bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomic Force Microscopic Imaging of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris Trophozoites and Cysts
Authors: Aqeel Yousuf , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Ateeq Muhammad , Raza Shah Muhammad , Kulsoom Huma , Khan Naveed Ahmed 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLight microscopy and electron microscopy have been successfully used in the study of microbes, as well as free‐living protists. Unlike light microscopy, which enables us to observe living organisms or the electron microscope which provides a two‐dimensional image, atomic force microscopy provides a three‐dimensional surface profile. Here, we observed two free‐living amoebae, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris under the phase contrast inverted microscope, transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Although light microscopy was of lower magnification, it revealed functional biology of live amoebae such as motility and osmoregulation using contractile vacuoles of the trophozoite stage, but it is of limited value in defining the cyst stage. In contrast, transmission electron microscopy showed significantly greater magnification and resolution to reveal the ultra‐structural features of trophozoites and cysts including intracellular organelles and cyst wall characteristics but it only produced a snapshot in time of a dead amoeba cell. Atomic force microscopy produced three‐dimensional images providing detailed topographic description of shape and surface, phase imaging measuring boundary stiffness, and amplitude measurements including width, height and length of A. castellanii and B. mandrillaris trophozoites and cysts. These results demonstrate the importance of the application of various microscopic methods in the biological and structural characterization of the whole cell, ultra‐structural features, as well as surface components and cytoskeleton of protist pathogens.
Stock Options as Lotteries
Authors: BOYER BRIAN H. , VORKINK KEITH 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTWe investigate the relationship between ex ante total skewness and holding returns on individual equity options. Recent theoretical developments predict a negative relationship between total skewness and average returns, in contrast to the traditional view that only coskewness is priced. We find, consistent with recent theory, that total skewness exhibits a strong negative relationship with average option returns. Differences in average returns for option portfolios sorted on ex ante skewness range from 10% to 50% per week, even after controlling for risk. Our findings suggest that these large premiums compensate intermediaries for bearing unhedgeable risk when accommodating investor demand for lottery‐like options.
Outcomes of invitational and opportunistic oral cancer screening initiatives in Oporto, Portugal
Authors: Monteiro Luís Silva , Salazar Filomena , Pacheco Jose Júlio , Martins Marco , Warnakulasuriya Saman 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the utility of oral cancer screening for the early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC) in a population of Oporto city.Material and MethodsWe conducted an OC screening program in the city of Oporto between 2010 and 2011 using two methodologies of population recruitment: Volunteers attending an OC screening day recruited via a mass media campaign; and OC screening during dental visits to a public hospital in the Oporto City. Participants' socio‐demographic information and life‐style habits were ascertained by interviewers, and an oral mucosal examination (screen) was conducted by previously trained and calibrated group of 20 screeners.ResultsA total of 727 individuals (277 males and 450 females) with a mean age of 54 years (range 18–94) were screened. During screening, we detected 22 OPMDs: 13 (59.1%) oral leukoplakias and 9 (40.9%) cases with oral lichen planus. No erythroplakias were detected. In addition, two oral carcinomas were detected, both in the T1 stages of the disease. All screen positives attended a specialist clinic following referral to confirm their diagnoses. A randomly selected sample among negative screens was also examined to assess any false negatives. The sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 98%. Significantly more positive cases were found among older individuals (≥54 years) (P = 0.045).ConclusionScreening data suggest that new cancers and OPMDs can be detected by invitational and opportunistic screening and offer a platform to raise the awareness and knowledge on this cancer in the Portuguese population.
