bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative: Strengthening National Capacities for All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Morton Hamer Melinda J. , Reed Paul L. , Greulich Jane D. , Kelen Gabor D. , Bradstreet Nicole A. , Beadling Charles W. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe Ebola outbreak demonstrated the need for improved disaster response throughout West Africa. The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative was a training and assessment effort led by US Africa Command and partners to strengthen capacities among 12 West African partner nations (PNs).MethodsSeries of 3-week training sessions with representatives from each PN were held from 13 July through 20 November 2015 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana. A team conducted Disaster Management Capabilities Assessments (DMCAs) for each PN, including a review of key data, a survey for leaders, and in-person interviews of key informants.ResultsAll 12 PNs generated a national Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and Emergency Operations Center standard operating procedures. DMCA metrics were generated for each PN. Top performers included Ghana, with a plan rated good/excellent, and Benin and Burkina Faso, which both achieved a satisfactory rating for their plans. More than 800 people from 12 nations were trained.ConclusionPNs have improved disaster management capabilities and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The Economic Community of West African States has increased its lead role in this and future planned initiatives. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:431–438)
Acceptability and Necessity of Training for Optimal Personal Protective Equipment Use
Authors: Doll Michelle , Feldman Moshe , Hartigan Sarah , Sanogo Kakotan , Stevens Michael , McReynolds Myriah , Masroor Nadia , Cooper Kaila , Bearman Gonzalo 
Published: November 2016

Healthcare workers routinely self-contaminate even when using personal protective equipment. Observations of donning/ doffing practices on inpatient units along with surveys were used to assess the need for a personal protective equipment training program. In contrast to low perceived risk, observed doffing behaviors demonstrate significant personal protective equipment technique deficits.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:226–229
Impact and Limitations of the 2015 National Health and Safety Network Case Definition on Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rates
Authors: Bardossy Ana Cecilia , Jayaprakash Rachna , Alangaden Anjali C. , Starr Patricia , Abreu-Lanfranco Odaliz , Reyes Katherine , Zervos Marcus J. , Alangaden George J. 
Published: November 2016

Application of the new 2015 NHSN definition of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in intensive care units reduced CAUTI rates by ~50%, primarily due to exclusion of candiduria. This significant reduction in CAUTI rates resulting from the changes in the definition must be considered when evaluating effectiveness of CAUTI prevention programs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:239–241
The influence of feeding a high calcium, algae supplement on gastric ulceration in adult horses
Authors: Moir T. , O'Brien J. , Hill S. R. , Waldron L. A 
Published: November 2016

SummaryCalcium is considered important in buffering excess stomach acid in mammals, including horses. Control of stomach acid is important in preventing the development of ulcers within the stomach lining, which, in horses, are considered to be caused by acid splashing. Algae supplements contain various minerals which are in natural form, as seen in all plant and feedstuffs. The current trial was conducted to examine if a high calcium algae supplement had any impact on gastric ulceration in horses, which may be due to buffering stomach acid, reducing the pH in a gradual manner, without resorting to medication. Ten horses, of either thoroughbred, standardbred or sport horse breed, were selected on the basis of the presence of ulcers in their stomach, as ascertained by endoscopy. The average ulceration score before algae supplementation was 2.2 ± 0.75 according to the EGUC scoring system. The horses were then maintained on their normal diet (unchanged from the initial ulcer scoring) by the owner with the addition of 40 g per day of the high calcium, algae based Maxia Complete®(Seahorse Supplements Ltd, Christchurch, NZ) for thirty days (T30). All horses were then re endoscoped to assess any change in ulceration score. All horses showed a significant improvement in ulcer score, with seven having a score of zero (fully healed, no evidence of further ulceration) and two with a score of one (some residual inflammation or keratinosis in areas of healed ulcers). This resulted in a mean score of 0.3 ± 0.48 (P < 0.0001: T0 versus T30) at the end of the study. This trial demonstrated that feeding an organic form of high calcium from algae reduced ulceration in horses.
On the behaviour of impinging zero-net-mass-flux jets
Authors: Greco Carlo Salvatore , Cardone Gennaro , Soria Julio 
Published: November 2016

This paper reports on an experimental study of the influence of the Strouhal number (0.011, 0.022 and 0.044) and orifice-to-plate distances (2, 4 and 6 orifice diameters) on the flow field of an impinging zero-net-mass-flux jet at a Reynolds number equal to 35 000. These jets are generated by a reciprocating piston that oscillates in a cavity behind a circular orifice. Instantaneous two-dimensional in-plane velocity fields are measured in a plane containing the orifice axis using multigrid/multipass cross-correlation digital particle image velocimetry. These measurements have been used to investigate the mean flow quantities and turbulent statistics of the impinging zero-net-mass-flux jets. In addition, the vortex ring behaviour is analysed via its trajectory and azimuthal vorticity as well as the saddle point excursion, the flow rate and entrainment. The behaviour of all these quantities depends on the Strouhal number and the orifice-to-plate distance because the former governs the presence and the relative importance of the vortex ring and the trailing jet on the flow field and the latter delimits the downstream evolution of these structures.
