bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stigma as a barrier to treatment for child acute malnutrition in Marsabit County, Kenya
Authors: Bliss Jessica Robin , Njenga Martin , Stoltzfus Rebecca Joyce , Pelletier David Louis 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAcute malnutrition affects millions of children each year, yet global coverage of life‐saving treatment through the community‐based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) is estimated to be below 15%. We investigated the potential role of stigma as a barrier to accessing CMAM. We surveyed caregivers bringing children to rural health facilities in Marsabit County, Kenya, divided into three strata based on the mid‐upper arm circumference of the child: normal status (n = 327), moderate acute malnutrition (MAM, n = 241) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM, n = 143). We used multilevel mixed effects logistic regression to estimate the odds of reporting shame as a barrier to accessing health care. We found that the most common barriers to accessing child health care were those known to be universally problematic: women's time and labour constraints. These constituted the top five most frequently reported barriers regardless of child acute malnutrition status. In contrast, the odds of reporting shame as a barrier were 3.64 (confidence interval: 1.66–8.03, P < 0.05) times higher in caregivers of MAM and SAM children relative to those of normal children. We conclude that stigma is an under‐recognized barrier to accessing CMAM and may constrain programme coverage. In light of the large gap in coverage of CMAM, there is an urgent need to understand the sources of acute malnutrition‐associated stigma and adopt effective means of de‐stigmatization.
Semiparametric small area estimation for binary outcomes with application to unemployment estimation for local authorities in the UK
Authors: Chambers Ray , Salvati Nicola , Tzavidis Nikos 
Published: May 2015

SummaryA new semiparametric and robust approach to small area estimation for discrete outcomes is proposed. The methodology represents an efficient and easily computed alternative to prediction by using a generalized linear mixed model and is based on an extension of M-quantile regression. In addition, two estimators of the prediction mean-squared error are described: one based on Taylor linearization and another based on the block bootstrap. The methodology proposed is applied to UK annual Labour Force Survey data for estimating the proportion of the unemployed in local authorities in the UK. The properties of estimators are further empirically assessed in model-based simulations.
Fatal false‐negative transfusion infection involving a buffy coat platelet pool contaminated with biofilm‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis: a case report
Authors: Kou Yuntong , Pagotto Franco , Hannach Barbara , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDBacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) poses the major posttransfusion infectious risk in developed countries. The aerobic microorganism most frequently isolated from PCs is coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus epidermidis, a normal inhabitant of the human skin, which has been involved in fatal transfusion reactions worldwide.CASE REPORTIn September 2014, a splenectomized elderly male patient, suffering from leukemia, was transfused with two 5‐day‐old buffy coat platelet (PLT) pools. The patient returned to emergency on the same day with a low‐grade fever. He was bacteremic and died on the next day. Microbiology and molecular testing of a blood sample from the patient and one of the PCs yielded the same S. epidermidis strain. Further analysis demonstrated that this S. epidermidis isolate displays a biofilm‐positive phenotype in PCs.DISCUSSIONAt Canadian Blood Services, PCs are screened for bacterial contamination with the BacT/ALERT system (bioMérieux) at approximately 24 hours postcollection. The implicated PC had been tested and yielded a false‐negative culture result. A titration experiment indicated that, at the time of screening, the contaminated PC had a titer of less than 0.74 colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL (<227 CFUs/unit) of S. epidermidis. Mathematical models have predicted that up to 70% of PCs contaminated with coagulase‐negative staphylococci at concentrations of 0.02 CFU/mL can be missed by BacT/ALERT screening.CONCLUSIONDespite several mitigation strategies, false‐negative cultures with current PLT screening practices still occur. This report creates awareness of the pathogenicity of opportunistic S. epidermidis, a low‐virulence organism, in susceptible patients who may not develop a typical transfusion reaction.
