential evolution algorithm (DEA) has been coupled with polynomial correlated function expansion (PCFE). An adaptive framework for determining the optimum basis order in PCFE has also been presented. It is argued that the coupled DEA–PCFE is more efficient and accurate, as compared to conventional techniques. For RDO of vehicle against side impact, minimization of the weight and lower rib deflection of the vehicle are considered to be the primary design objectives. Case studies by providing various emphases on the two objectives have also been performed. For all the cases, DEA–PCFE is found to yield highly accurate results.
Discovery of Polyesterases from Moss-Associated Microorganisms
Authors: Müller Christina Andrea , Perz Veronika , Provasnek Christoph , Quartinello Felice , Guebitz Georg M. , Berg Gabriele 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

The growing pollution of the environment with plastic debris is a global threat which urgently requires biotechnological solutions. Enzymatic recycling not only prevents pollution but also would allow recovery of valuable building blocks. Therefore, we explored the existence of microbial polyesterases in microbial communities associated with the
Sphagnum magellanicum
moss, a key species within unexploited bog ecosystems. This resulted in the identification of six novel esterases, which were isolated, cloned, and heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
. The esterases were found to hydrolyze the copolyester poly(butylene adipate-
co
-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) and the oligomeric model substrate bis[4-(benzoyloxy)butyl] terephthalate (BaBTaBBa). Two promising polyesterase candidates, EstB3 and EstC7, which clustered in family VIII of bacterial lipolytic enzymes, were purified and characterized using the soluble esterase substrate
p
-nitrophenyl butyrate (

K
m

values of 46.5 and 3.4 μM, temperature optima of 48°C and 50°C, and pH optima of 7.0 and 8.5, respectively). In particular, EstC7 showed outstanding activity and a strong preference for hydrolysis of the aromatic ester bond in PBAT. Our study highlights the potential of plant-associated microbiomes from extreme natural ecosystems as a source for novel hydrolytic enzymes hydrolyzing polymeric compounds.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we describe the discovery and analysis of new enzymes from microbial communities associated with plants (moss). The recovered enzymes show the ability to hydrolyze not only common esterase substrates but also the synthetic polyester poly(butylene adipate-
co
-butylene terephthalate), which is a common material employed in biodegradable plastics. The widespread use of such synthetic polyesters in industry and society requires the development of new sustainable technological solutions for their recycling. The discovered enzymes have the potential to be used as catalysts for selective recovery of valuable building blocks from this material.
Distribution and Differential Survival of Traditional and Alternative Indicators of Fecal Pollution at Freshwater Beaches
Authors: Cloutier Danielle D. , McLellan Sandra L. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Alternative indicators have been developed that can be used to identify host sources of fecal pollution, yet little is known about how their distribution and fate compare to traditional indicators.
Escherichia coli
and enterococci were widely distributed at the six beaches studied and were detected in almost 95% of water samples (
n
= 422) and 100% of sand samples (
n
= 400). Berm sand contained the largest amount of
E. coli
(
P
< 0.01), whereas levels of enterococci were highest in the backshore (
P
< 0.01).
E. coli
and enterococci were the lowest in water, using a weight-to-volume comparison. The gull-associated
Catellicoccus marimammalium
(Gull2) marker was found in over 80% of water samples, regardless of
E. coli
levels, and in 25% of sand samples. Human-associated
Bacteroides
(HB) and
Lachnospiraceae
(Lachno2) were detected in only 2.4% of water samples collected under baseflow and post-rain conditions but produced a robust signal after a combined sewage overflow, despite low
E. coli
concentrations. Burdens of
E. coli
and enterococci in water and sand were disproportionately high in relation to alternative indicators when comparing environmental samples to source material. In microcosm studies, Gull2, HB, and Lachno2 quantitative PCR (qPCR) signals were reduced twice as quickly as those from
E. coli
and enterococci and approximately 20% faster than signals from culturable
E. coli
. High concentrations of alternative indicators in source material illustrated their high sensitivity for the identification of fecal sources; however, differential survival and the potential for long-term persistence of traditional fecal indicators complicate the use of alternative indicator data to account for the levels of
E. coli
and enterococci in environmental samples.

