bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BMP7 Drives Human Adipogenic Stem Cells into Metabolically Active Beige Adipocytes
Authors: Okla Meshail , Ha Jung‐Heun , Temel Ryan E. , Chung Soonkyu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAdult humans have a substantial amount of inducible‐brown (or beige) fat, which is associated with increased energy expenditure and reduced weight gain via thermogenesis. Despite the identification of key regulators of beige adipogenesis, impacts of dietary factors on adaptive thermogenesis are largely unknown, partly due to a lack of validated human cell models. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) is known to promote brown adipogenesis in rodent and human progenitor cells. However, controversy still surrounds the cellular identity in BMP7‐mediated transition of white to brown adipocytes. The aim of this study was to confirm BMP7‐derived human adipocytes as a relevant in vitro model of human beige adipocyte by verifying the cellular lineage and metabolic activity. In this study, we hypothesized that pre‐exposure of the stromal vascular (SV) fraction of primary human adipogenic precursor cells (hASC) to BMP7 would convert metabolically active brown adipocytes. Our results showed that exposure of hASC to human BMP7 was associated with significant escalation of (1) UCP1 gene expression, a signature gene of brown adipocytes, (2) beige specific marker gene expression (i.e., CD137 and TMEM26), (3) glucose and fatty acid uptake, and (4) basal and cAMP‐stimulated oxygen consumption rate compared to white adipocyte control. Taken together, we demonstrated that BMP7 mediates conversion of hASC into metabolically active beige adipocytes. By confirming the cellular identity and metabolic activity, this BMP7‐induced human beige adipocytes from hASC should aid in the discovery and assessment of bioactive molecules to promote adaptive thermogenesis.
5,8‐Dihydroxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐Octadecatrienoic Acid Production by Recombinant Cells Expressing Aspergillus nidulans Diol Synthase
Authors: Seo Min‐Ju , Shin Kyung‐Chul , Jeong Yeon‐Ju , Oh Deok‐Kun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhole cells of recombinant Escherichia coli expressing diol synthase from Aspergillus nidulans produced 5,8‐dihydroxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid from α‐linolenic acid via 8‐hydroperoxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid as an intermediate. The optimal conditions for 5,8‐dihydroxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid production using whole recombinant cells were exhibited at pH 7.0, 40 °C, and 250 rpm with 40 g/L cells, 12 g/L, α‐linolenic acid, and 5 % (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide in a 250‐mL baffled flask containing 50 mL reaction solution. Under these conditions, whole recombinant cells produced 9.1 g/L 5,8‐dihydroxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid for 100 min, with a conversion yield of 75 % (w/w), a volumetric productivity of 5.5 g/L/h, and specific productivity of 137 mg/g‐cells/h. As an intermediate, 8‐hydroperoxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid was observed at approximately 1.4 g/L after 100 min. With regard to dihydroxy fatty acid production, this is the highest reported volumetric and specific productivities thus far. This is the first report on the biotechnological production of 5,8‐dihydroxy‐9,12,15(Z,Z,Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid.
A population‐based study of the prevalence of HPV in three districts of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sureshkumar Belli T. , Shanmughapriya Santhanam , Das Bhudev C. , Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection among women from three districts of Tamil Nadu (Erode, Salem, and Namakkal).MethodsBetween January 27, 2007, and December 15, 2009, 1800 women aged 20–70 years who had normal cervical cytology were enrolled into a cross‐sectional study. Participants completed interviews and provided first void urine samples for assessment of HPV infection.ResultsAmong 1699 eligible samples, 179 (10.5%) were HPV positive. HPV16 was the most common type (affecting 68 [4.0%] women), followed by HPV6 (58 [3.4%]). Among the 179 HPV‐positive women, 71 (39.7%) were aged 36–45 years. An annual income of less than 25 000 INR was significantly associated with HPV infection in all three districts (P < 0.05). Regular intercourse was also associated with HPV in Erode and Salem (P < 0.05).ConclusionScreening and prophylactic vaccines containing HPV16 and HPV6 should be promoted in western Tamil Nadu.