Nanofiltration to remove microparticles and decrease the thrombogenicity of plasma: in vitro feasibility assessment
Authors: Chou Ming‐Li , Lin Liang‐Tzung , Devos David , Burnouf Thierry 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDAs plasma contains procoagulant microparticles (MPs), removing MPs by 75‐nm nanofiltration may decrease plasma in vitro thrombogenicity while maintaining the hemostatic activity from coagulation factors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe defined conditions to nanofilter leukoreduced plasma on a 75‐nm hollow‐fiber membrane filter. Plasma quality was assessed by coagulation, immunochemical, and electrophoretic assays. MP removal was evaluated by biophysical (flow cytometry, dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and tunable resistive pulse sensing) and functional (thrombin generation assay [TGA; Technothrombin], prothrombinase [Zymuphen MP‐activity], tissue factor [Zymuphen MP‐TF], and procoagulant phospholipid‐dependent clotting time [STA‐Procoag‐PPL] assays) methods. Spiking experiments using platelet MPs were performed to determine extent of removal by nanofiltration.RESULTSFreshly collected leukoreduced, but not previously frozen, plasma could be readily nanofiltered on a 0.01‐m2 75‐nm nanofilter under conditions preserving protein and lipoprotein profile, coagulation factor content, and global coagulation activity (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time). Biophysical methods confirmed an extensive removal of MPs during nanofiltration. All functional assays indicated a marked reduction of plasma in vitro thrombogenicity. There was no thrombin generation in nanofiltered plasma tested by TGA assay with “RC‐low phospholipid concentration” reagent, while it was similar to that of starting and leukoreduced plasma samples when using “RC‐high phospholipid concentration” reagent. More than 9 log of MPs were removed by nanofiltration.CONCLUSIONNanofiltration of 75 nm efficiently removes MPs and decreases in vitro thrombogenicity of plasma without affecting the protein content or the hemostatic activity of coagulation factors. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of MP removal on in vivo thrombogenic risks and hemostatic efficacy.
Routine filtration of hematopoietic stem cell products: the time has arrived
Authors: Paulson Kristjan , Gilpin Scott G. , Shpiruk Tanner A. , Anjos Karla , Tulloch Marie , Giftakis Angleine , Blankstein Anna R. , Szwajcer David , Wall Donna A. 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDMost blood products are infused at the time of transfusion through a standard blood filter, designed to capture macroaggregates and cellular debris that might be harmful to the patient if infused. Hematopoietic stem cell products are not universally filtered, likely due to concern about loss of viable stem cells in the filtration process.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a two‐phase study to better understand the safety of routine filtration. First, surplus cryopreserved stem cell products were thawed and filtered, with markers of viability and potency measured. Second, routine filtration was implemented as part of routine practice at our center, and date of neutrophil and platelet (PLT) recovery was compared to historical controls.RESULTSIn the first phase, there was no difference seen in any markers of viability or potency for products after routine filtration. Based on those results, routine filtration was implemented. There was no difference in neutrophil or PLT engraftment. Thus, in this study, routine filtration did not impact the number of viable stem cells and did not delay engraftment.CONCLUSIONGiven the very real harm posed by infusion of macroaggregates and cellular debris, and no clear disadvantage to filtration, routine filtration of stem cell products should be considered the standard of care.
Comparative morphology of the snake spectacle using light and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Da Silva Mari‐Ann O. , Bertelsen Mads F. , Wang Tobias , Prause Jan U. , Svahn Thøger , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the interspecific variation in the morphology of the snake spectacle.Animals studiedAbout 43 snakes of 14 different species, belonging to three different families: Boidae, Colubridae, and Pythonidae.ProcedureThe spectacles were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The thickness of the stromal layer was measured and the location of the blood vessels was noted. The shape of the transition zone located at the rim of the spectacle and the presence of pigment herein were also recorded.ResultsThe spectacles of all species examined consisted of three layers. The outer epithelium was made of basal cells with overlaying keratin layers, the stroma comprised layers of organized collagen fibrils, and the inner epithelium was a layer of squamous cells with microvilli. Blood vessels were found in the stroma of all spectacles: in boas and pythons in the middle layers of the stroma and in colubrids adjacent to the inner epithelium. Boas and pythons were endowed with the thickest stromal layers (81–132 μm) compared to colubrids (9–95 μm). Boas and pythons had a convex transition zone, while the transition zone of the colubrids exhibited a steady increase in spectacle thickness toward the hinge region. The transition zone contained pigment in boas and pythons.ConclusionThe overall morphology of the spectacle was similar among the major families of snakes. However, the location of blood vessels and appearance of transition zone differed, as did the overall thickness of the spectacle.
