bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who Exports Better Quality Products to Smaller or More Distant Markets?
Authors: Whang Unjung 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe role of across‐firm differences in product quality and firms' competitiveness in determining the spatial patterns of within‐product export unit values across destinations is examined in this paper. Using product level export data, it is shown that the average export unit value of a product shipped from the USA or Korea increases with distance and decreases with destination market's size. However, within‐product average unit values for products exported from China and India decrease with distance and increase with market size. To interpret these different spatial patterns of unit values across exporting countries, model of quality heterogeneity is developed in which firms differ in their workers' skill level and higher‐skilled workers show greater productivity in performing tasks that improve product quality. The model predicts that in relatively skill‐abundant countries, exporting firms specialize in high‐quality products using relatively cheap skilled labor, whereas, in relatively skill‐scarce countries, firms that produce lower‐quality products are more competitive.
Tracking the Commute Home From School Utilizing GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring: Establishing the Contribution to Free-Living Physical Activity
Authors: Collins Peter , Al-Nakeeb Yahya , Lyons Mark 
Published: April 2014

Background:Active school commuting is widely regarded as a key opportunity for youth to participate in physical activity (PA). However, the accurate measurement of the commute home from school and its contribution to total free-living moderateto- vigorous PA (MVPA) is relatively unexplored.Methods:Seventy-five adolescents (38 males, 37 females) wore an integrated GPS and heart rate device during after-school hours for 4 consecutive weekdays.Results:Active commuters were significantly more active (11.72 minutes MVPA) than passive commuters (3.5 minutes MVPA) during their commute home from school (P = .001). The commute home of walkers and cyclists on average contributed 35% of their total free-living PA. However, there was no significant difference in the overall free-living PA levels of passive and active commuters (P > .05). A total 92.7% of the youth living within 1.5 miles of the school actively commuted, compared with 16.7% of the youth who lived further away. Socioeconomic differences in commuting patterns were also evident.Conclusions:The findings highlighted the significant proportion of total free-living PA that was attributed to active commuting home from school. The study demonstrates the usefulness of utilizing GPS and heart rate data to accurately track young people’s after-school PA. Demographic influences and implications for future research are discussed.
Intensity-Specific Leisure-Time Physical Activity and The Built Environment Among Brazilian Adults: A Best-Fit Model
Authors: Salvo Deborah , Reis Rodrigo S. , Hino Adriano A.F. , Hallal Pedro C. , Pratt Michael 
Published: April 2014

Background:There is little understanding about which sets of environmental features could simultaneously predict intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Brazilians. The objectives were to identify the environmental correlates for intensity-specific LTPA, and to build the best-fit linear models to predict intensity-specific LTPA among adults of Curitiba, Brazil.Methods:Cross sectional study in Curitiba, Brazil (2009, n = 1461). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Assessment Scale were used. Ninety-two perceived environment variables were categorized in 10 domains. LTPA was classified as walking for leisure (LWLK), moderate-intensity leisure-time PA (MLPA), vigorous-intensity leisure-time PA (VLPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time PA (MVLPA). Best fitting linear predictive models were built.Results:Forty environmental variables were correlated to at least 1 LTPA outcome. The variability explained by the 4 best-fit models ranged from 17% (MLPA) to 46% (MVLPA). All models contained recreation areas and aesthetics variables; none included residential density predictors. At least 1 neighborhood satisfaction variable was present in each of the intensity-specific models, but not for overall MVLPA.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the simultaneous effect of sets of perceived environmental features on intensity-specific LTPA among Brazilian adults. The differences found compared with high-income countries suggest caution in generalizing results across settings.
Reproducibility of the Veterans Physical Activity Questionnaire in an Elderly Population
Authors: Betz Heather Hayes , Myers Jonathan , Jaffe Alyssa , Smith Kimberly , Dalman Ronald 
Published: April 2014