Supply chain management research: Key elements of study design and statistical testing
Authors: Helmuth Catherine A. , Craighead Christopher W. , Connelly Brian L. , Collier Donovan Y. , Hanna Joe B. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOver the past three decades, supply chain management (SCM) has evolved from its origins as a nascent field of study to encompass construct definition, identification of the field's central issues, and establishment of its conceptual boundaries. At this point, a sufficient body of empirical SCM research has been put forward to allow for quantitative assessment of the field. Therefore, we examine three key elements of study design to assess what has happened, what is currently happening, and where we should be heading as a field. To do so, following a pattern of reviews in similar disciplines, we begin with an examination of effect sizes of the relationships under investigation. Results show that effect sizes in SCM research have marginally increased over time and that sub‐domains within SCM that receive the most scholarly attention also have higher effect sizes. We also conduct a post hoc analysis of statistical power and empirically examine a range of factors and study contexts that could influence power. Findings suggest that average statistical power in SCM research exceeds the statistical power of most related disciplines and is particularly high in several unique contexts. Lastly, we find that measurement reliability and the use of control variables have increased over time, possibly suggesting the field has matured, instilling a degree of confidence in its research. Overall, our results show that SCM research is becoming more empirically rigorous, but we also uncover key areas that warrant improvement. We describe implications of our review for the design of future SCM empirical studies.
Rapid, Highly Discriminatory Binary Genotyping to Demonstrate Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in a Tertiary Care Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sadler CW , Nayyar V , Stachowski ER , O’Sullivan MVN , Gilbert GL , Byth K 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesNo previous studies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) epidemiology in adult intensive care units (ICUs) have assessed the utility of rapid, highly discriminatory strain typing in the investigation of transmission events.DesignObservational.SettingA 22-bed medical-surgical adult ICU.PatientsThose admissions MRSA-positive on initial screening and all admissions <48 hours in duration were excluded, leaving a cohort of 653 patients (median age, 61 years; APACHE-II, 19).MethodsWe conducted this study of MRSA transmission over 1 year (August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012) using a multiplex PCR-based reverse line blot (mPCR/RLB) assay to genotype isolates from surveillance swabs obtained at admission and twice weekly during ICU stays. MRSA prevalence and incidence rates were calculated and transmission events were identified using strain matching. Colonization pressure was calculated daily by summation of all MRSA cases.ResultsOf 1,030 admissions to ICU during the study period, 349 patients were excluded. MRSA acquisition occurred during 31 of 681 (4.6%) remaining admissions; 19 of 31(61%) acquisitions were genotype-confirmed, including 7 (37%) due to the most commonly transmitted strain. Moving averages of MRSA patient numbers on the days prior to a documented event were used in a Poisson regression model. A significant association was found between transmission and colonization pressure when the average absolute colonization pressure on the previous day was ≥3 (χ2=7.41, P=0.01).ConclusionsmPCR/RLB characterizes MRSA isolates within a clinically useful time frame for identification of single-source clusters within the ICU. High MRSA colonization pressure (≥3 MRSA-positive patients) on a given day is associated with an increased likelihood of a transmission event.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0):1–9
Precautionary Practices of Healthcare Workers Who Disinfect Medical and Dental Devices Using High-Level Disinfectants