Socialization into single‐parent‐by‐choice family life
Authors: Poveda David , Jociles María Isabel , Rivas Ana María 
Published: July 2014

This paper examines family interactions between mothers and children in single‐parent‐by‐choice (SPBC) families in Spain. The data is part of a larger multi‐sited ethnographic study focused on emergent family structures that examined families formed by women who began their family projects through adoption or assisted reproduction. Single‐mothers‐by‐choice formulate various socialization goals that are tied to the complexities of their non‐conventional family project. These goals are also realized in daily conversation, particularly when families talk about future events in their lives. Our findings expand existing family language socialization research in Western contexts, which has primarily focused on conventional two‐parent families, and invite developing a stronger dialogue between family language socialization research and current debates on changing kinship structures in post‐industrial societies.Este trabajo examina interacciones entre madres e hijos/as en familias de madres solteras por elección (MSPE) en España. Los datos provienen de una investigación etnográfica multi‐lugar más amplia centrada en modelo familiares emergentes que estudió a familias formadas por mujeres solas que han comenzado su proyecto familiar a través de la reproducción asistida o la adopción. La madres solteras por elección formulan varias metas de socialización que están ligadas a las complejidades y demandas de su proyecto familiar no convencional. Estos objetivos también se plasman en conversaciones cotidianas, especialmente cuando las familias hablan sobre eventos futuros en su vidas. Nuestros resultados amplían la investigación sobre socialización lingüística familiar en contextos occidentales, que se ha centrado principalmente en familias bi‐parentales convencionales, e invitan a desarrollar un diálogo más fructífero entre la investigación sobre socialización lingüística familiar y los debates actuales en torno a cambios en los patrones de parentesco en sociedades post‐industriales. [Spanish]
Stability in the cumulative incidence, severity and mortality of 101 cases of invasive mucormycosis in high‐risk patients from 1995 to 2011: a comparison of eras immediately before and after the availability of voriconazole and echinocandin‐amphotericin combination therapies
Authors: Abidi Maheen Z. , Sohail Muhammad R. , Cummins Nathan , Wilhelm Mark , Wengenack Nancy , Brumble Lisa , Shah Harshal , Jane Hata Donna , McCullough Ann , Wendel Amy , Vikram Holenarasipur R. , Kusne Shimon , Litzow Mark , Letendre Louis , Lahr Brian D. , Poeschla Eric , Walker Randall C. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAs invasive mucormycosis (IM) numbers rise, clinicians suspect prior voriconazole worsens IM incidence and severity, and believe combination anti‐fungal therapy improves IM survival. To compare the cumulative incidence (CI), severity and mortality of IM in eras immediately before and after the commercial availability of voriconazole all IM cases from 1995 to 2011 were analysed across four risk‐groups (hematologic/oncologic malignancy (H/O), stem cell transplantation (SCT), solid organ transplantation (SOT) and other), and two eras, E1 (1995–2003) and E2, (2004–2011). Of 101 IM cases, (79 proven, 22 probable): 30 were in E1 (3.3/year) and 71 in E2 (8.9/year). Between eras, the proportion with H/O or SCT rose from 47% to 73%, while ‘other’ dropped from 33% to 11% (P = 0.036). Between eras, the CI of IM did not significantly increase in SCT (P = 0.27) or SOT (P = 0.30), and patterns of anatomic location (P = 0.122) and surgical debridement (P = 0.200) were similar. Significantly more patients received amphotericin‐echinocandin combination therapy in E2 (31% vs. 5%, P = 0.01); however, 90‐day survival did not improve (54% vs. 59%, P = 0.67). Since 2003, the rise of IM reflects increasing numbers at risk, not prior use of voriconazole. Frequent combination of anti‐fungal therapy has not improved survival.
Baseline Characteristics and 1‐Year Follow‐Up of Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Patients according to Age: A Registry Study
Authors: CHEN TAO , YANG YAN‐MIN , TAN HUI‐QIONG , LIANG YAN , ZHU JUN 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age, and may lead to complications and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics, management, and prognosis of Chinese AF patients and whether there were differences according to age.MethodsThis registry‐based study enrolled ambulatory, outpatient clinic, or hospitalized patients with AF in four sites in China. Based on the Birmingham 2009 schema, patients without and with valve lesion were stratified into three groups according to age.ResultsBetween September 2008 and April 2011, 2,016 patients were enrolled, including 1,606 patients without valve lesion and 410 patients with valve lesion. Compared with the other two groups, patients >74 years of age were more likely to have morbidity and a CHADS2 score >1, and less likely to receive oral anticoagulants and rhythm‐control drugs. At the 1‐year follow‐up, patients >74 years of age were more likely to have died or suffered a cerebrovascular event or systemic embolism. Age as a continuous variable (subdivided hazard ratio [SHR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–1.01, P = 0.29) was not associated with risk of a cerebrovascular event or systemic embolism at 1‐year but age ≥75 years (SHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05–2.87, P = 0.03) was an independent risk factor for the outcome at 1‐year when all AF patients were included.ConclusionsElderly AF patients are inadequately studied and treated compared with younger patients. Education on evidence‐based management and the design of randomized controlled trials, specifically targeting the elderly, especially the Chinese elderly, should improve the management and prognosis of this frail segment of the AF population.
Dynamic Functional Principal Components
Authors: Hörmann Siegfried , Kidziński Łukasz , Hallin Marc 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWe address the problem of dimension reduction for time series of functional data (Xt:t∈Z). Such functional time series frequently arise, for example, when a continuous time process is segmented into some smaller natural units, such as days. Then each X t represents one intraday curve. We argue that functional principal component analysis, though a key technique in the field and a benchmark for any competitor, does not provide an adequate dimension reduction in a time series setting. Functional principal component analysis indeed is a static procedure which ignores the essential information that is provided by the serial dependence structure of the functional data under study. Therefore, inspired by Brillinger's theory of dynamic principal components, we propose a dynamic version of functional principal component analysis which is based on a frequency domain approach. By means of a simulation study and an empirical illustration, we show the considerable improvement that the dynamic approach entails when compared with the usual static procedure.
