bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Detection and Typing of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria by Pyrosequencing
Authors: Gan Qinhua , Lu Yandu , Shao Xiuling , Sun Tao , Li Yan , Liu Caixia 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTaking Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Doidge) Dye, a pathogen with a wide geographical distribution, as a representative, pyrosequencing is shown for the first time to provide characteristic information of plant pathogenic bacteria strain‐specific sequences. Pyrosequencing‐based plant pathogen detection and typing technology is demonstrated to be rapid, highly specific and more sensitive than conventional technologies. The specificity of such assays has been validated by conventional DNA sequencing and metabolic fingerprinting. It is a starting point for the application and development of pyrosequencing in plant inspection and quarantine which underlie agricultural communication.
Evaluation of Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin as a Marker of Kidney Injury in Dogs
Authors: Segev G. , Palm C. , LeRoy B. , Cowgill L.D. , Westropp J.L. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and often fatal disorder in dogs.HypothesisUrine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL)/creatinine ratio is a sensitive and specific biomarker ofAKIin dogs.AnimalsNinety‐four dogs.MethodsProspective study. Dogs were classified as follows: (1) healthy dogs, (2) dogs with lower urinary tract disorders, (3) dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD), (4) dogs with azotemic International Renal Interest Society (IRIS)AKIGrades II–V, and (5) dogs withIRIS AKIGrade I (nonazotemic). UrinaryNGALwas quantitated in each dog using anELISAassay and concentrations were expressed as a ratio to urinary creatinine concentration from the same specimen, and designated the urinaryNGAL/creatinine ratio (UNCR).ResultsThere was a significant difference inUNCRamong the study groups (P < .001). Both the azotemic and nonazotemicAKIgroups had higherUNCRwhen compared with all other groups (P < .001 for all pairs). There was a statistically significant difference inUNCRbetween dogs diagnosed withCKDcompared with dogs with lower urinary tract diseases (P = .005) as well as between dogs withCKDand healthy dogs (P = .001). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis ofUNCRas an indicator of azotemic and nonazotemicAKIhad an area under theROCcurve of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceNGAL/creatinine ratio is a sensitive and specific marker ofAKI. It can be used to screen patients at risk forAKIand can be utilized to diagnose milder forms ofAKIpotentially earlier in the course of the disease.
Meta‐analysis reveals lower genetic diversity in overfished populations
Authors: Pinsky Malin L. , Palumbi Stephen R. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWhile population declines can drive the loss of genetic diversity under some circumstances, it has been unclear whether this loss is a general consequence of overharvest in highly abundant marine fishes. We compiled data from 11 049 loci across 140 species and found that allelic richness was lower in overfished populations within 9 of 12 genera and families. A multiple linear regression showed that allelic richness was on average 12% lower (P < 0.0001) in overharvested populations after accounting for the effects of body size, latitude and other factors. Heterozygosity was on average 2% lower (P = 0.030). Simulations confirmed that these patterns are consistent with a recent bottleneck in abundant species and also showed that our analysis likely underestimates the loss of rare alleles by a factor of two or three. This evidence suggests that overharvest drives the decay of genetic diversity across a wide range of marine fishes. Such reductions of genetic diversity in some of the world's most abundant species may lead to a long‐term impact of fishing on their evolutionary potential, particularly if abundance remains low and diversity continues to decay.
Development of a culture system to induce microglia‐like cells from haematopoietic cells
Authors: Noto Daisuke , Sakuma Hiroshi , Takahashi Kazuya , Saika Reiko , Saga Ryoko , Yamada Masahito , Yamamura Takashi , Miyake Sachiko 
Published: September 2013

AimsMicroglia are the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, originating from haematopoietic‐derived myeloid cells. A microglial cell is a double‐edged sword, which has both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory functions. Although understanding the role of microglia in pathological conditions has become increasingly important, histopathology has been the only way to investigate microglia in human diseases.MethodsTo enable the study of microglial cells in vitro, we here establish a culture system to induce microglia‐like cells from haematopoietic cells by coculture with astrocytes. The characteristics of microglia‐like cells were analysed by flow cytometry and functional assay.ResultsWe show that triggering receptor expressing on myeloid cells‐2‐expressing microglia‐like cells could be induced from lineage negative cells or monocytes by coculture with astrocytes. Microglia‐like cells exhibited lower expression of CD45 and MHC class II than macrophages, a characteristic similar to brain microglia. When introduced into brain slice cultures, these microglia‐like cells changed their morphology to a ramified shape on the first day of the culture. Moreover, we demonstrated that microglia‐like cells could be induced from human monocytes by coculture with astrocytes. Finally, we showed that interleukin 34 was an important factor in the induction of microglia‐like cells from haematopoietic cells in addition to cell–cell contact with astrocytes. Purified microglia‐like cells were suitable for further culture and functional analyses.ConclusionDevelopment of in vitro induction system for microglia will further promote the study of human microglial cells under pathological conditions as well as aid in the screening of drugs to target microglial cells.
