bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process improvement for printing operations through the DMAIC Lean Six Sigma approach
Authors: Roth Nicholas , Franchetti Matthew 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis project aims to address the problems facing a small printing company during the printing of sample boards. The company was unable to meet their projected yearly demand of 200,000 boards. During the study, the team found that the company's maximum output was 143,400 from two printing machines and thus faced the need to acquire new capital. The goal of this project is, therefore, to create a sustainable process that increased the client's competitive advantage in the printing industry.Design/methodology/approachBy applying Six Sigma and Lean principles, the team identified the current situation that the printing company's operations were in as well as determining the maximum possible output. The team identified methods to increase production output while finding the optimum annual labor costs per unit for possible future situations.FindingsApproximately 30 percent of the workers' activities were found to be non‐value added and there are numerous machine delays that decreased productivity. The project also investigated the optimal number of employees that are needed to staff additional machines, should the company wish to expand its operations.Originality/valueThis project is unique in that it looked at a printing process with a fixed cycle time. This project is useful for any company that is restrained by cycle time and needs to find the most cost‐efficient way to expand their resources.
Maintenance treatment with azacytidine for patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukaemia following MDS in complete remission after induction chemotherapy
Authors: Grövdal Michael , Karimi Mohsen , Khan Rasheed , Aggerholm Anni , Antunovic Petar , Astermark Jan , Bernell Per , Engström Lena‐Maria , Kjeldsen Lars , Linder Olle , Nilsson Lars , Olsson Anna , Holm Mette S. , Tangen Jon M. , Wallvik Jonas , Öberg Gunnar , Hokland Peter , Jacobsen Sten E. , Porwit Anna , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThis prospective Phase II study is the first to assess the feasibility and efficacy of maintenance 5‐azacytidine for older patients with high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and MDS‐acute myeloid leukaemia syndromes in complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Sixty patients were enrolled and treated by standard induction chemotherapy. Patients that reached CR started maintenance therapy with subcutaneous azacytidine, 5/28 d until relapse. Promoter‐methylation status of CDKN2B (P15 ink4b), CDH1 and HIC1 was examined pre‐induction, in CR and 6, 12 and 24 months post CR. Twenty‐four (40%) patients achieved CR after induction chemotherapy and 23 started maintenance treatment with azacytidine. Median CR duration was 13·5 months, >24 months in 17% of the patients, and 18–30·5 months in the four patients with trisomy 8. CR duration was not associated with CDKN2B methylation status or karyotype. Median overall survival was 20 months. Hypermethylation of CDH1 was significantly associated with low CR rate, early relapse, and short overall survival (P = 0·003). 5‐azacytidine treatment, at a dose of 60 mg/m2 was well tolerated. Grade III‐IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred after 9·5 and 30% of the cycles, respectively, while haemoglobin levels increased during treatment. 5‐azacytidine treatment is safe, feasible and may be of benefit in a subset of patients.
Two cases of pustular toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Hague J. S. , Kaur M. R. , Hafiji J. , Carr R. A. , Lewis H. , Charles-Holmes R. , Heagerty A. , Orpin S. D. 
Published: May 2010

Summary
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening, immune-mediated reaction, characterized by severe cutaneous and mucosal blisters and erosions. It often presents with flu-like symptoms, followed by a maculopapular, urticarial, purpuric or erythema multiforme-like eruption, which then evolves into blisters and sheet-like erosions. Presentation with pustules, however, is not well described in the English literature, and may lead to delayed diagnosis. We present two unusual cases of TEN that initially presented with pustular lesions.
Preliminary study of etidronate for prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis caused by oral glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Furukawa F. , Kaminaka C. , Ikeda T. , Kanazawa N. , Yamamoto Y. , Ohta C. , Nishide T. , Tsujioka K. , Hattori M. , Uede K. , Hata M. ,   the Wakayama Study Group on Dermatological Use of Bisphosphonates
Published: May 2010