Phylogenetic variation in hind-limb bone scaling of flightless theropods
Authors: Chan Nicholas R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe robusticity of the weight-bearing limbs of large terrestrial animals is expected to increase at a more rapid rate than in their smaller relatives. This scaling has been hypothesized to allow large species to maintain stresses in the limb bones that are similar to those seen in smaller ones. Curvilinear scaling has previously been found in mammals and nonavian theropods but has not been demonstrated in birds. In this study, polynomial regressions of leg-bone length and circumference in terrestrial flightless birds were carried out to test for a relationship similar to that seen in nonavian theropods. Flightless birds exhibit curvilinear scaling, with the femora of large taxa becoming thicker relative to length at a greater rate than in smaller taxa. Evidence was found for nonlinear scaling in the leg bones of nonavian theropods. However, unlike in avians, there is also phylogenetic variation between taxonomic groups, with tyrannosaur leg bones in particular scaling differently than other groups. Phylogenetically corrected quadratic regressions and separate analyses of taxonomic groupings found little phylogenetic variation in flightless birds. It is suggested here that the nonlinear scaling seen in avian femora is due to the need to maintain the position of the knee under a more anterior center of mass, thereby restricting femoral length. The femur of nonavian theropods is not so constrained, with greater variability of the linear scaling relationships between clades. Phylogenetic variation in limb-bone scaling may broaden the errors for mass-predictive scaling equations based on limb-bone measurements of nonavian theropods.
A Bayesian quantile binary regression approach to estimate payments for environmental services
Authors: Lavín Felipe Vásquez , Flores Ricardo , Ibarnegaray Verónica 
Published: November 2016

AbstractStated preference approaches, such as contingent valuation, focus mainly on the estimation of the mean or median willingness to pay (WTP) for an environmental good. Nevertheless, these two welfare measures may not be appropriate when there are social and political concerns associated with implementing a payment for environmental services (PES) scheme. In this paper the authors used a Bayesian estimation approach to estimate a quantile binary regression and the WTP distribution in the context of a contingent valuation PES application. Our results show that the use of other quantiles framed in the supermajority concept provides a reasonable interpretation of the technical nonmarket valuation studies in the PES area. We found that the values of the mean WTP are 10–37 times higher than the value that would support a supermajority of 70 per cent of the population.
Association between junk food consumption and fast-food outlet access near school among Quebec secondary-school children: findings from the Quebec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS) 2010–11
Authors: Cutumisu Nicoleta , Traoré Issouf , Paquette Marie-Claude , Cazale Linda , Camirand Hélène , Lalonde Benoit , Robitaille Eric 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated the association between junk food consumption at lunchtime (JCL) and fast-food outlet access near school among secondary-school children in Quebec.DesignA geographic information system database was used to characterize the food environment around a sub-sample of 374 public schools in which 26 655 students were enrolled. The outcome variable was JCL during the previous week, dichotomized into low JCL (none or once)v. high JCL (twice or more). Access to fast-food outlets near school was assessed using an existing database of fast-food outlets in Quebec. Covariates included student (age, sex and self-rated perceived health), family (familial status and parental education) and school (urban/rural status and deprivation) variables. Hierarchical logistic regression models were employed for analyses using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS version 9.3.SettingProvince of Quebec, Canada.SubjectsWe used data from the Quebec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS) 2010–11, a survey of secondary-school Quebec students.ResultsExposure to two or more fast-food outlets within a radius of 750 m around schools was associated with a higher likelihood of excess JCL (OR=1·50; 95 % CI 1·28, 1·75), controlling for the characteristics of the students, their families and their schools.ConclusionsThe food environment surrounding schools can constitute a target for interventions to improve food choices among secondary-school children living in the province of Quebec. Transforming environments around schools to promote healthy eating includes modifying zoning regulations that restrict access to fast-food outlets around schools.
