bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Should First-line Empiric Treatment Strategies for Neonates Cover Coagulase-negative Staphylococcal Infections in Kenya?
Authors: Seale Anna C. , Obiero Christina W. , Jones Kelsey D. , Barsosio Hellen C. , Thitiri Johnstone , Ngari Moses , Morpeth Susan , Mohammed Shebe , Fegan Gregory , Mturi Neema , Berkley James A. 
Published: July 2017

Background:
Neonatal mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa, and a third of deaths are estimated to result from infection. While coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are leading neonatal pathogens in resource-rich settings, their role, and the need for early anti-Staphylococcal treatment in empiric antibiotic guidelines, is unknown in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:
We examined systematic clinical and microbiologic surveillance data from all neonatal admissions to Kilifi County Hospital (1998–2013) to determine associated case fatality and/or prolonged duration of admission associated with CoNS in neonates treated according to standard World Health Organization guidelines.

Results:
CoNS was isolated from blood culture in 995 of 9552 (10%) neonates. Case fatality among neonates with CoNS isolated from blood did not differ from other neonatal admissions (P = 0.2), and duration of admission was not prolonged [odds ratio (OR) = 0.9 (0.7–1.0), P = 0.040]. Neonates with CoNS were more likely to have convulsions [OR = 1.4 (1.0–1.8), P = 0.031] but less likely to have impaired consciousness or severe indrawing [OR = 0.8 (0.7–0.9), P = 0.025; OR = 0.9 (0.7–1.0), P = 0.065].

Conclusions:
CoNS isolation in blood cultures at admission was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in neonates treated according to standard World Health Organization guidelines for hospital care in this setting. There is no evidence that first-line antimicrobial treatment guidelines should be altered to increase cover for CoNS infections in neonates in this setting.
Peripheral oxytocin receptors inhibit the nociceptive input signal to spinal dorsal horn wide-dynamic-range neurons
Authors: González-Hernández Abimael , Manzano-García Alfredo , Martínez-Lorenzana Guadalupe , Tello-García Irma A. , Carranza Martha , Arámburo Carlos , Condés-Lara Miguel 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) has emerged as a mediator of endogenous analgesia in behavioral and electrophysiological experiments. In fact, OT receptors (OTRs) in the spinal dorsal horn participate in a selective inhibition of the neuronal activity mediated by Aδ and C fibers but not Aβ fibers. This study shows that OTRs are expressed in the terminal nerve endings and are able to inhibit nociceptive neuronal firing. Indeed, local peripheral OT blocked the first sensorial activity of Aδ and C fibers recorded in the spinal cord neurons. Furthermore, using the formalin behavioral nociceptive test, we demonstrated that only ipsilateral OTR activation inhibits pain behavior. Our data are reinforced by the fact that the OTR protein is expressed in the sciatic nerve. Consistent with this, immunofluorescence of primary afferent fibers suggest that OTRs could be located in nociceptive-specific terminals of the skin. Taken together, our results suggest that OTRs could be found in nociceptive terminals and that on activation they are able to inhibit nociceptive input.
CRP/Albumin Ratio
Authors: Gibson David J. , Hartery Karen , Doherty Jayne , Nolan Jack , Keegan Denise , Byrne Kathryn , Martin Sean T. , Buckley Maire , Sheridan Juliette , Horgan Gareth , Mulcahy Hugh E. , Cullen Garret , Doherty Glen A. 
Published: July 2017

Introduction:
Identifying hospitalized patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) who will be refractory to corticosteroid therapy and require rescue therapy remains difficult. Hypoalbuminemia worsens with time during hospitalization and is associated with rapid clearance of and reduced response to infliximab (IFX) rescue. Early use of rescue therapy may therefore be more effective. Simple clinical and laboratory predictors of corticosteroid responsiveness would facilitate earlier use of rescue therapy.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of 3600 patients attending a single center was conducted. Patients with histologically confirmed ulcerative colitis admitted with ASUC over a 5-year period from January 2010 to December 2014 were identified. All patients initially received intravenous corticosteroids. Patient demographics were collected; C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels were recorded at baseline and during admission. Receiver operating characteristic statistics were used to determine the optimal stool frequency, CRP, albumin, and CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) to predict steroid response.

Results:
A total of 124 ASUC patients were admitted during a 5-year period. Median follow-up was 2.3 years. A total of 62 patients (50%) were steroid responsive, 55 patients (44%) received rescue IFX, 22 patients (18%) required colectomy within 30 days of admission, whereas a further 14 (11%) required colectomy during follow-up. By receiver operating characteristic statistics, day 3 CAR was a more accurate marker of steroid responsiveness than day 3 CRP or day 3 albumin alone [area under curve=0.75 (P<0.001)]. The optimal CAR to predict response to steroids on day 3 was 0.85 (sensitivity 70%, specificity 76%). When combined with D3 stool frequency, specificity improved to 83%. If at day 3, CAR was >0.85 and stool frequency was >3, the relative risk of steroid nonresponse was significantly raised at 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.1-7.2).