Background:Quantifying lifetime physical activity using self-reported measures is challenging due to reliance on recall, especially in older populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the 1-year reproducibility of the Veterans Physical Activity Questionnaire (VAPAQ) in a cohort of patients with documented abdominal aortic aneurysm disease (AAA).Methods:Subjects included men (n = 52) and women (n = 3) enrolled in AAA STOP, a randomized trial designed to test the ability of supervised exercise training to modify AAA biology and early disease progression.Results:The overall correlation coefficient for lifetime recreational energy expenditure between the 2 examinations was 0.93 (P < .001), with an overall difference of 26 kcal/week, a typical error (standard deviation of the differences) of 171 kcals/week, and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.5%.Conclusions:The VAPAQ is a reproducible tool to quantify lifetime energy expenditure in older adults with documented vascular disease.
Energy Expenditure in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Quantified by Doubly Labeled Water and a Multi-Sensor Armband
Authors: Tanhoffer Ricardo A. , Tanhoffer Aldre I.P. , Raymond Jacqueline , Johnson Nathan A. , Hills Andrew P. , Davis Glen M. 
Published: April 2014

Background:The objective of this study was to determine whether doubly labeled water (DLW) and a multi-sensor armband (SWA) could detect the variation in energy expenditure incurred by a period of increased exercise (EXE) versus a period of high sedentary activity (SED), in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:Eight participants with SCI were submitted to 2 testing periods of energy expenditure assessment: 1) a 14-day phase during which sedentary living conditions were imposed and 2) a 14-day phase during which an exercise training intervention was employed. For each phase, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) were measured by DLW and SWA.Results:Mean TDEE assessed by DLW, was significantly higher during EXE versus SED (11,605 ± 2151 kJ·day-1 and 10,069 ± 2310 kJ·day-1). PAEE predicted by DLW was also significantly higher during EXE versus SED (5422 ± 2240 kJ·day-1 and 3855 ± 2496 kJ·day-1). SWA-predicted PAEE significantly underestimated PAEE measured by the DLW during SED and EXE.Conclusion:DLW is sensitive to detect variation in within-individual energy expenditure during voluntary increase in physical activity in individuals with SCI. SWA failed to detect statistically significant variations in energy expenditure between periods of high versus low activity in SCI.
Improvements on Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors in Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Exercise Intervention Study
Authors: Silva Humberto José Gomes , Andersen Lars Bo , Lofrano-Prado Mara Cristina , Barros Mauro V.G. , Freitas Ismael Fortes , Hill James , do Prado Wagner Luiz 
Published: April 2014

Background:It is unclear how different exercise intensities affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese adolescents. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity (HIT) vs. low-intensity (LIT) aerobic training on CVD risk factors in obese adolescents.Methods:Forty-three obese adolescents (age: 15.7 ± 1.3 years, BMI: 34.3 ± 4.1kg/m2) participated this study either HIT (corresponding to ventilatory threshold I; N = 20) or LIT (20% below ventilatory threshold I; N = 23) for 12 weeks. All sessions were isocaloric (350 kcal). All participants received the same nutritional, psychological, and clinical counseling. Subjects were assessed in fatness, fitness, lipid profile, and glucose at baseline and after 12 weeks. The CVD risk factors assessed were waist circumference (WC), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose, and fitness, which were single and clustered analyzed (z scores sum).Results:Body mass, Body Mass Index, fatness, and WC were improved (P < .001) in both groups. The sum of z scores (WC + TC + glucose-fitness-HDL) improved in both HIT (12 weeks = −2.16 SD; Cohen’s d = .45) and LIT (12 weeks = −2.13 SD; Cohen’s d = .60) without groups differences. Changes in fitness were associated with changes in WC (r = −.48; P = .003).Conclusion:HIT does not promote any additional improvements in CVD risk factors than LIT in obese adolescents.
Playground Safety is Associated With Playground, Park, and Neighborhood Characteristics
Authors: Suminski Richard , Presley Terry , Wasserman Jason A. , Mayfield Carlene A. , McClain Elizabeth , Johnson Mariah 
Published: April 2014

