bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IT‐Based Technical Change and Job Instability
Authors: Behaghel Luc , Moschion Julie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe investigate the impact of IT diffusion on the stability of employment. We document the evolution of different components of job instability over a panel of 348 cities in France, from the mid‐1970s to the early 2000s. The evidence goes against the view that the diffusion of IT has spurred job instability. Yet, analysing long‐term differences in the occupational structure, we find that IT diffusion has increased the share of high‐skill occupations at the expense of low‐skill occupations. This is consistent with French firms' reliance on their internal labour market to meet the new skill requirements associated with IT diffusion.
Consistent Smooth Bootstrap Kernel Intensity Estimation for Inhomogeneous Spatial Poisson Point Processes
Authors: Fuentes‐Santos Isabel , González‐Manteiga Wenceslao , Mateu Jorge 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNon‐parametric estimation and bootstrap techniques play an important role in many areas of Statistics. In the point process context, kernel intensity estimation has been limited to exploratory analysis because of its inconsistency, and some consistent alternatives have been proposed. Furthermore, most authors have considered kernel intensity estimators with scalar bandwidths, which can be very restrictive. This work focuses on a consistent kernel intensity estimator with unconstrained bandwidth matrix. We propose a smooth bootstrap for inhomogeneous spatial point processes. The consistency of the bootstrap mean integrated squared error (MISE) as an estimator of the MISE of the consistent kernel intensity estimator proves the validity of the resampling procedure. Finally, we propose a plug‐in bandwidth selection procedure based on the bootstrap MISE and compare its performance with several methods currently used through both as a simulation study and an application to the spatial pattern of wildfires registered in Galicia (Spain) during 2006.
Embryo defective 14 encodes a plastid‐targeted cGTPase essential for embryogenesis in maize
Authors: Li Cuiling , Shen Yun , Meeley Robert , McCarty Donald R. , Tan Bao‐Cai 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe embryo defective (emb) mutants in maize genetically define a unique class of loci that is required for embryogenesis but not endosperm development, allowing dissection of two developmental processes of seed formation. Through characterization of the emb14 mutant, we report here that Emb14 gene encodes a circular permuted, YqeH class GTPase protein that likely functions in 30S ribosome formation in plastids. Loss of Emb14 function in the null mutant arrests embryogenesis at the early transition stage. Emb14 was cloned by transposon tagging and was confirmed by analysis of four alleles. Subcellular localization indicated that the EMB14 is targeted to chloroplasts. Recombinant EMB14 is shown to hydrolyze GTP in vitro (Km = 2.42 ± 0.3 μm). Emb14 was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined and high level of expression was found in transition stage embryos. Comparison of emb14 and WT indicated that loss of EMB14 function severely impairs accumulation of 16S rRNA and several plastid encoded ribosomal genes. We show that an EMB14 transgene complements the pale green, slow growth phenotype conditioned by mutations in AtNOA1, a closely related YqeH GTPase of Arabidopsis. Taken together, we propose that the EMB14/AtNOA1/YqeH class GTPases function in assembly of the 30S subunit of the chloroplast ribosome, and that this function is essential to embryogenesis in plants.
Pursuing Economic Growth in Asia: The Environmental Challenge
Authors: Quah Euston 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper identifies and discusses the five main areas of environmental management public policy that pose serious challenges to Asian governments. The first is the emerging issue of siting environmentally unfriendly facilities that may be necessary for growth, but with the social and environmental costs borne primarily by local host residents and neighbourhood municipalities, more commonly known as the not‐in‐my‐backyard syndrome. The second issue is the critical need for pricing of non‐market environmental goods. Third is the issue of waste generation. The fourth challenge is that of transboundary pollution, which has become increasingly important with regard to its effects on health and foreign relations. Lastly, the paper discusses global warming and climate change. Discussions on cost–benefit analysis and the more novel method of establishing damage schedules are also presented. This is particularly relevant to fundamental differences between developed and less developed countries.
On‐site deferral of whole blood and plasma donors in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2013
Authors: de Groot R. , Prinsze F. J. , Broekman‐Piets R. , de Kort W. L. A. M. , Pasker‐de Jong P. C. M. 