Authors: Henn Scott A. , Boiano James M. , Steege Andrea L. 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUNDHigh-level disinfectants (HLDs) are used throughout the healthcare industry to chemically disinfect reusable, semicritical medical and dental devices to control and prevent healthcare-associated infections among patient populations. Workers who use HLDs are at risk of exposure to these chemicals, some of which are respiratory and skin irritants and sensitizers.OBJECTIVETo evaluate exposure controls used and to better understand impediments to healthcare workers using personal protective equipment while handling HLDs.DESIGNWeb-based survey.PARTICIPANTSA targeted sample of members of professional practice organizations representing nurses, technologists/technicians, dental professionals, respiratory therapists, and others who reported handling HLDs in the previous 7 calendar days. Participating organizations invited either all or a random sample of members via email, which included a hyperlink to the survey.METHODSDescriptive analyses were conducted including simple frequencies and prevalences.RESULTSA total of 4,657 respondents completed the survey. The HLDs used most often were glutaraldehyde (59%), peracetic acid (16%), and ortho-phthalaldehyde (15%). Examples of work practices or events that could increase exposure risk included failure to wear water-resistant gowns (44%); absence of standard procedures for minimizing exposure (19%); lack of safe handling training (17%); failure to wear protective gloves (9%); and a spill/leak of HLD during handling (5%). Among all respondents, 12% reported skin contact with HLDs, and 33% of these respondents reported that they did not always wear gloves.CONCLUSIONFindings indicated that precautionary practices were not always used, underscoring the importance of improved employer and worker training and education regarding HLD hazards.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6
Clostridium difficileInfection (CDI) Severity and Outcome among Patients Infected with the NAP1/BI/027 Strain in a Non-Epidemic Setting
Authors: Scardina T. , Labuszewski L. , Pacheco S.M. , Adams W. , Schreckenberger P. , Johnson S. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVEDetermine whether the NAP1 strain identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based stool assay is correlated with CDI severity and clinical outcomes.METHODSMedical records of adult patients with positive stool Xpert® Clostridium difficile PCR assay for an initial episode of CDI between January 2012 and January 2013 at a tertiary care hospital in Chicago were reviewed. Two patients diagnosed with CDI caused by a non-NAP1 strain (positive Xpert® C. difficile assay but negative Xpert® C. difficile Epi assay) were included for each patient diagnosed with CDI caused by a NAP1 strain (positive Epi assay). Patient charts were reviewed for markers of severity, risk factors, treatment regimens, and outcomes.RESULTSOf 494 stool specimens, 90 (18%) that were positive for C. difficile by PCR were positive for NAP1 strain. In total, 37 patients with CDI due to NAP1 were matched with 74 patients with CDI due to non-NAP1 strains. Multivariable model revealed individuals ≥65 years old were 3 times more likely to have NAP1 strain than individuals <65 (P=.02). Residents of a nursing home prior to hospitalization were 10 times more likely to have NAP1 strain than patients residing in their homes (P=.001). More NAP1 cases had a change in treatment from metronidazole to oral vancomycin plus intravenous metronidazole (P=.01). The severity of CDI, incidence of mortality and recurrent CDI were similar between groups.CONCLUSIONSIn a nonepidemic setting, NAP1 strains were more common in older patients and individuals admitted from nursing homes. Identification of NAP1 by PCR of stool specimens was associated in a change of therapy but did not predict worse outcomes. Reporting strain results may not be clinically useful in routine settings.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7
Sexual reproduction and genetic exchange in parasitic protists
Authors: WEEDALL GARETH D. , HALL NEIL 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYA key part of the life cycle of an organism is reproduction. For a number of important protist parasites that cause human and animal disease, their sexuality has been a topic of debate for many years. Traditionally, protists were considered to be primitive relatives of the ‘higher’ eukaryotes, which may have diverged prior to the evolution of sex and to reproduce by binary fission. More recent views of eukaryotic evolution suggest that sex, and meiosis, evolved early, possibly in the common ancestor of all eukaryotes. However, detecting sex in these parasites is not straightforward. Recent advances, particularly in genome sequencing technology, have allowed new insights into parasite reproduction. Here, we review the evidence on reproduction in parasitic protists. We discuss protist reproduction in the light of parasitic life cycles and routes of transmission among hosts.