Inference for Non-Stationary Time Series Regression With or Without Inequality Constraints
Authors: Zhou Zhou 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWe consider statistical inference for time series linear regression where the response and predictor processes may experience general forms of abrupt and smooth non-stationary behaviours over time. Meanwhile, the regression parameters may be subject to linear inequality constraints. A simple and unified procedure for structural stability checks and parameter inference is proposed. In the case where the regression parameters are constrained, the methodology proposed is shown to be consistent whether or not the true regression parameters are on the boundary of the restricted parameter space via utilizing an asymptotically invariant geometric property of polyhedral cones.
Mental health in Swedish children living in joint physical custody and their parents' life satisfaction: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bergström Malin , Fransson Emma , Hjern Anders , Köhler Lennart , Wallby Thomas 
Published: July 2014

This study compared the psychological symptoms of 129 children in joint physical custody with children in single care and nuclear families, using a nationally representative 2011 survey of 1,297 Swedish children aged between four and 18 years. The outcome measure was the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its association with three dimensions of parental life satisfaction was investigated. Linear regression analyses showed higher SDQ‐scores for children in joint physical custody (B = 1.4, p < 0.001) and single care (B = 2.2, p < 0.001) than in nuclear families, after adjustment for socio‐demographic variables. The estimates decreased to 1.1 and 1.3, respectively, after being adjusted for parental life satisfaction ( p < 0.01). Our findings confirm previous research that showed lower symptom scores for children in nuclear families than children in single care and joint physical custody. Parental life satisfaction should be investigated further as a possible explanation of differences in symptom load between children in different living arrangements.
Risk factors for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Huang A.M. , Marini B.L. , Frame D. , Aronoff D.M. , Nagel J.L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) represents a significant burden on the healthcare system and is associated with poor outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. Data are limited evaluating recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence in HSCT patients.MethodsHSCT patients who developed CDI between January 2010 and December 2012 were divided into 2 groups: non‐recurrent CDI (nrCDI) and recurrent CDI (rCDI). Risk factors for rCDI were compared between groups. Rate of recurrence in HSCT patients was compared to that in other hospitalized patients.ResultsCDI was diagnosed in 95 of 711 HSCT patients (22 rCDI and 73 nrCDI). Recurrence rates were similar in HSCT patients compared with other hospitalized patients (23.2% vs. 22.9%, P > 0.99). Patients in the rCDI group developed the index case of CDI significantly earlier than the nrCDI group (3.5 days vs. 7.0 days after transplant, P = 0.05). On univariate analysis, patients with rCDI were more likely to have prior history of CDI and neutropenia at the time of the index CDI case. Neutropenia at the time of the index CDI case was the only independent predictor of rCDI (78.8 vs. 34.8%, P = 0.006) on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThe rate of rCDI was similar between HSCT and other hospitalized patients, and the majority of patients developed the index case of CDI within a week of transplantation. Neutropenia at the index CDI case may be associated with increased rates of rCDI.
Assessing the economic burden of illness for tuberculosis patients in Benin: determinants and consequences of catastrophic health expenditures and inequities
Authors: Laokri Samia , Dramaix‐Wilmet Michèle , Kassa Ferdinand , Anagonou Séverin , Dujardin Bruno 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo inform policy‐making, we measured the risk, causes and consequences of catastrophic expenditures for tuberculosis and investigated potential inequities.MethodsBetween August 2008 and February 2009, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among all (245) smear‐positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients of six health districts from southern Benin. A standardised survey questionnaire covered the period of time elapsing from onset of tuberculosis symptoms to completion of treatment. Total direct cost exceeding the conventional 10% threshold of annual income was defined as catastrophic and used as principal outcome in a multivariable logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis was performed while varying the thresholds.ResultsA pure gradient of direct costs of tuberculosis in relation to income was observed. Incidence (78.1%) and intensity (14.8%) of catastrophic expenditure were high; varying thresholds was insensitive to the intensity. Incurring catastrophic expenditure was independently associated with lower‐ and middle‐income quintiles (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 36.2, 95% CI [12.3–106.3] and aOR = 6.4 [2.8–14.6]), adverse pre‐diagnosis stage (aOR = 5.4 [2.2–13.3]) and less education (aOR = 4.1[1.9–8.7]). Households incurred important days lost due to TB, indebtedness (37.1%), dissaving (51.0%) and other coping strategies (52.7%).ConclusionsCatastrophic direct costs and substantial indirect and coping costs may persist under the ‘free’ tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment strategy, as well as inequities in financial hardship.