Published: October 2015

Background and ObjectivesDonor physicians at Sanquin Blood Supply reported increasing on‐site deferral rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the change over time in on‐site deferral rates of whole blood and plasma donation visits in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2013.Materials and methodsAll visits of whole blood and plasma donors that occurred between 2006 and 2013 were included. Deferrals were categorized in groups of related deferral reasons. Binomial logistic generalized estimating equations analyses were carried out to investigate overall change over time and changes over time in monthly on‐site deferral rates.ResultsData were available for 7 375 438 visits (65% whole blood). Women were more frequently deferred than men (whole blood OR=1·76; 95% CI 1·75–1·78). Deferrals for low haemoglobin and for travel showed an increase during the study period, and increasing seasonal variation. All other deferral reasons remained stable over time.ConclusionThe increased deferral was driven by a rise in deferrals for low Hb level and travel behaviour. A decreasing donation visit ratio of men to women and a decreasing proportion of smokers might partly explain the increase in low haemoglobin deferrals. Travel deferrals probably increased due to stricter deferral criteria.
Evaluation of a new transportation container for red cell units in Western Australia
Authors: Grey D. E. , Fong E. A. , Soares Mendes R. , Gilhooley G. , Cardey J. , Finlayson J. 
Published: October 2015

Background and ObjectivesExtremes of weather, temperatures above 50°C and large distances to transport blood necessitate a robust container that is simple to pack and maintains the internal control temperature for long periods. We describe the evaluation and implementation of a new blood transport container, PX3L‐Universal Courier AcuTemp (CSafe Global, USA), throughout Western Australia.Materials and MethodsThe new transport container was initially validated to maintain two or four units of red cells at an internal control temperature of 2–10°C using simulated external ambient temperatures. Subsequent validation studies assessed real‐time external ambient temperatures involving transportation around Western Australia for a distance of 25 360 km. Prior to implementation, staff were trained by e‐learning and real‐time packing. Four months of postimplementation data (October 1 2014 to February 6 2015) were reviewed.ResultsThe new container is light (6·18 kg) and easy to pack using a single refrigerator belt that protects the red cell units from the freezer belt. It will maintain two or four red cell units at an internal control temperature of 2–10°C for up to 70 h. During the 4‐month utilization period, 547 red cell units were transported to 36 different sites and only three were outside the target of 2–10°C due to failure to follow protocol.ConclusionThe PX3L‐Universal Courier AcuTemp (CSafe Global, USA) blood transportation container was found to be simple to assemble, lightweight and maintained the required internal control temperature for the necessary transport time. This will preserve product quality, ensure patient safety and greatly assist in minimization of red cell wastage.
Implementing a Fetal Health Surveillance Guideline in Clinical Practice: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Action Learning
Authors: Snelgrove‐Clarke Erna , Davies Barbara , Flowerdew Gordon , Young David 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAimsThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of an Action Learning intervention on nurses’ use of a fetal health surveillance (FHS) guideline during labor of women who were low risk on admission for delivery.MethodsUsing a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, nurses were randomized to Action Learning (n = 44) or Usual Care (n = 45). Low‐risk women were assigned to either an Action Learning nurse (n = 122) or a Usual Care nurse (n = 148). Data on practices during an episode of care (nurses’ FHS practices from admission through to delivery in low‐risk women) were collected at three trial time points: 1 month prior, during 6 months, and 1 month following. Guideline adherence, women's perception of birth experience, and enablers and inhibitors to intermittent auscultation (IA) were collected. Multivariate logistic regression determined the variables (chosen by the nurses) that predicted Action Learning nurses’ adherence to FHS practices.FindingsStatistically significant change was not evident between nurses’ rate of FHS practices in the Action Learning group compared with Usual Care (Δ6.8%, odds ratio [OR] 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–2.83). Postpartum, women reported high satisfaction with no significant difference by study group. Two labor events, epidural and narcotic analgesia, most influenced guideline appropriate care (p = .000, OR –4.04; p = .000, OR = 2.89) within the experimental group.Linking Evidence to ActionDespite lack of between‐group significant changes in FHS practices, Action Learning nurses, who chose areas of practice that presented obstacles to their guideline adherence ability (epidurals and narcotics), significantly changed their FHS practices. Researchers need to consider whether practice is long‐standing acceptance of the evidence by healthcare providers, and the provider's intentions for implementation effectiveness when choosing an implementation strategy. Supportive nurses, Doppler availability, and clear policies support adherence to an IA guideline. Deimplementation of ineffective practice is warranted.