Self‐normalization for Spatial Data
Authors: Zhang Xianyang , Li Bo , Shao Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper considers inference for both spatial lattice data with possibly irregularly shaped sampling region and non‐lattice data, by extending the recently proposed self‐normalization (SN) approach from stationary time series to the spatial setup. A nice feature of the SN method is that it avoids the choice of tuning parameters, which are usually required for other non‐parametric inference approaches. The extension is non‐trivial as spatial data has no natural one‐directional time ordering. The SN‐based inference is convenient to implement and is shown through simulation studies to provide more accurate coverage compared with the widely used subsampling approach. We also illustrate the idea of SN using a real data example.
The Changing Value of the Child – A Review of the Literature Regarding Social Perceptions of Sick and Dying Children
Authors: Black Rachel 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article reviews the literature pertaining to the changing value of the child in England since the 19th century, highlighting the relative policy neglect of contemporary sick and dying children. The review discusses the relationship between the value of the child, social constructions of childhood and social policy. The review demonstrates how the value of the child has altered from one of utility to a contemporary position of sacralisation, illustrated by mortality statistics as a measure of associated policy impact. However, large reductions in mortality rates conceal the more complex picture of contemporary child health. Children die each year from life‐limiting and life‐threatening disorders. Moreover, technological developments increasingly allow children to live longer with such conditions, albeit with ever more complex ill health. Such children are therefore dying over protracted periods of time. However, they are largely absent from policy, which tends towards standardised outcome measures which may not reflect the needs of this minority group. Therefore, although contemporary constructions of childhood focus upon sacralisation, reflecting psychological value to parents and society, the most vulnerable child members of society remain neglected in policy and service provision.
Young People's Use and Perceptions of Emergency Contraceptives in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Existing Insights and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Both Rosalijn 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDespite growing international attention to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people, their uptake of modern contraceptive methods remains low, especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This article focuses on young people's use of a relatively new contraceptive method, emergency contraceptives (ECs). Emergency contraceptives can be used after intercourse and have been marketed to be used when other contraceptives fail or after unplanned, unprotected intercourse. This article reviews qualitative evidence from seven studies on young people's experiences with this contraceptive method. Many users of ECs were in their twenties, well‐educated, and either single or in a relationship. Repeated use was found in four of the studies, and ECs may fit within an existing range of post‐coital methods used to prevent pregnancies. While concerns about side effects were reported frequently among non‐users of ECs, other women preferred ECs above other hormonal contraceptive methods. Men were actively involved, for example, as providers of information to their partners, and as purchasers of ECs. Young people's understandings of ECs hence differ from the meanings inscribed to these pills at an international level. Further research on this topic is needed to ensure that young people's (emergency) contraceptive needs are well understood and responded to.
Tris–EDTAsignificantly enhances antibiotic efficacy against multidrug‐resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro
Authors: Buckley Laura M. , McEwan Neil A. , Nuttall Tim 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundMultidrug‐resistantPseudomonas aeruginosacommonly complicates chronic bacterial otitis in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of thisin vitrostudy was to determine the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid–tromethamine (Tris–EDTA) on the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of marbofloxacin and gentamicin for multidrug‐resistantP. aeruginosaisolates from cases of canine otitis.MethodsEleven isolates were identified as multidrug resistant on disc diffusion; 10 were resistant to marbofloxacin and two were resistant to gentamicin. Isolates were incubated for 90 min with each antibiotic alone and in combination with Tris–EDTAat concentrations of 0.075 μg/mL to 5 mg/mL for marbofloxacin, 0.001 μg/mL to 10 mg/mL for gentamicin and 17.8:4.7 to 0.14:0.04 mg/mL for Tris–EDTA. Positive and negative controls were included. Aliquots of each antibiotic and/or Tris–EDTAconcentration were subsequently transferred to sheep blood agar to determine theMBCs, and tryptone soy broth was added to the remaining suspensions to determine theMICs.ResultsTris–EDTAalone was bacteriostatic but not bactericidal at any concentration. The addition of Tris–EDTAsignificantly reduced the medianMBC(from 625 to 468.8 μg/mL;P < 0.001) andMIC(from 29.3 to 2.4 μg/mL;P = 0.008) of marbofloxacin, and the medianMBC(from 625 to 39.1 μg/mL) andMIC(from 19.5 to 1.2 μg/mL) of gentamicin (bothP < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceTris–EDTAsignificantly reduced theMBCs andMICs of marbofloxacin and gentamicin for multidrug‐resistantP. aeruginosa in vitro. This may be of use to clinicians managing these infections in dogs.