Conclusions:
Raised D3 CAR is an early predictor of steroid-refractory ASUC. When combined with D3 stool frequency, its predictive ability improves. In patients with predicted steroid nonresponse, early introduction of rescue IFX at this stage may be more effective, before serum albumin falls profoundly.
A nutritional approach for managing irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Bhesania Natalie , Cresci Gail A.M. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) encountered by the pediatrician and consultant. The primary focus of this review is to provide an update on beneficial nutritional interventions for managing this patient population with discussion on gut microbiome effects.

Recent findings
A common complaint among the pediatric population is IBS-related recurrent abdominal pain. The prevalence of IBS is estimated to range between 6 and 14% and is defined by the Rome III criteria for FGIDs. Recent studies highlight the role of nutritional interventions in mitigating symptoms of IBS. Although eliminating foods that aggravate IBS gastrointestinal symptoms have become a main nutritional approach for acute management of IBS, recent literature reflects how this may impact the gut microbiome and potentially have long-term implications.

Summary
There are emerging studies suggesting IBS symptomatic improvement with different dietary interventions in the pediatric population, but most of what is known at this time has been extrapolated from the adult literature.
Identifying Risk for Acute Kidney Injury in Infants and Children Following Cardiac Arrest*
Authors: Neumayr Tara M. , Gill Jeff , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Gazit Avihu Z. , Pineda Jose A. , Berg Robert A. , Dean J. Michael , Moler Frank W. , Doctor Allan 
Published: July 2017

Objectives:
Our goal was to identify risk factors for acute kidney injury in children surviving cardiac arrest.

Design:
Retrospective analysis of a public access dataset.

Setting:
Fifteen children’s hospitals associated with the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network.

Patients:
Two hundred ninety-six subjects between 1 day and 18 years old who experienced in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between July 1, 2003, and December 31, 2004.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Our primary outcome was development of acute kidney injury as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. An ordinal probit model was developed. We found six critical explanatory variables, including total number of epinephrine doses, postcardiac arrest blood pressure, arrest location, presence of a chronic lung condition, pH, and presence of an abnormal baseline creatinine. Total number of epinephrine doses received as well as rate of epinephrine dosing impacted acute kidney injury risk and severity of acute kidney injury.

Conclusions:
This study is the first to identify risk factors for acute kidney injury in children after cardiac arrest. Our findings regarding the impact of epinephrine dosing are of particular interest and suggest potential for epinephrine toxicity with regard to acute kidney injury. The ability to identify and potentially modify risk factors for acute kidney injury after cardiac arrest may lead to improved morbidity and mortality in this population.
An Interprofessional Quality Improvement Initiative to Standardize Pediatric Extubation Readiness Assessment
Authors: Abu-Sultaneh Samer , Hole Acrista J. , Tori Alvaro J. , Benneyworth Brian D. , Lutfi Riad , Mastropietro Christopher W. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives:
Establishing protocols to wean mechanical ventilation and assess readiness for extubation, with the goal of minimizing morbidity associated with extubation failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation, have become increasingly important in contemporary PICUs. The aim of this quality improvement initiative is to establish a respiratory therapist–led daily spontaneous breathing trial protocol to standardize extubation readiness assessment and documentation in our PICU.

Design:
A quality improvement project.

Setting:
Single center, tertiary care Children’s Hospital PICU.

Patients:
All intubated patients admitted to PICU requiring conventional mechanical ventilation between February 2013 and January 2016.

Interventions:
A working group of pediatric intensivists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and information technology specialists established the protocol, standardized documentation via the electronic medical record, and planned education. Daily spontaneous breathing trial protocol implementation began in February 2015. All patients on mechanical ventilation were screened daily at approximately 4 am by a respiratory therapist to determine daily spontaneous breathing trial eligibility. If all screening criteria were met, patients were placed on continuous positive airway pressure of 5 cm H2O with pressure support of 8 cm H2O for up to 2 hours. If tolerated, patients would be extubated to supplemental oxygen delivered via nasal cannula in the morning, after intensivist approval. Daily audits were done to assess screening compliance and accuracy of documentation.