Needle detection in curvilinear ultrasound images based on the reflection pattern of circular ultrasound waves
Authors: Daoud Mohammad I. , Rohling Robert N. , Salcudean Septimiu E. , Abolmaesumi Purang 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:Ultrasound imaging provides a low‐cost, real‐time modality to guide needle insertion procedures, but localizing the needle using conventional ultrasound images is often challenging. Estimating the needle trajectory can increase the success rate of ultrasound‐guided needle interventions and improve patient comfort. In this study, a novel method is introduced to localize the needle trajectory in curvilinear ultrasound images based on the needle reflection pattern of circular ultrasound waves.Methods:A circular ultrasound wave was synthesized by sequentially firing the elements of a curvilinear transducer and recording the radio‐frequency signals received by each element. Two features, namely, the large amplitude and repetitive reflection pattern, were used to identify the needle echoes in the received signals. The trajectory of the needle was estimated by fitting the arrival times of needle echoes to an equation that describes needle reflection of circular waves. The method was employed to estimate the trajectories of needles inserted in agar phantom, beef muscle, and porcine tissue specimens.Results:The maximum error rates of estimating the needle trajectories were on the order of 1 mm and 3° for the radial and azimuth coordinates, respectively.Conclusions:These results suggest that the proposed method can improve the robustness and accuracy of needle segmentation methods by adding signature‐based detection of the needle trajectory in curvilinear ultrasound images. The method can be implemented on conventional ultrasound imaging systems.
Technical Note: Fabricating Cerrobend grids with 3D printing for spatially modulated radiation therapy: A feasibility study
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Driewer Joseph , Li Sicong , Verma Vivek , Lei Yu , Zhang Mutian , Zhang Qinghui , Zheng Dandan , Cullip Timothy , Chang Sha X. , Wang Andrew Z. , Zhou Sumin , Enke Charles A. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:Grid therapy has promising applications in the radiation treatment of large tumors. However, research and applications of grid therapy are limited by the accessibility of the specialized blocks that produce the grid of pencil‐like radiation beams. In this study, a Cerrobend grid block was fabricated using the 3D printing technique.Methods:A grid block mold was designed with flared tubes which follow the divergence of the beam. The mold was 3D printed using a resin with the working temperature below 230 °C. The melted Cerrobend liquid at 120 °C was cast into the resin mold to yield a block with a thickness of 7.4 cm. At the isocenter plane, the grid had a hexagonal pattern, with each pencil beam diameter of 1.4 cm; the distance between the beam centers was 2.1 cm.Results:The dosimetric properties of the grid block were studied using small field dosimeters: a pinpoint ionization chamber and a stereotactic diode. For a 6 MV photon beam, its valley‐to‐peak ratio was 20% at dmax and 30% at 10 cm depth; the output factor was 84.9% at dmax and 65.1% at 10 cm depth.Conclusions:This study demonstrates that it is feasible to implement 3D printing technique in applying grid therapy in clinic.