Integral division points on curves
Authors: Grant David , Ih Su-Ion 
Published: September 2013

AbstractLet $k$ be a number field with algebraic closure $ \overline{k} $, and let $S$ be a finite set of primes of $k$ containing all the infinite ones. Let $E/ k$ be an elliptic curve, ${\mit{\Gamma} }_{0} $ be a finitely generated subgroup of $E( \overline{k} )$, and $\mit{\Gamma} \subseteq E( \overline{k} )$ the division group attached to ${\mit{\Gamma} }_{0} $. Fix an effective divisor $D$ of $E$ with support containing either: (i) at least two points whose difference is not torsion; or (ii) at least one point not in $\mit{\Gamma} $. We prove that the set of ‘integral division points on $E( \overline{k} )$’, i.e., the set of points of $\mit{\Gamma} $ which are $S$-integral on $E$ relative to $D, $ is finite. We also prove the ${ \mathbb{G} }_{\mathrm{m} } $-analogue of this theorem, thereby establishing the 1-dimensional case of a general conjecture we pose on integral division points on semi-abelian varieties.
Molecular radiotherapy: The NUKFIT software for calculating the time‐integrated activity coefficient
Authors: Kletting P. , Schimmel S. , Kestler H. A. , Hänscheid H. , Luster M. , Fernández M. , Bröer J. H. , Nosske D. , Lassmann M. , Glatting G. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose:Calculation of the time‐integrated activity coefficient (residence time) is a crucial step in dosimetry for molecular radiotherapy. However, available software is deficient in that it is either not tailored for the use in molecular radiotherapy and/or does not include all required estimation methods. The aim of this work was therefore the development and programming of an algorithm which allows for an objective and reproducible determination of the time‐integrated activity coefficient and its standard error.Methods:The algorithm includes the selection of a set of fitting functions from predefined sums of exponentials and the choice of an error model for the used data. To estimate the values of the adjustable parameters an objective function, depending on the data, the parameters of the error model, the fitting function and (if required and available) Bayesian information, is minimized. To increase reproducibility and user‐friendliness the starting values are automatically determined using a combination of curve stripping and random search. Visual inspection, the coefficient of determination, the standard error of the fitted parameters, and the correlation matrix are provided to evaluate the quality of the fit. The functions which are most supported by the data are determined using the corrected Akaike information criterion. The time‐integrated activity coefficient is estimated by analytically integrating the fitted functions. Its standard error is determined assuming Gaussian error propagation. The software was implemented using MATLAB.Results:To validate the proper implementation of the objective function and the fit functions, the results of NUKFIT and SAAM numerical, a commercially available software tool, were compared. The automatic search for starting values was successfully tested for reproducibility. The quality criteria applied in conjunction with the Akaike information criterion allowed the selection of suitable functions. Function fit parameters and their standard error estimated by using SAAM numerical and NUKFIT showed differences of <1%. The differences for the time‐integrated activity coefficients were also <1% (standard error between 0.4% and 3%). In general, the application of the software is user‐friendly and the results are mathematically correct and reproducible. An application of NUKFIT is presented for three different clinical examples.Conclusions:The software tool with its underlying methodology can be employed to objectively and reproducibly estimate the time integrated activity coefficient and its standard error for most time activity data in molecular radiotherapy.
Nonlocal denoising using anisotropic structure tensor for 3D MRI
Authors: Wu Xi , Liu Shujuan , Wu Min , Sun Huaiqiang , Zhou Jiliu , Gong Qiyong , Ding Zhaohua 
Published: September 2013

Purpose:Noise in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is widely recognized to be harmful to image processing and subsequent quantitative analysis. To ameliorate the effects of image noise, the authors present a structure‐tensor based nonlocal mean (NLM) denoising technique that can effectively reduce noise in MRI data and improve tissue characterization.Methods:The proposed 3D NLM algorithm uses a structure tensor to characterize information around tissue boundaries. The similarity weight of a pixel (or patch), which determines its contribution to the denoising process, is determined by the intensity and structure tensor simultaneously. Meanwhile, similarity of structure tensors is computed using an affine‐invariant Riemannian metrics, which compares tensor properties more comprehensively and avoids orientation inaccuracy of structure subsequently. The proposed method is further extended for denoising high dimensional MRI data such as diffusion weighted MRI. It is also extended to handle Rician noise corruption so that denoising effects are further enhanced.Results:The proposed method was implemented in both simulated datasets and multiply modalities of real 3D MRI datasets. Comparisons with related state‐of‐the‐art algorithms demonstrated that this method improves denoising performance qualitatively and quantitatively.Conclusions:In this paper, high order structure information of 3D MRI was characterized by 3D structure tensor and compared for NLM denoising in a Riemannian space. Experiments with simulated and real human MRI data demonstrate a great potential of the proposed technique for routine clinical use.