Inflammation decreases keratin level in ulcerative colitis; inadequate restoration associates with increased risk of colitis-associated cancer
Authors: Corfe Bernard M , Majumdar Debabrata , Assadsangabi Arash , Marsh Alexandra M R , Cross Simon S , Connolly Joanne B , Evans Caroline A , Lobo Alan J 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundKeratins are intermediate filament (IF) proteins, which form part of the epithelial cytoskeleton and which have been implicated pathology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).MethodsIn this study biopsies were obtained from IBD patients grouped by disease duration and subtype into eight categories based on cancer risk and inflammatory status: quiescent recent onset (<5 years) UC (ROUC); UC with primary sclerosing cholangitis; quiescent long-standing pancolitis (20–40 years) (LSPC); active colitis and non-inflamed proximal colonic mucosa; pancolitis with dysplasia-both dysplastic lesions (DT) and distal rectal mucosa (DR); control group without pathology. Alterations in IF protein composition across the groups were determined by quantitative proteomics. Key protein changes were validated by western immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultAcute inflammation resulted in reduced K8, K18, K19 and VIM (all p<0.05) compared to controls and non inflamed mucosa; reduced levels of if– associated proteins were also seen in DT and DR. Increased levels of keratins in LSPC was noted relative to controls or ROUC (K8, K18, K19 and VIM, p<0.05). Multiple K8 forms were noted on immunoblotting, with K8 phosphorylation reduced in progressive disease along with an increase in VIM:K8 ratio. K8 levels and phosphorylation are reduced in acute inflammation but appear restored or elevated in subjects with clinical and endoscopic remission (LSPC) but not apparent in subjects with elevated risk of cancer.ConclusionsThese data suggest that keratin regulation in remission may influence subsequent cancer risk.
Detection of Majorana fermions by Fano resonance in hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Xia Jun-Jie , Duan Su-Qing , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The realization and detection of Majorana fermions in condensed matter systems are of considerable importance and interest. We propose a scheme to detect the Majorana fermions by Fano resonance in hybrid nanostructures made of semiconductor quantum dots and quantum wire in proximity to superconductor. Through detailed theoretical studies of the transport properties of our hybrid nanostructures based on the non-equilibrium Green’s function technique and the equation of motion approach, it is found that the Fano resonance in the current response due to the interference among different transmission paths may give clear signature of the existence of Majorana modes. Moreover, we have found a peculiar relationship between the Fano factor q and the Majorana bound state coupling strength/the length of nanowire, which can be used for a design of an electronic nanoruler. Our method of detection of Majorana fermions based on Fano resonance is related to the global conductance profile, thus is robust to perturbations.
Relation between the strength and dimensionality of defect-free carbon crystals
Authors: Kotrechko Sergiy , Timoshevskii Andrey , Kolyvoshko Eugene , Matviychuk Yuriy 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
On the basis of ab initio simulations, the value of strength of interatomic bonds in one-, two- and three-dimensional carbon crystals is obtained. It is shown that decreasing in dimensionality of crystal gives rise to nearly linear increase in strength of atomic bonds. It is ascertained that growth of strength of the crystal with a decrease in its dimensionality is due to both a reduction in coordination number of atom and increase in the angle between the directions of atomic bonds. Based on these data, it is substantiated that the one-dimensional (1D) crystals have maximum strength, and strength of carbyne is the absolute upper limit of strength of materials.
A candidate gene study reveals association between a variant of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ) gene and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Marangoni Roberta Goncalves , Korman Benjamin D , Allanore Yannick , Dieude Philippe , Armstrong Loren L , Rzhetskaya Margarita , Hinchcliff Monique , Carns Mary , Podlusky Sofia , Shah Sanjiv J , Ruiz Barbara , Hachulla Eric , Tiev Kiet , Cracowski Jean-Luc , Varga John , Hayes M Geoffrey 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The multifunctional nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has potent anti-fibrotic effects, and its expression and activity are impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated PPAR-γ gene (PPARG) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SSc.