IMPORTANCE
E. coli
and enterococci are general indicators of fecal pollution and may persist in beach sand, making their use problematic for many applications. This study demonstrates that gull fecal pollution is widespread at Great Lakes beaches, whereas human and ruminant contamination is evident only after major rain events. An exploration of sand as a reservoir for indicators found that
E. coli
was ubiquitous, while gull host markers were detected in only 25% of samples.
In situ
sand beach microcosms provided decay rate constants for
E. coli
and enterococci relative to alternative indicators, which establish comparative benchmarks that would be helpful to distinguish recent from past pollution. Overall, alternative indicators are useful for identifying sources and assessing potentially high health risk contamination events; however, beach managers should be cautious in attempting to directly link their detection to the levels of
E. coli
or enterococci.
Relationships and Evolution of Double-Stranded RNA Totiviruses of Yeasts Inferred from Analysis of L-A-2 and L-BC Variants in Wine Yeast Strain Populations
Authors: Rodríguez-Cousiño Nieves , Esteban Rosa 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
killer strains secrete a protein toxin active on nonkiller strains of the same (or other) yeast species. Different killer toxins, K1, K2, K28, and Klus, have been described. Each toxin is encoded by a medium-size (1.5- to 2.3-kb) M double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) located in the cytoplasm. M dsRNAs require L-A helper virus for maintenance. L-A belongs to the
Totiviridae
family, and its dsRNA genome of 4.6 kb codes for the major capsid protein Gag and a minor Gag-Pol protein, which form the virions that separately encapsidate L-A or the M satellites. Different L-A variants exist in nature; on average, 24% of their nucleotides are different. Previously, we reported that L-A-lus was specifically associated with Mlus, suggesting coevolution, and proposed a role of the toxin-encoding M dsRNAs in the appearance of new L-A variants. Here we confirm this by analyzing the helper virus in K2 killer wine strains, which we named L-A-2. L-A-2 is required for M2 maintenance, and neither L-A nor L-A-lus shows helper activity for M2 in the same genetic background. This requirement is overcome when coat proteins are provided in large amounts by a vector or in
ski
mutants. The genome of another totivirus, L-BC, frequently accompanying L-A in the same cells shows a lower degree of variation than does L-A (about 10% of nucleotides are different). Although L-BC has no helper activity for M dsRNAs, distinct L-BC variants are associated with a particular killer strain. The so-called L-BC-lus (in Klus strains) and L-BC-2 (in K2 strains) are analyzed.

IMPORTANCE
Killer strains of
S. cerevisiae
secrete protein toxins that kill nonkiller yeasts. The “killer phenomenon” depends on two dsRNA viruses: L-A and M. M encodes the toxin, and L-A, the helper virus, provides the capsids for both viruses. Different killer toxins exist: K1, K2, K28, and Klus, encoded on different M viruses. Our data indicate that each M dsRNA depends on a specific helper virus; these helper viruses have nucleotide sequences that may be as much as 26% different, suggesting coevolution. In wine environments, K2 and Klus strains frequently coexist. We have previously characterized the association of Mlus and L-A-lus. Here we sequence and characterize L-A-2, the helper virus of M2, establishing the helper virus requirements of M2, which had not been completely elucidated. We also report the existence of two specific L-BC totiviruses in Klus and K2 strains with about 10% of their nucleotides different, suggesting different evolutionary histories from those of L-A viruses.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Fabibacter
sp. Strains Isolated from Coastal Surface Water of Aburatsubo Inlet, Japan
Authors: Kaneko Ryo , Wong Shu-Kuan , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Yoshizawa Susumu , Hamasaki Koji 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Fabibacter
sp. strain 4D4 and
F. misakiensis
strain SK-8
T
, isolated from surface seawater of a semienclosed inlet.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Historical Listeria monocytogenes Strains from Human Listeriosis Cases in 1933
Authors: Dutta Vikrant , Lee Sangmi , Ward Todd J. , Orwig Nathane , Altermann Eric , Jima Dereje , Parsons Cameron , Kathariou Sophia 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequences of two
Listeria monocytogenes
strains from some of the earliest reported cases of human listeriosis in North America. The strains were isolated in 1933 from patients in Massachusetts and Connecticut, USA, and belong to the widely disseminated hypervirulent clonal complex 1 (CC1) and CC2.