Policies for healthy and sustainable edible oil consumption: a stakeholder analysis for Thailand
Authors: Shankar Bhavani , Thaiprasert Nalitra , Gheewala Shabbir , Smith Richard 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivePalm oil is a cheap and versatile edible oil in widespread use as a food ingredient that has been linked to negative health and environmental outcomes. The current study aimed to understand the prospects for future health-focused policy development to limit food use of palm oil and promote a greater diversity of oils in Thailand’s food system.DesignEighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders. The interviews probed views on the economic, health and environmental dimensions of the issue, the prospects for health-focused policy development and the policy development process. Transcripts were analysed using a health policy analytical framework.SettingThailand.SubjectsStakeholders from a range of ministries, regulatory agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and academia.ResultsThere are several impediments to the emergence of strong regulation, including the primacy of economic considerations in setting policy, doubt and misperception about health implications and a complex regulatory environment with little space for health-related considerations. At the same time, some sections of the food industry producing food for domestic consumption are substituting palm with other oils on the basis of consumer health perceptions.ConclusionsStrong regulation to curb the growth of palm oil is unlikely to emerge soon. However, a long-term strategy can be envisaged that relies on greater policy support for other indigenous oils, strategic rebalancing towards the use of palm oil for biofuels and oleochemicals, and harnessing Thailand’s food technology capabilities to promote substitution in food production in favour of oils with healthier fatty acid composition.
Fragmentary Theory of Secularization and Religionization — Changes in the Family Structure as a Case Study
Authors: Fisher Netanel 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe central claim of this article is that the multi-dimensional changes in the modern family structure may be explained as a manifestation of the simultaneous processes of secularization and religionization. On the one hand, the rising acceptance of secular alternatives to the traditional family structure indicates that modernization processes weaken religious behavior and authority, as the classical secularization thesis has claimed. On the other hand, ongoing loyalty to the religious family patterns, and even their relative intensification, reflect the opposite trend. Serving as a case study, the changes in the Israeli religious family structure — reflected by civil marriage, cohabitation, and out-of-wedlock children — clearly illustrate how modernization generates horizontal and vertical fragmental processes in which religion and secularism supplement as well as compete with each other, creating an increasingly divided society in which religiosity and secularism flourish side by side among various groups and within distinct realms.
Validation of the Spanish Version of the School Engagement Measure (SEM)
Authors: Ramos-Díaz Estibaliz , Rodríguez-Fernández Arantzazu , Revuelta Lorena 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe scientific study of school engagement has recently been the subject of considerable interest in the field of educational psychology, and significant advances have been made in our knowledge of this construct. For instance, there is currently consensus in the scientific community that it is multifaceted, and has three dimensions: behavioral engagement, emotional engagement, and cognitive engagement. However, more advanced statistical analyses are needed to validate Spanish-language measures of school engagement, which this study proposes to do. The sample was comprised of 1,250 adolescents from Basque Country (49% boys, 51% girls) aged 12 to 15 years old (M = 13.72, SD = 1.09). The results of confirmatory factor analysis on the School Engagement Measure (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, Friedel, & Paris, 2005) supported a three-dimensional structure of school engagement (χ2(100) = 676.93, p < .001; GFI = .931; CFI = .906; IFI = .907; SRMR = .058; RMSEA = .068). Reliability indexes were satisfactory, ranging from .83 to .94. Adequate evidence of concurrent validity was found for the variable perceived school performance (p < .01). The results are discussed from an educational perspective, and with an eye to future research.
SUMO-specific protease 1 protects neurons from apoptotic death during transient brain ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Zhang Huijun , Wang Yan , Zhu Aoxue , Huang Dehua , Deng Shining , Cheng Jinke , Zhu Michael X , Li Yong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) deconjugates SUMO from modified proteins. Although post-ischemic activation of SUMO conjugation was suggested to be neuroprotective against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the function of SENP1 in this process remained unclear. Here we show that transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice followed by 6, 12 and 24 h reperfusion significantly enhanced SENP1 levels in the affected brain area, independent of transcription. Consistent with the increase in SENP1, the levels of SUMO1-conjugated proteins were decreased by I/R in cortical neurons of control littermate mice, but unchanged in that of animals with conditional ablation of SENP1 gene from adult principal neurons, the SENP1flox/flox:CamKIIα-Cre (SENP1 cKO) mice. The SENP1 cKO mice exhibited a significant increase in infarct volume in the cerebral cortex and more severe motor impairment in response to I/R as compared with the control littermates. Cortical neurons from I/R-injured SENP1 cKO mice became more apoptotic than that from control littermates, as indicated by both TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activation. Overexpression of SENP1 in somatosensory cortices of adult wild-type (WT) mice suppressed I/R-induced neuronal apoptosis. We conclude that SENP1 plays a neuroprotective role in I/R injury by inhibiting apoptosis through decreasing SUMO1 conjugation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of neuroprotection by protein desumoylation, which may help develop new therapies for mitigating brain injury associated with ischemic stroke.