Conversation Analysis in Applied Linguistics
Authors: Kasper Gabriele , Wagner Johannes 
Published: December 2014

For the last decade, conversation analysis (CA) has increasingly contributed to several established fields in applied linguistics. In this article, we will discuss its methodological contributions. The article distinguishes between basic and applied CA. Basic CA is a sociological endeavor concerned with understanding fundamental issues of talk in action and of intersubjectivity in human conduct. The field has expanded its scope from the analysis of talk—often phone calls—towards an integration of language with other semiotic resources for embodied action, including space and objects. Much of this expansion has been driven by applied work.After laying out CA's standard practices of data treatment and analysis, this article takes up the role of comparison as a fundamental analytical strategy and reviews recent developments into cross-linguistic and cross-cultural directions. The remaining article focuses on applied CA, the application of basic CA's principles, methods, and findings to the study of social domains and practices that are interactionally constituted. We consider three strands—foundational, social problem oriented, and institutional applied CA—before turning to recent developments in CA research on learning and development. In conclusion, we address some emerging themes in the relationship of CA and applied linguistics, including the role of multilingualism, standard social science methods as research objects, CA's potential for direct social intervention, and increasing efforts to complement CA with quantitative analysis.
Case Study Research on Language Learning and Use
Authors: Duff Patricia A. 
Published: December 2014

Case study research has played a very important role in applied linguistics since the field was established, particularly in studies of language teaching, learning, and use. The case in such studies generally has been a person (e.g., a teacher, learner, speaker, writer, or interlocutor) or a small number of individuals on their own or in a group (e.g., a family, a class, a work team, or a community of practice). The cases are normally studied in depth in order to provide an understanding of individuals’ experiences, issues, insights, developmental pathways, or performance within a particular linguistic, social, or educational context. Rather than discuss constructs, hypotheses, and findings in terms of statistical patterns or trends derived from a larger sample or survey of a population of language learners, as in some quantitative research, a qualitative case study of a person presents a contextualized human profile. Case study has contributed substantially to theory development, generating new perspectives or offering a refutation or refinement of earlier theories in applied linguistics by analyzing linguistic, cultural, and social phenomena associated with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults.In recent years, the purview of case studies in applied linguistics has expanded to include many previously underrepresented topics, linguistic situations, theoretical perspectives, and populations. This article provides an overview of some traditional areas of coverage and then newer foci in terms of methodology, thematic areas, and findings pertaining to language learners in transnational, multilingual, and diaspora contexts especially.
Separate norovirus outbreaks linked to one source of imported frozen raspberries by molecular analysis, Denmark, 2010–2011
Authors: MÜLLER L. , SCHULTZ A. C. , FONAGER J. , JENSEN T. , LISBY M. , HINDSDAL K. , KRUSELL L. , ESHØJ A. , MØLLER L. T. , PORSBO L. J. , BÖTTIGER B. E. , KUHN K. , ENGBERG J. , ETHELBERG S. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYNorovirus outbreaks occur frequently in Denmark and it can be difficult to establish whether apparently independent outbreaks have the same origin. Here we report on six outbreaks linked to frozen raspberries, investigated separately over a period of 3 months. Norovirus from stools were sequence-typed; including extended sequencing of 1138 bp encompassing the hypervariable P2 region of the capsid gene. Norovirus was detected in 27 stool samples. Genotyping showed genotype GI.Pb_GI.6 (polymerase/capsid) with 100% identical sequences. Samples from five outbreaks were furthermore identical over the variable capsid P2 region. In one outbreak at a hospital canteen, frozen raspberries was associated with illness by cohort investigation (relative risk 6·1, 95% confidence interval 3·2–11). Bags of raspberries suspected to be the source were positive for genogroup I and II noroviruses, one typable virus was genotype GI.6 (capsid). These molecular investigations showed that the apparently independent outbreaks were the result of one contamination event of frozen raspberries. The contaminated raspberries originated from a single producer in Serbia and were originally not considered to belong to the same batch. The outbreaks led to consultations and mutual visits between producers, investigators and authorities. Further, Danish legislation was changed to make heat-treatment of frozen raspberries compulsory in professional catering establishments.