Tidal rhythmites in the southern Bouse Formation as evidence for post-Miocene uplift of the lower Colorado River corridor
Authors: O’Connell Brennan , Dorsey Rebecca J. , Humphreys Eugene D. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Uncertainty over depositional paleoenvironments of the upper Miocene to lower Pliocene Bouse Formation obscures our understanding of the timing and magnitude of regional uplift as well as the conditions and processes that were active during integration and early evolution of the Colorado River (western United States). This paper presents new sedimentologic and quantitative evidence for a strong tidal influence on deposition of the basal carbonate member of the southern Bouse Formation. Lithofacies with tidal sedimentary structures include lime mudstone with reed and grass imprints; heterolithic facies with horizontal, flaser, wavy, and lenticular bedding; and cross-bedded grainstone with sigmoidal bundles, reactivation surfaces, and complex bedding. Systematic alternation of relatively thick and thin layers records a predominantly semidiurnal mixed-tidal depositional environment, and Fourier analysis highlights the cyclic, non-random nature of layer-thickness trends. These observations provide evidence that the southern Bouse Formation accumulated in a pre–Colorado River tide-dominated marine setting at the north end of the Gulf of California. Deposition at sea level requires ∼330 m of uplift in the lower Colorado River and western Colorado Plateau region during the past ∼5.0 m.y.
Mixed ethnicity and behavioural problems in the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Zilanawala Afshin , Sacker Amanda , Kelly Yvonne 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe population of mixed ethnicity individuals in the UK is growing. Despite this demographic trend, little is known about mixed ethnicity children and their problem behaviours. We examine trajectories of behavioural problems among non-mixed and mixed ethnicity children from early to middle childhood using nationally representative cohort data in the UK.MethodsData from 16 330 children from the Millennium Cohort Study with total difficulties scores were analysed. We estimated trajectories of behavioural problems by mixed ethnicity using growth curve models.ResultsWhite mixed (mean total difficulties score: 8.3), Indian mixed (7.7), Pakistani mixed (8.9) and Bangladeshi mixed (7.2) children had fewer problem behaviours than their non-mixed counterparts at age 3 (9.4, 10.1, 13.1 and 11.9, respectively). White mixed, Pakistani mixed and Bangladeshi mixed children had growth trajectories in problem behaviours significantly different from that of their non-mixed counterparts.ConclusionsUsing a detailed mixed ethnic classification revealed diverging trajectories between some non-mixed and mixed children across the early life course. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms, which may influence increasing behavioural problems in mixed ethnicity children.
Training paediatric healthcare staff in recognising, understanding and managing conflict with patients and families: findings from a survey on immediate and 6-month impact
Authors: Forbat Liz , Simons Jean , Sayer Charlotte , Davies Megan , Barclay Sarah 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundConflict is a recognised component of healthcare. Disagreements about treatment protocols, treatment aims and poor communication are recognised warning signs. Conflict management strategies can be used to prevent escalation, but are not a routine component of clinical training.ObjectiveTo report the findings from a novel training intervention, aimed at enabling paediatric staff to identify and understand the warning signs of conflict, and to implement conflict resolution strategies.Design and settingSelf-report measures were taken at baseline, immediately after the training and at 6 months. Questionnaires recorded quantitative and qualitative feedback on the experience of training, and the ability to recognise and de-escalate conflict. The training was provided in a tertiary teaching paediatric hospital in England over 18 months, commencing in June 2013.InterventionA 4-h training course on identifying, understanding and managing conflict was provided to staff.ResultsBaseline data were collected from all 711 staff trained, and 6-month follow-up data were collected for 313 of those staff (44%). The training was successful in equipping staff to recognise and de-escalate conflict. Six months after the training, 57% of respondents had experienced conflict, of whom 91% reported that the training had enabled them to de-escalate the conflict. Learning was retained at 6 months with staff more able than at baseline recognising conflict triggers (Fischer's exact test, p=0.001) and managing conflict situations (Pearson's χ2test, p=0.001).ConclusionsThis training has the potential to reduce substantially the human and economic costs of conflicts for healthcare providers, healthcare staff, patients and relatives.