Methods
Tag SNPs spanning PPARG were genotyped in a European ancestry US discovery cohort comprising 152 SSc patients and 450 controls, with replication of our top signal in a European cohort (1031 SSc patients and 1014 controls from France). Clinical parameters and disease severity were analyzed to evaluate clinical associations with PPARG variants.

Results
In the discovery cohort, a single PPARG intronic SNP (rs10865710) was associated with SSc (p = 0.010; odds ratio = 1.52 per C allele, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.08). This association was replicated in the French validation cohort (p = 0.052; odds ratio = 1.16 per C allele, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.35). Meta-analysis of both cohorts indicated stronger evidence for association (p = 0.002; odds ratio = 1.22 per C allele, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.40). The rs10865710 C allele was also associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in the French SSc cohort (p = 0.002; odds ratio = 2.33 per C allele, 95% confidence interval 1.34-4.03).

Conclusions
A PPARG variant is associated with susceptibility to SSc, consistent with a role of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis of SSc.
A critical evaluation of science outreach via social media: its role and impact on scientists
Authors: McClain Craig , Neeley Liz 
Published: May 2015

The role of scientists in social media and its impact on their careers are not fully explored. While policies and best practices are still fluid, it is concerning that discourse is often based on little to no data, and some arguments directly contradict the available data. Here, we consider the relevant but subjective questions about science outreach via social media (SOSM), specifically: (1) Does a public relations nightmare exist for science?; (2) Why (or why aren’t) scientists engaging in social media?; (3) Are scientists using social media well?; and (4) Will social media benefit a scientist’s career? We call for the scientific community to create tangible plans that value, measure, and help manage scientists’ social media engagement.
Case Study of Three High-Performing Contract Loggers with Distinct Harvest Systems: Are They Thriving, Striving, or Just Surviving?
Authors: Germain René , Bick Steven , Kelly Matthew , Benjamin Jeffrey , Farrand Wendy 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This article focuses on the narrow margins faced by contract loggers under various harvest systems in the forest products supply chain of the northeastern United States. Contract logging firms conduct a majority of the harvesting across the various forest cover types of the region—from spruce-fir to white pine to northern hardwoods—supplying sawlogs, pulpwood, chipwood, and firewood to various markets. Over the past few decades, performance expectations have increased owing to the expansion of harvesting regulations, including best management practices, and the adoption of forest and logger certification programs. These rising expectations have corresponded with increasing logging costs, resulting in narrowing margins for contract loggers. Using results from a recent logger case study, we examine operating margins for three harvest systems under varying terrain, harvest levels, and systems configurations. Results suggest that across all harvest systems, there is a fine line between just making a living (striving), succeeding and growing (thriving), and only partially covering costs while losing equity to uncompensated depreciation (surviving).
Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in cryoconserved chicken primordial germ cells
Authors: Sawicka Dorota , Chojnacka-Puchta Luiza , Zielinski Marcin , Plucienniczak Grazyna , Plucienniczak Andrzej , Bednarczyk Marek 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOur research aimed to compare the effects of four cryoprotectants and four slow freezing programs on the viability and apoptosis of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vitro. PGCs were collected from chicken embryonic blood at Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stages 14-16 and purified by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and then subjected to cryopreservation. We applied microscopy to determine the survival of PGCs after trypan blue staining and flow cytometry to examine apoptosis and viability after annexin V kit staining. We also examined the functionality of cryopreserved PGCs in vivo. Significant differences in viability of PGCs determined via microscopy and flow cytometry were observed. The most unfavorable combination for slow freezing PGCs was program 3 and MIX H (10% DMSO and 5% glycerol in Hank’s solution supplemented with 10% FBS) as the cryoprotectant (48.43 and 15.37% live and early apoptotic PGCs, respectively). The highest average percentage of live PGCs (93.1%) and the lowest percentage of early apoptotic PGCs (6.5%) were achieved by slow freezing PGCs in the presence of DMSO F (10% DMSO in FBS) via program 1. Therefore, this method was chosen for the in vivo test. Cryopreserved (group 1) and freshly isolated (group 2) PGCs were transfectedwith a pEGFP-N1 plasmid, cultured under antibiotic selection, and then injected into 3-day-old embryos. After 5 days of incubation, we identified the EGFP marker gene in the gonads of 40 and 45% of recipients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. This is the first study to apply flow cytometry to examine the apoptosis and viability of cryopreserved PGCs. The in vitro and in vivo findings showed that the developed PGC cryoconservation method, depending on slow freezing at the rate of 2°C/min (program 1) in the presence of 10% DMSO F, is an improvement over previous cryoconservation methods and may be a useful tool for the ex situ strategy of poultry biodiversity preservation.