Background:More than 200,000 children each year are treated at emergency departments for injuries occurring on playgrounds. Empirically derived data are needed to elucidate factors associated with playground safety and reduce injury rates.Objective:Determine if neighborhood, park and playground characteristics are significantly associated with playground safety.Methods:A 24-item report card developed by the National Program for Playground Safety was used to assess playground safety at 41 public parks in a small to midsized, Midwestern city. Trained assessors evaluated the parks and playgrounds in June/July and used a standardized method to count the numbers of users. Data from the 2010 U.S. Census were used to describe the neighborhoods surrounding the parks.Results:The average safety score for all playgrounds was 77.4% which denotes acceptable safety levels. However, 17.1% of the playgrounds were potentially hazardous and in need of corrective measures. Playgrounds were safer in neighborhoods with more youth (< 18 years of age) and educated adults and in parks with better quality features. Playgrounds with fewer amenities were relatively less safe.Conclusions:Park safety levels need to be improved to reduce the risk of physical injuries. Future studies examining cause-effect associations between environmental features and playground safety are warranted.
TV Watching, but Not Physical Activity, Is Associated With Change in Kidney Function in Older Adults
Authors: Hawkins Marquis , Newman Anne B. , Madero Magdalena , Patel Kushang V. , Shlipak Michael G. , Cooper Jennifer , Johansen Kirsten L. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Shorr Ronald I. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Fried Linda F 
Published: April 2014

Background:Physical activity (PA) may play a role in preserving kidney health. The purpose of this study was to determine if PA and sedentary behavior are associated with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and change in kidney function in older adults.Methods:The Health, Aging, and Body Composition study is a prospective cohort of 3075 well-functioning older adults. PA and television watching was measured by self-report, and serum cystatin C was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2. Rapid kidney function decline was defined as an annual loss in eGFR of >3ml/min/1.73m2. Discrete survival analysis was used to determine if baseline PA and television watching were related to 10-year cumulative incidence of CKD and rapid decline in kidney function.Results:Individuals who reported watching television >3 hours/day had a higher risk of incident CKD (HR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.09-1.65) and experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function (HR 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05-1.52) compared with individuals who watched television <2 hours/day. PA was not related to either outcome.Conclusions:High levels of television watching are associated with declining kidney function; the mechanisms that underlie this association need further study.
Perceived Neighborhood Size: Implications for Physical Activity–Environment Research
Authors: Suminski Richard , Heinrich Katie , Wasserman Jason A. , Rasu Rafia S. 
Published: April 2014