4D CT lung ventilation images are affected by the 4D CT sorting method
Authors: Yamamoto Tokihiro , Kabus Sven , Lorenz Cristian , Johnston Eric , Maxim Peter G. , Diehn Maximilian , Eclov Neville , Barquero Cristian , Loo Billy W. , Keall Paul J. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose:Four‐dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) ventilation imaging is a novel promising technique for lung functional imaging. The current standard 4D CT technique using phase‐based sorting frequently results in artifacts, which may deteriorate the accuracy of ventilation imaging. The purpose of this study was to quantify the variability of 4D CT ventilation imaging due to 4D CT sorting.Methods:4D CT image sets from nine lung cancer patients were each sorted by the phase‐based method and anatomic similarity‐based method, designed to reduce artifacts, with corresponding ventilation images created for each method. Artifacts in the resulting 4D CT images were quantified with the artifact score which was defined based on the difference between the normalized cross correlation for CT slices within a CT data segment and that for CT slices bordering the interface between adjacent CT data segments. The ventilation variation was quantified using voxel‐based Spearman rank correlation coefficients for all lung voxels, and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) for the spatial overlap of low‐functional lung volumes. Furthermore, the correlations with matching single‐photon emission CT (SPECT) ventilation images (assumed ground truth) were evaluated for three patients to investigate which sorting method provides higher physiologic accuracy.Results:Anatomic similarity‐based sorting reduced 4D CT artifacts compared to phase‐based sorting (artifact score, 0.45 ± 0.14 vs 0.58 ± 0.24,p = 0.10 at peak‐exhale; 0.63 ± 0.19 vs 0.71 ± 0.31, p = 0.25 at peak‐inhale). The voxel‐based correlation between the two ventilation images was 0.69 ± 0.26 on average, ranging from 0.03 to 0.85. The DSC was 0.71 ± 0.13 on average. Anatomic similarity‐based sorting yielded significantly fewer lung voxels with paradoxical negative ventilation values than phase‐based sorting (5.0 ± 2.6% vs 9.7 ± 8.4%, p = 0.05), and improved the correlation with SPECT ventilation regionally.Conclusions:The variability of 4D CT ventilation imaging due to 4D CT sorting was moderate overall and substantial in some cases, suggesting that 4D CT artifacts are an important source of variations in 4D CT ventilation imaging. Reduction of 4D CT artifacts provided more physiologically convincing and accurate ventilation estimates. Further studies are needed to confirm this result.
PP02 Cost-Effectiveness of New left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADS) for Patients with advanced Heart Failure: Analysis of the UK NHS Bridge to Transplant (BTT) programme
Authors: Clarke A , Pulikottil-Jacob R , Connock M , Suri G , Kandala N-B , Maheswaran H , Banner N , Sutcliffe P 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundPublic health measures aim to prevent people from reaching tertiary prevention or palliative or heroic care. Nevertheless these remain the only options for some people. There is an expanding population with very severe heart failure and although heart transplant is the optimal treatment, this option is dependent on a diminishing supply of donor hearts. For more than a decade, the NHS has supported the transplant programme for patients awaiting a donor heart with a ‘bridge to transplant’ programme - surgical implantation of a mechanical pump to support left ventricular function called a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Alternatively individuals waiting for a heart receive medical management with drugs such as intravenous inotropes.MethodsA semi-Markov multi-state economic model was built using NHS costs data and data for patients listed for transplant in the UK NHS Blood and Transplant Data Base (BTDB). Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and incremental cost per QALY were calculated for patients receiving LVADs compared to those receiving medical management with inotrope support.ResultsPatients were mainly white: 86%; male 84.2% (95% CI 79.4, 88.0) and middle aged - mean age 50.8 years (49.3, 52.4). BMI was 26.5 (25.7, 27.3). 25.2% (17.4, 35.1) patients had diabetes. 83.5% (78.0, 87.9) had the highest level of heart failure (NYHA Class IV). 235 patients received a second or third generation LVAD between 2002 -2012 of whom 14% received a heart transplant. 307 patients received medical management and 67% received a transplant. LVADs conferred improved survival compared to medical management. LVADs cost £80,569 per device at 2011 prices. Estimated probabilistic incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £53,527/QALY (£31,802, £94,853) over a lifetime horizon. Estimates were sensitive to choice of comparator, likelihood of receiving a transplant and time to transplant. Reducing device cost by 15% brought the ICER down to £50,106/QALY.DiscussionNew left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) deliver greater health benefits at higher cost than medical management in the UK. Cost-effectiveness estimates are hampered by the lack of randomised comparative evidence. Relatively small reductions in costs of LVADs would bring them into line with other interventions for end of life care already recommended for adoption within the UK NHS by NICE. National Institute for Health Research, UK. Project number HTA 12/02/01.