Measurements and Main Results:
We analyzed data from 398 mechanically ventilated patients during daily spontaneous breathing trial period (February 2015–January 2016), compared with 833 patients from the pre–daily spontaneous breathing trial period (February 2013–January 2015). During the daily spontaneous breathing trial period, daily screening occurred in 92% of patients. Extubation failure decreased from 7.8% in the pre–daily spontaneous breathing trial period to 4.5% in daily spontaneous breathing trial period. The use of high-flow nasal cannula slightly increased during the project, while there was no change in duration of mechanical ventilation or the use of noninvasive ventilation.

Conclusions:
An interprofessionally developed respiratory therapist–led extubation readiness protocol can be successfully implemented in a busy tertiary care PICU without adverse events.
Integrative meta-analysis reveals that most yeast proteins are very stable
Authors: Wiechecki Keira , Manohar Sandhya , Silva Gustavo , Tchourine Konstantine , Jacob Samson , Valleriani Angelo , Vogel Christine 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMeasurements for protein half-lives in yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaereported large discrepancies, with median values between minutes to several hours. We present a unifying analysis that provides a consistent half-life estimate, based on our re-analysis of three published and one new dataset of cells grown under similar conditions. We found that degradation of many proteins can be approximated by exponential decay. Protein disappearance was primarily driven by dilution due to cell division, with cell doubling times ranging from ∼2 to 3.5 hours across the four experiments. After adjusting for doubling time, protein half-lives increased to median values between ∼7.5 to ∼40 hours. Half-lives correlated with cell doubling time even after adjustment, implying that slow growth also slows protein degradation. All estimates were validated by multiple means and were robust to different analysis methods. Overall, protein stability correlated with abundance and showed weak enrichment for degradation signals such as degrons and disordered regions. Long-lived proteins often functioned in oxidation-reduction and amino acid synthesis. Short-lived proteins often functioned in ribosome biogenesis. Despite some overall differences in behavior, all methods were able to resolve subtle difference in half-lives of ribosomal proteins, e.g. the short lifespan of RPL10. Finally, our results help the design of future experiments: time series measurements need to cover at least two to three cell doubling times for accurate estimates, exponential decay provides a reasonable proxy for protein stability, and it can be sufficiently estimated with four measurement points.
HTSSIP: an R package for analysis of high throughput sequencing data from nucleic acid stable isotope probing (SIP) experiments
Authors: Youngblut Nicholas D. , Barnett Samuel E. , Buckley Daniel H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCombining high throughput sequencing with stable isotope probing (HTS-SIP) is a powerful method for mappingin situmetabolic processes to thousands of microbial taxa. However, accurately mapping metabolic processes to taxa is complex and challenging. Multiple HTS-SIP data analysis methods have been developed, including high-resolution stable isotope probing (HR-SIP), multi-window high-resolution stable isotope probing (MW-HR-SIP), quantitative stable isotope probing (q-SIP), and ΔBD. Currently, the computational tools to perform these analyses are either not publicly available or lack documentation, testing, and developer support. To address this shortfall, we have developed theHTSSIPR package, a toolset for conducting HTS-SIP analyses in a straightforward and easily reproducible manner. TheHTSSIPpackage, along with full documentation and examples, is available from CRAN athttps://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/HTSSIP/index.htmland Github athttps://github.com/nick-youngblut/HTSSIP.
A genetic-based algorithm for recovery: A pilot study
Authors: Pickering Craig , Kiely John , Suraci Bruce , Quigley Charlie , Watson Jake 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExercise training creates a number of physical challenges to the body, the overcoming of which drives exercise adaptation. The balance between sufficient stress and recovery is a crucial, but often under-explored, area within exercise training. Genetic variation can also predispose some individuals to a greater need for recovery after exercise. In this pilot study, 18 male soccer players underwent a repeated sprint training session. Countermovement jump (CMJ) heights were recorded immediately pre-and post-training, and at 24-and 48-hours post-training. The reduction in CMJ height was greatest at all post-training time points in subjects with a larger number of gene variants associated with a reduced exercise recovery. This suggests that knowledge of genetic information can be important in individualizing recovery timings and modalities in athletes following training.
An efficient reformulation of a multiscale method for the eddy current problem
Authors: Schöbinger Markus , Hollaus Karl , Schöberl Joachim 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to improve the efficiency of a numerical method to treat the eddy current problem on a laminated material, where using a mesh that resolves each individual laminate would be too computationally expensive.

Design/methodology/approach
The domain is modeled using a coarse mesh that treats the laminated material as a bulk with averaged properties. The fine-structured behavior is recovered by introducing micro-shape functions in the ansatz space. One such method is analyzed to find further model restrictions.

Findings
By using a special reformulation, it is possible to eliminate the additional degrees of freedom introduced by the multiscale ansatz at the cost of an additional modeling error that decreases with the laminate thickness.