A new technique to characterize CT scanner bow‐tie filter attenuation and applications in human cadaver dosimetry simulations
Authors: Li Xinhua , Shi Jim Q. , Zhang Da , Singh Sarabjeet , Padole Atul , Otrakji Alexi , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Xu X. George , Liu Bob 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:To present a noninvasive technique for directly measuring the CT bow‐tie filter attenuation with a linear array x‐ray detector.Methods:A scintillator based x‐ray detector of 384 pixels, 307 mm active length, and fast data acquisition (model X‐Scan 0.8c4‐307, Detection Technology, FI‐91100 Ii, Finland) was used to simultaneously detect radiation levels across a scan field‐of‐view. The sampling time was as short as 0.24 ms. To measure the body bow‐tie attenuation on a GE Lightspeed Pro 16 CT scanner, the x‐ray tube was parked at the 12 o'clock position, and the detector was centered in the scan field at the isocenter height. Two radiation exposures were made with and without the bow‐tie in the beam path. Each readout signal was corrected for the detector background offset and signal‐level related nonlinear gain, and the ratio of the two exposures gave the bow‐tie attenuation. The results were used in the geant4 based simulations of the point doses measured using six thimble chambers placed in a human cadaver with abdomen/pelvis CT scans at 100 or 120 kV, helical pitch at 1.375, constant or variable tube current, and distinct x‐ray tube starting angles.Results:Absolute attenuation was measured with the body bow‐tie scanned at 80–140 kV. For 24 doses measured in six organs of the cadaver, the median or maximum difference between the simulation results and the measurements on the CT scanner was 8.9% or 25.9%, respectively.Conclusions:The described method allows fast and accurate bow‐tie filter characterization.
Using Bar Velocity to Predict Maximum Dynamic Strength in the Half-Squat Exercise
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Pereira Lucas A. , Abad Cesar C. Cal , Gil Saulo , Kitamura Katia , Kobal Ronaldo , Nakamura Fábio Y. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:To determine whether athletes from different sport disciplines present similar mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in the half-squat (HS) during submaximal and maximal tests, enabling prediction of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) from MPV at any given submaximal load.Methods:Sixty-four male athletes, comprising American football, rugby, and soccer players; sprinters and jumpers; and combat-sport strikers attended 2 testing sessions separated by 2–4 wk. On the first visit, a standardized 1-RM test was performed. On the second, athletes performed HSs on Smith-machine equipment, using relative percentages of 1-RM to determine the respective MPV of submaximal and maximal loads. Linear regression established the relationship between MPV and percentage of 1-RM.Results:A very strong linear relationship (R2 ≈ .96) was observed between the MPV and the percentages of HS 1-RM, resulting in the following equation: %HS 1-RM = −105.05 × MPV + 131.75. The MPV at HS 1-RM was ~0.3 m/s.Conclusion:This equation can be used to predict HS 1-RM on a Smith machine with a high degree of accuracy.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacteroidales
Strain TBC1, a Novel Isolate from a Methanogenic Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: Tourlousse Dieter M. , Matsuura Norihisa , Sun Liwei , Toyonaga Mayu , Kuroda Kyohei , Ohashi Akiko , Cruz Rodrigo , Yamaguchi Takashi , Sekiguchi Yuji 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Bacteroidales
strain TBC1, isolated from a methanogenic wastewater treatment system. The draft genome has a size of 4,514,407 bp and a G+C content of 46.7%. The predicted genomic content provides the basis for characterizing the metabolism and ecological strategies of strain TBC1.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Elizabethkingia
sp. BM10, a Symbiotic Bacterium of the Wood-Feeding Termite
Reticulitermes speratus
KMT1
Authors: Lee Dongmin , Kim Young-Kyoon , Kim Yeong-Suk , Kim Tae-Jong 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Elizabethkingia
sp. BM10 was isolated from the hindgut of the wood-feeding termite
Reticulitermes speratus
KMT1. It had cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase activities but not endo-β-glucanase activity. The complete sequence of its genome, which has a total size of 4,242,519 bases, is reported here. The genomic analysis identified six β-glucosidase candidate genes and three β-glucanase candidate genes.
HIV Inhibition by Lactobacilli: Easier in a Test Tube Than in Real Life
Authors: Witkin Steven S. , Linhares Iara M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

A lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota has been shown to decrease heterosexual HIV transmission. Nunn et al. now report that a vaginal microbiota dominated by
Lactobacillus crispatus
is associated with a relative inability of HIV pseudoviral particles to transverse cervicovaginal mucus (CVM)
in vitro
[mBio 6(5):e01084-15, 2015, doi:10.1128/mBio.01084-15]. The purported inhibitory mechanism is the interaction between carboxyl groups present on HIV and in CVM that occurred only under acidic conditions when carboxyl groups were protonated.