Summary
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for the treatment of various diseases, particularly in dermatology. However, there have been few reports about the outcome of treatment for GC-induced osteoporosis in patients with dermatological conditions receiving oral GCs. The present study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the usefulness of etidronate for preventing steroid-induced osteoporosis in patients on prolonged GC therapy as routine clinical management. In total, 110 patients receiving oral GC therapy were enrolled into the study. Of these, 87 patients were evaluated (44 patients with collagen diseases, 13 patients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses, 19 patients with chronic eczema/dermatitis, 2 patients with toxicoderma/drug eruption and 9 others). Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was evaluated as a marker of bone resorption, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a marker of bone formation. Significant increases in urinary DPD were seen in the control group after oral GC therapy had been continued for ≥ 1 year. Treatment with etidronate suppressed this increase. When the patients were stratified according to gender, this improvement was more obvious in women. No significant difference in serum BAP level was found between the two groups. These results suggest that bisphosphonates may be useful for preventing steroid-induced osteoporosis in dermatology patients (particularly women) receiving oral GC therapy.
Non-invasive imaging of mid-dermal elastolysis
Authors: Scola N. , Goulioumis A. , Gambichler T. 
Published: May 2010

Summary
Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare disease that is characterized histopathologically by selective loss of elastic tissue in the mid dermis. We aimed to assess MDE using noninvasive skin imaging techniques in vivo. We examined both the lesional and adjacent healthy skin of a woman with the reticular variant of MDE, using confocal scanning laser microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS). The median diameter of blood vessels at the top of dermal papillae was significantly increased in erythematous lesional skin compared with healthy skin. The mid-dermal signal intensity detected by OCT was higher in healthy skin than in lesional skin. With HFUS, mid-dermal density values were significantly higher in healthy skin than in lesional skin. Our preliminary findings indicate that noninvasive skin imaging methods such as OCT and HFUS might be suitable techniques for the evaluation and monitoring of elastolytic skin disorders such as MDE.
CRTH2 expression on T cells in asthma
Authors: Mutalithas K , Guillen C , Day C , Brightling C E , Pavord I D , Wardlaw A J 
Published: May 2010