Originality/value
The paper gives a computationally more efficient approximate variant to a known multiscale method.
Optimal design of angular position sensors
Authors: Zangl Hubert , Faller Lisa-Marie , Granig Wolfgang 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the optimal placement and/or orientation of individual sensor elements within integrated angular position sensors, in particular magnetic sensors based on the Hall effect or magnetoresistive effects under consideration of random deviations (variations in the production process, environmental influences, noise) and correlations of these influences.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors utilize methods from optimal design of experiments to consider random deviations in a system-level model. In this sensor model, they include spatial dependencies of random deviations by means of a Gaussian random field. Based on this, an approach for fast determination of D-optimal designs is presented.

Findings
The results show that the intuitive and commonly used distributions of magnetic field sensors are actually optimal for the determination of in-phase and quadrature signals in the presence of spatial correlations, provided that the number of field sensors is higher or equal to three. However, in the uncorrelated case, the intuitive solutions are not the only optimal solutions or even not optimal at all. It is found that a restriction to symmetric designs is not necessary; thus, the design space can be extended to allow for further improvements, e.g. miniaturization, of such angular position sensors.

Originality/value
The proposed approach allows for the fast optimization based on a system model. Correlated random influences are considered by means of a Gaussian random field, which can be obtained either from measurements or from field simulations, e.g. using the finite element method. As this is done before the actual simulation, such evaluations are not needed during the optimization, which allows for very fast solution of the optimization problem. Therefore, the approach is well suited for application-dependent adjustment of sensor designs.
The creation of national intellectual capital from the perspective of Hofstede’s national culture
Authors: Lee I-Chen , Lin Carol Y.Y. , Lin Te-Yi 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the difference of national intellectual capital from the perspective of national culture and to illustrate how national leaders or policy-makers increase their country’s national intellectual capital.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts a descriptive analysis combining the research outcome of Lin and Edvinsson’s (2011) national intellectual capital with Hofstede’s (2001) national culture. The research findings and results of these two studies were compared before running at-test to determine whether countries with relatively high national intellectual capital have a higher level of certain national culture.FindingsBased on the matching data of 26 countries, the study proposed that countries with certain national culture possess lower intellectual capital. Countries with high intellectual capital tend to exhibit a common culture of low power distance, weak uncertainty avoidance, and individualism.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that for a country to enhance its overall intellectual capital, it should strive for a culture of equality, freedom and safety, and an active competitive environment, while avoiding social class distance in order to eliminate insecurity. The study proposes some suggestions to advance the countries’ national intellectual capital. In addition to admit the weakness of their intellectual capital due to cultural reasons, these countries could go a step further to increase their own national intellectual capital by increasing or enhancing certain national cultures if possible.Originality/valueThe study compares national intellectual capital and national culture and finds the relationship between these two sets of constructs. This study proves that national culture not only influences the strategies or behaviors of business level but also the competitiveness of national levels.
Omani tourism and hospitality students’ employment intentions and job preferences
Authors: Atef Tamer , Al Balushi Masooma 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to assess receptiveness for Tourism and Hospitality as a career path among students in the Tourism Department of Sultan Qaboos University (College of Arts and Social Sciences), located in the Sultanate of Oman. The following objectives were identified to achieve this aim: assess respondents’ perceptions of tourism and hospitality employment; respondents’ tourism and hospitality employment commitment factors; and respondents’ perceptions of tourism and hospitality jobs.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data and measure respondents’ perceptions of the subject under investigation. Survey questions were developed from the literature reviewed which provided the framework for the questionnaire. The questionnaire comprises four different question categories: general information; students’ general perception of tourism and hospitality employment; and tourism and hospitality employment commitment factors; students’ perceptions of tourism and hospitality jobs. Data were tested for normality of distribution; then, means were used for data description and ranking; thereafter, the independent-samplest-test and analysis of variance were conducted to test for significance between groups of respondents; the level of significance used wasp≤ 0.05.FindingsThe paper revealed that nearly 41 per cent of the students will continue working in tourism and hospitality for some time. For them, working in the industry is a step on the way, but is not a career path. Only 21.6 per cent are willing to consider tourism and hospitality as their long-term chosen career path. Tourism and hospitality students’ perceptions of the industry tend to be negatively affected as they progress in their study plan. Commitment to employment in Tourism and Hospitality is shaped by four major interrelated factor categories: industry, personality, education and society. The Omani tourism and hospitality industry was not able to project an image that could generate interest among Omanis. Consequently, very few graduates join the Tourism and Hospitality job market, leading to shortages in Omani workers in the industry. The major drawback of such trend is the inability to achieve the Omanization planned figures.Originality/valueThe findings are intended to assist tourism and hospitality educators, employers and policymakers better understand students’ future employment intentions.