Model Describing the Effect of Employment of the United States Military in a Complex Emergency
Authors: MacMillan Donald S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe end of the Cold War vastly altered the worldwide political landscape. With the loss of a main competitor, the United States (US) military has had to adapt its strategic, operational, and tactical doctrines to an ever-increasing variety of non-traditional missions, including humanitarian operations. Complex emergencies (CEs) are defined in this paper from a political and military perspective, various factors that contribute to their development are described, and issues resulting from the employment of US military forces are discussed. A model was developed to illustrate the course of a humanitarian emergency and the potential impact of a military response. The US intervention in Haiti, Northern Iraq, Kosovo, Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda serve as examples.A CE develops when there is civil conflict, loss of national governmental authority, a mass population movement, and massive economic failure, each leading to a general decline in food security. The military can alleviate a CE in four ways: (1) provide security for relief efforts; (2) enforce negotiated settlements; (3) provide security for non-combatants; and/or (4) employ logistical capabilities.The model incorporates Norton and Miskel's taxonomy of identifying failing states and helps illustrate the factors that lead to a CE. The model can be used to determine if and when military intervention will have the greatest impact. The model demonstrates that early military intervention and mission assignment within the core competencies of the forces can reverse the course of a CE. Further study will be needed to verify the model.
Very Late Treatment-Related Alterations in Brain Function of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Stouten-Kemperman Myrle M. , de Ruiter Michiel B. , Boogerd Willem , Veltman Dick J. , Reneman Liesbeth , Schagen Sanne B. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for breast cancer (BC) is associated with very late side-effects on cognition and brain function, studies on adverse effects of specific treatment regimens are scarce. Here, neurotoxicity profiles after different treatment strategies were compared in BC survivors randomized to high-dose (HI) or conventional-dose (CON-) CT, in women treated with radiotherapy (RT) -only and a healthy control (HC) group. We administered a neurocognitive test battery, a planning fMRI task (Tower of London) and episodic memory fMRI task (Paired Associates paradigm) in BC survivors who received CON-CT (n=24) and HC (n=27). Data were compared to BC survivors who received HI-CT (n=17) and RT-only (n=15) and who were previously assessed. Testing took place ±11.5 years post-CT. Furthermore, neurocognitive data were compared to neurocognitive data acquired ≤2 years post-treatment. Cognitive assessment revealed sustained cognitive decline in 10.5% of HI-CT, 8.3% of CON-CT, 6.7% of RT-only patients and 0% in the HC. Hypoactivation was found in task-related prefrontal and parietal areas for both CT-groups versus RT-only, with HI-CT showing more pronounced hypoactivation than CON-CT, combined with worse task performance. RT-only survivors performed at a similar level to HC while showing hyperactivation in task-related brain areas. Long after treatment, CT is associated with cognitive problems and task-related hypoactivation that depend on the specific cytotoxic regimen. This worse performance in patients who received CT could be explained by impaired brain functioning that is more severe with more intense CT. (JINS, 2015, 21, 50–61)
Breakfast intake among adults with type 2 diabetes: influence on daily energy intake
Authors: Jarvandi Soghra , Schootman Mario , Racette Susan B 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association between breakfast energy and total daily energy intake among individuals with type 2 diabetes.DesignCross-sectional study. Daily energy intake was computed from a 24 h dietary recall. Multiple regression models were used to estimate the association between daily energy intake (dependent variable) and quartiles of energy intake at breakfast (independent variable), expressed in either absolute or relative (percentage of total daily energy intake) terms. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to test for linear and quadratic trends. Models were controlled for sex, age, race/ethnicity, BMI, physical activity and smoking. In addition, we used separate multiple regression models to test the effect of quartiles of absolute and relative breakfast energy on energy intake at lunch, dinner and snacks.SettingThe 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).SubjectsParticipants aged ≥30 years with self-reported history of diabetes (n 1146).ResultsDaily energy intake increased as absolute breakfast energy intake increased (linear trend, P<0·0001; quadratic trend, P=0·02), but decreased as relative breakfast energy intake increased (linear trend, P<0·0001). In addition, while higher quartiles of absolute breakfast intake had no associations with energy intake at subsequent meals, higher quartiles of relative breakfast intake were associated with lower energy intake during all subsequent meals and snacks (P<0·05).ConclusionsConsuming a breakfast that provided less energy or comprised a greater proportion of daily energy intake was associated with lower total daily energy intake in adults with type 2 diabetes.