Metadherin facilitates podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Liu Wen-Ting , Peng Fen-Fen , Li Hong-Yu , Chen Xiao-Wen , Gong Wang-Qiu , Chen Wen-Jing , Chen Yi-Hua , Li Pei-Lin , Li Shu-Ting , Xu Zhao-Zhong , Long Hai-Bo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractApoptosis, one of the major causes of podocyte loss, has been reported to have a vital role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis, and understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of podocyte apoptosis is crucial. Metadherin (MTDH) is an important oncogene, which is overexpressed in most cancers and responsible for apoptosis, metastasis, and poor patient survival. Here we show that the expression levels of Mtdh and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are significantly increased, whereas those of the microRNA-30 family members (miR-30s) are considerably reduced in the glomeruli of DN rat model and in high glucose (HG)-induced conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes (MPC5). These levels are positively correlated with podocyte apoptosis rate. The inhibition of Mtdh expression, using small interfering RNA, but not Mtdh overexpression, was shown to inhibit HG-induced MPC5 apoptosis and p38 MAPK pathway, and Bax and cleaved caspase 3 expression. This was shown to be similar to the effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580). Furthermore, luciferase assay results demonstrated that Mtdh represents the target of miR-30s. Transient transfection experiments, using miR-30 microRNA (miRNA) inhibitors, led to the increase in Mtdh expression and induced the apoptosis of MPC5, whereas the treatment with miR-30 miRNA mimics led to the reduction in Mtdh expression and apoptosis of HG-induced MPC5 cells in comparison with their respective controls. Our results demonstrate that Mtdh is a potent modulator of podocyte apoptosis, and that it represents the target of miR-30 miRNAs, facilitating podocyte apoptosis through the activation of HG-induced p38 MAPK-dependent pathway.
Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative disorders: focus on HIV-associated neurological complications
Authors: Hu Guoku , Yang Lu , Cai Yu , Niu Fang , Mezzacappa Frank , Callen Shannon , Fox Howard S , Buch Shilpa 
Published: November 2016

AbstractExosomes are membrane-enriched extracellular vesicles with a proposed diameter in the range of 30–100 nm. They are released during both normal homeostasis as well as under pathological conditions by most cell types. In recent years, there has been robust interest in the study of these vesicles as conduits for the delivery of information between cells in both analogous as well as disparate tissues. Their ability to transport specialized cargo including signaling mediators, proteins, messenger RNA and miRNAs characterizes these vesicles as primary facilitators of cell-to-cell communication and regulation. Exosomes have also been demonstrated to have important roles in the field of cancer biology and metastasis. More recently, their role in several neurodegenerative disorders has been gaining increased momentum as these particles have been shown to promote the spread of toxic factors such as amyloid beta and prions, adding further validity to their role as important regulators of disease pathogenesis. This review briefly summarizes current findings and thoughts on exosome biology in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and the manipulation of these particles for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
GRK6 regulates ROS response and maintains hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Le Qiumin , Yao Wenqing , Chen Yuejun , Yan Biao , Liu Cao , Yuan Man , Zhou Yuqing , Ma Lan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractG protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are critically involved in immune response through regulation of cytokine receptors in mature leukocytes, but their role in hematopoiesis is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that GRK6 knockout (GRK6−/−) mice exhibit lymphocytopenia, loss of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and multiple progenitor populations. GRK6 deficiency leads to compromised lymphoid differentiation, largely owing to the impairment of HSC self-renewal. Transcriptome and proteomic analysis suggest that GRK6 is involved in reactive oxygen species signaling. GRK6 could interact with DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit) and regulate its phosphorylation. Moreover, reactive oxygen species scavenger α-lipoic acid administration could partially rescue the loss of HSC in GRK6−/− mice. Our work demonstrates the importance of GRK6 in regulation of HSC self-renewal and reveals its potential role in participation of stress response.
The non-canonical Wnt receptor Ryk regulates hematopoietic stem cell repopulation in part by controlling proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Famili Farbod , Perez Laura Garcia , Naber Brigitta AE , Noordermeer Jasprina N , Fradkin Lee G , Staal Frank JT 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe development of blood and immune cells requires strict control by various signaling pathways in order to regulate self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis in stem and progenitor cells. Recent evidence indicates critical roles for the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways in hematopoiesis. The non-canonical Wnt pathway is important for establishment of cell polarity and cell migration and regulates apoptosis in the thymus. We here investigate the role of the non-canonical Wnt receptor Ryk in hematopoiesis and lymphoid development. We show that there are dynamic changes in Ryk expression during development and in different hematopoietic tissues. Functionally, Ryk regulates NK cell development in a temporal fashion. Moreover, Ryk-deficient mice show diminished, but not absent self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), via effects on mildly increased proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, Ryk deficiency in HSCs from fetal liver reduces their quiescence, leading to proliferation-induced apoptosis and decreased self-renewal.