Epidemiology of 3825 injuries sustained in six seasons of National Collegiate Athletic Association men's and women's soccer (2009/2010–2014/2015)
Authors: Roos Karen G , Wasserman Erin B , Dalton Sara L , Gray Aaron , Djoko Aristarque , Dompier Thomas P , Kerr Zachary Y 
Published: December 2016

AimTo describe the epidemiology of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's and women's soccer injuries during the 2009/2010–2014/2015 academic years.MethodsThis descriptive epidemiology study used NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP) data during the 2009/2010–2014/2015 academic years, from 44 men's and 64 women's soccer programmes (104 and 167 team seasons of data, respectively). Non-time-loss injuries were defined as resulting in <24 h lost from sport. Injury counts, percentages and rates were calculated. Injury rate ratios (RRs) and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) with 95% CIs compared rates and distributions by sex.ResultsThere were 1554 men's soccer and 2271 women's soccer injuries with injury rates of 8.07/1000 athlete exposures (AE) and 8.44/1000AE, respectively. Injury rates for men and women did not differ in competitions (17.53 vs 17.04/1000AE; RR=1.03; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.13) or practices (5.47 vs 5.69/1000AE; RR=0.96; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.05). In total, 47.2% (n=733) of men's soccer injuries and 47.5% (n=1079) of women's were non-time loss. Most injuries occurred to the lower extremity and were diagnosed as sprains. Women had higher concussion rates (0.59 vs 0.34/1000AE; RR=1.76; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.35) than men.ConclusionsNon-time-loss injuries accounted for nearly half of the injuries in men's and women's soccer. Sex differences were found in competition injuries, specifically for concussion. Further study into the incidence, treatment and outcome of non-time-loss injuries may identify a more accurate burden of these injuries.
Multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial of oral anticoagulation with apixaban in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: the SPHInX study protocol
Authors: Calderone Alicia , Stevens Wendy , Prior David , Nandurkar Harshal , Gabbay Eli , Proudman Susanna M , Williams Trevor , Celermajer David , Sahhar Joanne , Wong Peter K K , Thakkar Vivek , Dwyer Nathan , Wrobel Jeremy , Chin Weng , Liew Danny , Staples Margaret , Buchbinder Rachelle , Nikpour Mandana 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe and costly multiorgan autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. One of the major causes of SSc-related death is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which develops in 12–15% of patients with SSc and accounts for 30–40% of deaths. In situ thrombosis in the small calibre peripheral pulmonary vessels resulting from endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance of anticoagulant and prothrombotic mediators has been implicated in the complex pathophysiology of SSc-related PAH (SSc-PAH), with international clinical guidelines recommending the use of anticoagulants for some types of PAH, such as idiopathic PAH. However, anticoagulation has not become part of standard clinical care for patients with SSc-PAH as only observational evidence exists to support its use. Therefore, we present the rationale and methodology of a phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation in SSc-PAH.Methods and analysisThis Australian multicentre RCT will compare 2.5 mg apixaban with placebo, in parallel treatment groups randomised in a 1:1 ratio, both administered twice daily for 3 years as adjunct therapy to stable oral PAH therapy. The composite primary outcome measure will be the time to death or clinical worsening of PAH. Secondary outcomes will include functional capacity, health-related quality of life measures and adverse events. A cost-effectiveness analysis of anticoagulation versus placebo will also be undertaken.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this RCT has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committees of all participating centres. An independent data safety monitoring board will review safety and tolerability data for the duration of the trial. The findings of this RCT are to be published in open access journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12614000418673, Pre-results.