Basal plasma concentrations of routine variables and packed cell volume in clinically healthy adult small‐sized dogs: effect of breed, body weight, age, and gender, and establishment of reference intervals
Authors: Misbach Charlotte , Chetboul Valérie , Concordet Didier , Médaille Christine , Gruet Philippe , Speranza Cindy , Hoffmann Anne‐Cécile , Rocha Adriana , Balouka David , Petit Amandine M.P. , Trehiou‐Sechi Emilie , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Lefebvre Hervé P. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPlasma variables may be affected by breed or body weight (BW). Small‐sized dogs are very common, but no specific reference intervals (RI) are used.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this prospective study was to assess the potential effect of breed,BW, age, and sex on routine plasma analytes and packed cell volume (PCV) in small‐sized dogs. A secondary objective was to establishRIin this small‐sized population.MethodsBlood was sampled under standardized conditions from healthy dogs.PCVand 15 routine plasma variables were measured at the same laboratory. Effects of breed,BW, age, and sex were tested using a general linear model. The procedure recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute was used to establishRI.ResultsIn this study, 154 healthy dogs from 7 breeds were prospectively included. Although a significant effect of breed,BW, sex, or age was evidenced for most variables (except plasma sodium, phosphates, and triglycerides), it was considered as clinically irrelevant. More strikingly, the percentage of values in the reference sample group under the lower limit of the laboratory'sRIranged from 3.8% to 76.6% for 9 variables, and those higher than the upper limit of the laboratory'sRIranged from 4.5% to 9.7% for 7 variables. For example, theRIfor creatinine in small‐sized dogs was 45–90 μmol/L (vs 54–144 μmol/L for the general dog population).ConclusionSpecificRIshould be considered forPCVand selected plasma variables in small‐sized dogs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces iranensis
Authors: Horn Fabian , Schroeckh Volker , Netzker Tina , Guthke Reinhard , Brakhage Axel A. , Linde Jörg 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Streptomyces iranensis
HM 35 has been shown to exhibit 72.7% DNA-DNA similarity to the important drug rapamycin (sirolimus)-producing
Streptomyces rapamycinicus
NRRL5491. Here, we report the genome sequence of HM 35, which represents a partially overlapping repertoire of secondary metabolite gene clusters with
S. rapamycinicus
, including the gene cluster for rapamycin biosynthesis.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of an Isoniazid-Resistant Clinical Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain MtURU-002 from Uruguay
Authors: Berná Luisa , Iraola Gregorio , Greif Gonzalo , Coitinho Cecilia , Rivas Carlos M. , Naya Hugo , Robello Carlos 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The incidence of tuberculosis in Uruguay has been effectively reduced to <30 per 100,000 population, although an increase in nonrisk populations in the last few years is evident. Here, we present the genome sequence of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain MtURU-002 isolated from a patient showing bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis that was resistant to isoniazid.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas chlororaphis Strain PA23
Authors: Loewen Peter C. , Villenueva Jacylyn , Fernando W. G. Dilantha , de Kievit Teresa 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas chlororaphis
strain PA23 is a plant-beneficial bacterium that is able to suppress disease caused by the fungal pathogen
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
through a process known as biological control. Here we present a 7.1-Mb assembly of the PA23 genome.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Brucella canis Strain SVA13, Isolated from an Infected Dog
Authors: Kaden Rene , Ågren Joakim , Ferrari Sevinc , Lindberg Martina , Bäckman Stina , Wahab Tara 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
An outbreak of canine brucellosis in Sweden was confirmed by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) in August 2013. The whole genome of the causative agent was sequenced, assembled, and analyzed.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas mandelii PD30
Authors: Formusa Philip A. , Hsiang Tom , Habash Marc B. , Lee Hung , Trevors Jack T. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The genome sequence of
Pseudomonas mandelii
PD30 is reported in this announcement. The genes for the reduction of nitrate to dinitrogen were identified in the genome assembly and subsequently used in gene expression research.
Draft Genome Sequence of a New Shigella flexneri Subserotype, 4S BJ10610
Authors: Li Peng , Yang Chaojie , Wang Jian , Yi Shengjie , Li Hao , Wang Yong , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Shigella flexneri
is of great concern in the prevalence of shigellosis and resistance to many antibiotics in developing countries. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a new
S. flexneri
subserotype, 4S BJ10610, isolated from the stool specimens of a patient in Beijing, China.