Background:Nonsignificant findings are reported in approximately half of the studies examining correlations between environmental characteristics and walking. One reason could involve spatial incongruence in which environments examined are not necessarily the ones where the behavior occurred.Purpose:To study correlates of perceived neighborhood size and the congruence between perceived and investigator defined neighborhood areas.Methods:Door-to-door surveys were conducted in 12 U.S. Census block groups with 18- to 87-year-old adults. Participants were asked about exercise participation and to draw a map representing their neighborhood. Geographical information software was used to construct maps, calculate neighborhood areas, and analyze congruence.Results:Neighborhood sizes perceived by women were smaller than those perceived by men and positively related to min/wk of biking and education. Education and age were negatively and perceived neighborhood support for exercise was positively associated with perceived neighborhood size in men. Approximately 90% of perceived neighborhood areas overlapped with neighborhood areas defined by circles with 1200-m radii from participants’ homes.Conclusions:Several individual characteristics including exercise are associated with perceptions of neighborhood size. Standard investigator-defined neighborhoods using a 1200-m radius (15 min walk) from a participant’s home is sufficient to capture a majority of perceived neighborhood areas.
Mycoplasma genitalium Infection Is Associated with Microscopic Signs of Cervical Inflammation in Liquid Cytology Specimens
Authors: Dehon Patricia M. , McGowin Chris L. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Cervicitis is a common clinical finding often attributed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but no etiologic agent is identified in the majority of cases. In this study, we comparatively assessed inflammation among the common infectious etiologies of cervicitis and assessed the potential value of liquid cytology specimens for predicting STIs. Among 473 Louisiana women at low risk for acquiring STIs, the prevalences of
Mycoplasma genitalium
,
Chlamydia trachomatis
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, and
Trichomonas vaginalis
in liquid-based cytology specimens were 1.5, 2.1, 0.6, and 4.4%, respectively.
N. gonorrhoeae
and human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) infections were significantly more common among subjects infected with
M. genitalium
. Using direct microscopy, we observed significant increases in leukocyte infiltrates among subjects with monoinfections with
M. genitalium
or
C. trachomatis
compared to women with no detectable STIs. Inflammation was highest among subjects with
M. genitalium
. Using a threshold of ≥2 leukocytes per epithelial cell per high-powered field, the positive predictive values for
M. genitalium
,
C. trachomatis
,
N. gonorrhoeae
, and
T. vaginalis
were 100, 70, 67, and 20%, respectively. Several novel
M. genitalium
genotypes were identified, all of which were predicted to be susceptible to macrolide antibiotics, suggesting that different strains may circulate among low-risk women and that macrolide resistance is substantially lower than in high-risk populations. This study highlights the capacity of
M. genitalium
to elicit cervical inflammation and, considering the strong epidemiologic associations between
M. genitalium
and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), provides a potential mechanism for acquisition and shedding of HIV via chronic leukocyte recruitment to the cervical mucosa.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Isolates Obtained in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Gaudreau Christiane , Boucher France , Gilbert Huguette , Bekal Sadjia 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTFrom 2002 to 2013 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 38Campylobacter coliisolates were more frequently erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin resistant than 440Campylobacter jejunisubsp.jejuniisolates (18.4% versus 1.8%;P= 0.00005), of which the 148 isolates acquired abroad were more frequently erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin resistant than the 292 isolates acquired locally (5.4% versus 0%;P= 0.0001).
CarbAcineto NP Test for Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Acinetobacter spp
Authors: Dortet Laurent , Poirel Laurent , Errera Caroline , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates, particularly those that produce carbapenemases, are increasingly reported worldwide. The biochemically based Carba NP test, extensively validated for the detection of carbapenemase producers among
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Pseudomonas
spp., has been modified to detect carbapenemase production in
Acinetobacter
spp. A collection of 151 carbapenemase-producing and 69 non-carbapenemase-producing
Acinetobacter
spp. were tested using the Carba NP test and a modified Carba NP protocol (the CarbAcineto NP test) in this study. The CarbAcineto NP test requires modified lysis conditions and an increased bacterial inoculum compared to those of the original Carba NP test. The Carba NP test detects metallo-β-lactamase producers but failed to detect the production of other carbapenemase types among
Acinetobacter
spp. In contrast, the newly designed CarbAcineto NP test, which is rapid and reproducible, detects all types of carbapenemases with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 100%. This cost-effective technique offers a reliable and affordable technique for identifying carbapenemase production in
Acinetobacter
spp., which is a marker of multidrug resistance in those species. Its use will facilitate the recognition of these carbapenemases and prevent their spread.
Multiplex PCR Assay for Unequivocal Differentiation of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serovars 1 to 3, 5 to 8, 10, and 12
Authors: Bossé Janine T. , Li Yanwen , Angen Øystein , Weinert Lucy A. , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Holden Matthew T. , Williamson Susanna M. , Maskell Duncan J. , Tucker Alexander W. , Wren Brendan W. , Rycroft Andrew N. , Langford Paul R. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