L. crispatus
produces high levels of lactic acid and results in the lowest vaginal pH when it is the dominant vaginal bacterium. In addition, high levels of lactic acid inhibit the proliferation of other bacteria that might negatively affect CVM structure. The utility of enhancing
L. crispatus
dominance to inhibit HIV transmission awaits assessment of the influence of ejaculated semen on this property and investigations on the role of
Lactobacillus
products such as
d
-lactic acid in this property.
Severe sepsis in women with group BStreptococcusin pregnancy: an exploratory UK national case–control study
Authors: Kalin Asli , Acosta Colleen , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Brocklehurst Peter , Knight Marian 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the incidence of severe maternal sepsis due to group BStreptococcus(GBS) in the UK, and to investigate the associated outcomes for mother and infant.DesignNational case–control study.SettingAll UK consultant-led maternity units.Participants30 women with confirmed or suspected severe GBS sepsis, and 757 control women.Main outcome measuresDisease incidence, additional maternal morbidity, critical care admission, length of stay, infant infection, mortality.ResultsThe incidences of confirmed and presumed severe maternal GBS sepsis were 1.00 and 2.75 per 100 000 maternities, respectively, giving an overall incidence of 3.75 per 100 000. Compared with controls, severe GBS sepsis was associated with higher odds of additional maternal morbidity (OR 12.35, 95% CI 3.96 to 35.0), requiring level 2 (OR 39.3, 95% CI 16.0 to 99.3) or level 3 (OR 182, 95% CI 21.0 to 8701) care and longer hospital stay (median stay in cases and controls was 7 days (range 3–29 days) and 2 days (range 0–16 days), respectively, p<0.001). None of the women died. Severe maternal GBS sepsis was associated with higher odds of infant sepsis (OR 32.7, 95% CI 8.99 to 119.0); 79% of infants, however, did not develop sepsis. There were no associated stillbirths or neonatal deaths.ConclusionsSevere maternal GBS sepsis is a rare occurrence in the UK. It is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Impact of anaemia on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with stable severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Guo Jian , Zheng Cong , Xiao Qiang , Gong Sugang , Zhao Qinhua , Wang Lan , He Jing , Yang Wenlan , Shi Xue , Sun Xingguo , Liu Jinming 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveThis study intended to search for potential correlations between anaemia in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; GOLD stage III) and pulmonary function at rest, exercise capacity as well as ventilatory efficiency, using pulmonary function test (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).SettingThe study was undertaken at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, a tertiary-level centre affiliated to Tongji University. It caters to a large population base within Shanghai and referrals from centres in other cities as well.Participants157 Chinese patients with stable severe COPD were divided into 2 groups: the anaemia group (haemoglobin (Hb) <12.0 g/dL for males, and <11 g/dL for females (n=48)) and the non-anaemia group (n=109).Primary and secondary outcome measuresArterial blood gas, PFT and CPET were tested in all patients.Results(1) Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) corrected by Hb was significantly lower in the anaemia group ((15.3±1.9) mL/min/mm Hg) than in the non-anaemia group ((17.1±2.1) mL/min/mm Hg) (p<0.05). A significant difference did not exist in the level of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1%pred, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), inspiratory capacity (IC), residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC) and RV/TLC (p>0.05). (2) Peak Load, Peak oxygen uptake (), Peak%pred, Peak, Peakpulse and the ratio ofincrease to WR increase () were significantly lower in the anaemia group (p<0.05); however, Peak minute ventilation (VE), Lowest/carbon dioxide output () and Peak dead space/tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) were similar between the 2 groups (p>0.05). (3) A strong positive correlation was found between Hb concentration and Peakin patients with anaemia (r=0.702, p<0.01).ConclusionsAnaemia has a negative impact on gas exchange and exercise tolerance during exercise in patients with severe COPD. The decrease in amplitude of Hb levels is related to the quantity of oxygen uptake.