Der Pferdediskurs im England des 17. Jahrhunderts. Die horsemanship-Traktate als geschichtswissenschaftlicher Untersuchungsgegenstand
Authors: Saracino Stefano 
Published: May 2015

Zusammenfassung
Die kulturhistorische Erforschung der Grenzregime, die in der Frühen Neuzeit die natürliche Grenze zwischen Mensch und Tier festlegten, und die Instabilität und Brüchigkeit dieser Grenze haben in letzter Zeit im Kontext der human-animal-history besondere Aufmerksamkeit erlangt. Dressur- und Manegepferde, deren Züchtung, Haltung und Vorführung im Mittelpunkt der Quellenmaterialien stehen, die für die vorliegende Studie ausgewertet wurden, passen eher schlecht zum Bild vom wilden und vernunftlosen Tier, aus dem sich traditionell ein menschlicher Herrschaftsauftrag ableiten ließ. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift diesen Gegenstand auf und beleuchtet ihn anhand der horsemanship-Traktatistik sowie des Pferdediskurses, der im England des 17. Jahrhundert geführt wurde. Mit den Fallbeispielen des Stuart-Hofes und der Cavendish-Familie wird allerdings versucht, darüber hinausgehend die wissenschaftliche Relevanz und das heuristische Potential der horsemanship für verschiedene Forschungszweige der Geschichtswissenschaften zu veranschaulichen. Die Thematik liefert u. a. neue Einblicke in die Erforschung des historischen Wandels von Naturkonzeptionen und dessen Auswirkungen auf politische Ordnungsentwürfe oder aber in die semantische und symbolische Kommunikation adeligen Selbstverständnisses, aber auch des Selbstverständnisses nichtadeliger Ständegruppen. Das Pferd eignet sich besonders gut zur semiotischen Repräsentation von Standeszugehörigkeit sowie als Legitimationsressource, die die abgehobene Stellung des adeligen Standes ebenso wie seine politische Bedeutung rechtfertigt. Über das Pferd und die horsemanship wurden im 17. Jahrhundert deshalb ständegesellschaftliche Konflikte ausgetragen, an denen sich aufzeigen lässt, dass Tiere und die Interaktion zwischen Tier und Mensch in der Frühen Neuzeit eine eminent politische Bedeutung besaßen.
What Can Experiments Tell Us About How to Improve Government Performance?
Authors: Gisselquist Rachel M. , Niño-Zarazúa Miguel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn recent years, experimental methods have been both highly celebrated, and roundly criticized, as a means of addressing core questions in the social sciences. They have received particular attention in the analysis of development interventions. This paper focuses on two key questions: (1) what have been the main contributions of RCTs to the study of government performance? and (2) what could be the contributions, and relatedly the limits? It draws inter alia on a new systematic review of experimental and quasi-experimental studies on governance to consider both the contributions and limits of RCTs in the extant literature. A final section introduces the studies included in this symposium in light of this discussion. Collectively, the studies push beyond polarized debates over experimental methods towards a new middle ground, considering both how experimental work can better address identified weaknesses and how experimental and non-experimental techniques can be combined most fruitfully.