An improved multiplex PCR, using redesigned primers targeting the serovar 3 capsule locus, which differentiates serovars 3, 6, and 8
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
isolates, is described. The new primers eliminate an aberrant serovar 3-indicative amplicon found in some serovar 6 clinical isolates. Furthermore, we have developed a new multiplex PCR for the detection of serovars 1 to 3, 5 to 8, 10, and 12 along with
apxIV
, thus extending the utility of this diagnostic PCR to cover a broader range of isolates.
Current Status of Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Human Sarcocystosis
Authors: Poulsen Casper Sahl , Stensvold Christen Rune 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Species of
Sarcocystis
are Apicomplexan parasites requiring intermediate and definitive hosts to complete their life cycle. Humans are one of many natural host species and may serve as both intermediate and definitive hosts. However, the extent and public health significance of human
Sarcocystis
infection are incompletely known. In this minireview, we provide an update on the epidemiology and diagnosis of human sarcocystosis and propose some tools that could contribute to a better understanding of the clinical significance and epidemiology of
Sarcocystis
infections.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Can Accurately Differentiate Aeromonas dhakensis from A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. veronii
Authors: Chen Po-Lin , Lee Tai-Fen , Wu Chi-Jung , Teng Shih-Hua , Teng Lee-Jene , Ko Wen-Chien , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Among 217
Aeromonas
isolates identified by sequencing analysis of their
rpoB
genes, the accuracy rates of identification of
A. dhakensis
,
A. hydrophila
,
A. veronii
, and
A. caviae
were 96.7%, 90.0%, 96.7%, and 100.0%, respectively, by the cluster analysis of spectra generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry.
Toll-Like Receptor 2-Mediated Innate Immune Responses against Junín Virus in Mice Lead to Antiviral Adaptive Immune Responses during Systemic Infection and Do Not Affect Viral Replication in the Brain
Authors: Cuevas Christian D. , Ross Susan R. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Successful adaptive immunity to virus infection often depends on the initial innate response. Previously, we demonstrated that Junín virus, the etiological agent responsible for Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), activates an early innate immune response via an interaction between the viral glycoprotein and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Here we show that TLR2/6 but not TLR1/2 heterodimers sense Junín virus glycoprotein and induce a cytokine response, which in turn upregulates the expression of the RNA helicases RIG-I and MDA5. NF-κB and Erk1/2 were important in the cytokine response, since both proteins were phosphorylated as a result of the interaction of virus with TLR2, and treatment with an Erk1/2-specific inhibitor blocked cytokine production. We show that the Junín virus glycoprotein activates cytokine production in a human macrophage cell line as well. Moreover, we show that TLR2-mediated immune response plays a role in viral clearance because wild-type mice cleared Candid 1 (JUNV C1), the vaccine strain of Junín virus, more rapidly than did TLR2 knockout mice. This clearance correlated with the generation of Junín virus-specific CD8
+
T cells. However, infected wild-type and TLR2 knockout mice developed TLR2-independent blocking antibody responses with similar kinetics. We also show that microglia and astrocytes but not neurons are susceptible to infection with JUNV C1. Although JUNV C1 infection of the brain also triggered a TLR2-dependent cytokine response, virus levels were equivalent in wild-type and TLR2 knockout mice.

IMPORTANCE
Junín virus is transmitted by rodents native to Argentina and is associated with both systemic disease and, in some patients, neurological symptoms. Humans become infected when they inhale aerosolized Junín virus. AHF has a 15 to 30% mortality rate, and patients who clear the infection develop a strong antibody response to Junín virus. Here we investigated what factors determine the immune response to Junín virus. We show that a strong initial innate immune response to JUNV C1 determines how quickly mice can clear systemic infection and that this depended on the cellular immune response. In contrast, induction of an innate immune response in the brain had no effect on virus infection levels. These findings may explain how the initial immune response to Junín virus infection could determine different outcomes in humans.