SummaryMast cell-derived prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major prostanoid found within the airway of asthmatics immediately following allergen challenge. PGD2 has been shown to have chemokinetic effects on eosinophils and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in vitro. This occurs through the interaction of PGD2 with the G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 lymphocytes (CRTH2). The expression of CRTH2 has been shown to be highly selective for Th2 cells. Using flow cytometry we have studied the expression of CRTH2 on T cells in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in asthmatics and normal subjects. CRTH2 expression was confined to a small percentage of blood T cells in asthmatics (1·8% ± 0·2) and normal (1·6% ±  0·2) subjects. CRTH2 was enriched significantly on interleukin (IL)-4+/IL-13+ T cells compared to interferon (IFN)-γ+ T cells (P &lt; 0·001). There was a small population of CRTH2+ T cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of asthmatics (2·3% ± 0·6) and normal subjects (0·3% ± 0·1), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P &lt; 0·05). There were similar amounts of PGD2 in the BAL of asthma and normal subjects. Within paired blood–BAL samples from the same subject there was no increase in CRTH2+ T cells in the BAL compared to blood in asthmatics. Enrichment of CRTH2 on IL-4+ and IL-13+ T cells compared to IFN-γ+ T cells was also seen in BAL from asthmatics (P &lt; 0·001). CRTH2 is expressed preferentially by IL-4+/IL-13+ T cells compared to IFN-γ+ T cells. However, given their small numbers they are unlikely to have a significant involvement in the pathogenesis of asthma. CRTH2 antagonism may not diminish T cell accumulation in the asthmatic lung.
A meta‐analysis of intervention effects on challenging behaviour among persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Heyvaert M. , Maes B. , Onghena P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground  Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) often show challenging behaviour. We review distinct interventions that are applied to treat these challenging behaviours, and analyse intervention effects and moderating variables.Methods  A literature search was conducted using the databases ERIC, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Medline. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was carried out, supplemented with sensitivity, subgroup, meta‐regression and publication bias analyses.Results  Eighty potential articles were identified, from which 30 contained sufficient data to enable statistical meta‐analysis. From these 30 studies, 18 described a biological, 13 a psychotherapeutic and nine a contextual intervention, either applied alone or combined. The overall standardised mean difference was 0.671 (SD = 0.051). As shown by sensitivity analysis, this summary effect size is robust. Assessed through subgroup and meta‐regression analysis, all tested moderators showed no statistically significant association with the treatment effects. After applying a funnel plot‐, a fail‐safe N‐, and Duval's and Tweedie's trim and fill‐analysis, we conclude that our meta‐analysis does not suffer much from publication bias effects.Conclusions  Several biological, psychotherapeutic and contextual interventions effectively reduce challenging behaviours among persons with ID.
Characterization of nickel silicides using EELS‐based methods
Authors: VERLEYSEN E. , BENDER H. , RICHARD O. , SCHRYVERS D. , VANDERVORST W. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe characterization of Ni‐silicides using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) based methods is discussed. A series of Ni‐silicide phases is examined: Ni3Si, Ni31Si12, Ni2Si, NiSi and NiSi2. The composition of these phases is determined by quantitative core‐loss EELS. A study of the low loss part of the EELS spectrum shows that both the energy and the shape of the plasmon peak are characteristic for each phase. Examination of the Ni‐L edge energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) shows that the ratio and the sum of the L2 and L3 white line intensities are also characteristic for each phase. The sum of the white line intensities is used to determine the trend in electron occupation of the 3d states of the phases. The dependence of the plasmon energy on the electron occupation of the 3d states is demonstrated.
RNA polymerase mutations that facilitate replication progression in the rep uvrD recF mutant lacking two accessory replicative helicases
Authors: Baharoglu Zeynep , Lestini Roxane , Duigou Stéphane , Michel Bénédicte 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWe observed that cells lacking Rep and UvrD, two replication accessory helicases, and the recombination protein RecF are cryo‐sensitive on rich medium. We isolated five mutations that suppress this Luria–Bertani (LB)‐cryo‐sensitivity and show that they map in the genes encoding the RNA polymerase subunits RpoB and RpoC. These rpoB (D444G, H447R and N518D) and rpoC mutants (H113R and P451L) were characterized. rpoBH447R and rpoBD444G prevent activation of the Prrn core promoter in rich medium, but only rpoBH447R also suppresses the auxotrophy of a relA spoT mutant (stringent‐like phenotype). rpoCH113R suppresses the thermo‐sensitivity of a greA greB mutant, suggesting that it destabilizes stalled elongation complexes. All mutations but rpoCP451L prevent R‐loop formation. We propose that these rpo mutations allow replication in the absence of Rep and UvrD by destabilizing RNA Pol upon replication–transcription collisions. In a RecF+ context, they improve growth of rep uvrD cells only if DinG is present, supporting the hypothesis that Rep, UvrD and DinG facilitate progression of the replication fork across transcribed sequences. They rescue rep uvrD dinG recF cells, indicating that in a recF mutant replication forks arrested by unstable transcription complexes can restart without any of the three known replication accessory helicases Rep, UvrD and DinG.
Direct interactions of early and late assembling division proteins in Escherichia coli cells resolved by FRET
Authors: Alexeeva Svetlana , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Verheul Jolanda , Verhoeven Gertjan S. , Den Blaauwen Tanneke 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe bacterial cell division machinery is organized in the so‐called divisome composed of highly dynamic but low abundant interacting (membrane‐bound) proteins. In order to elucidate the molecular interactions between these proteins, we developed a robust background‐insensitive quantitative spectral unmixing method for estimating FRET efficiencies at near endogenous protein levels using fluorescent protein fusions. The assembly of the division machinery of Escherichia coli occurs in two steps that are discrete in time: first the FtsZ‐ring and the so‐called early localizing proteins that together seem to prepare the division assembly at midcell. Subsequently, the late localizing protein complexes that contain the peptidoglycan‐synthesizing proteins PBP1B and FtsI (PBP3) are recruited to the division site, which initiates septation. Physical interactions were observed between members within each group but also between the early and late localizing proteins strongly suggesting that these proteins despite their differential localization in time are linked at the molecular and functional level. Interestingly, we find FtsN, one of the latest proteins in the divisome assembly, interacting with late assembling proteins FtsI and FtsW, but also with early (proto‐ring) protein ZapA. This is in line with the recently described role of FtsN in divisome stabilization including the proto‐ring elements.
Reducing the germinable weed seedbank with soil disturbance and cover crops
Authors: MIRSKY S B , GALLANDT E R , MORTENSEN D A , CURRAN W S , SHUMWAY D L 
Published: May 2010

Mirsky SB, Gallandt ER, Mortensen DA, Curran WS & Shumway DL (2010). Reducing the germinable weed seedbank with soil disturbance and cover crops. Weed Research50, 341–352.SummaryEcologically based weed management relies heavily on a greater integration of cultural and mechanical control tactics than conventional weed management. As such, management outcomes are more dependent on biotic interactions among the crop, weed and methods of management. In this study, we assessed the influence of soil disturbance and cover cropping on the germinable seedbank of Chenopodium album, Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria spp. across a range of initial weed seedbank densities. Cover crop system treatments ranged from greater reliance on tillage at one extreme, to a greater reliance on cover cropping to accomplish weed suppression at the other. In general, seedbank losses to germination were highest when soil disturbance was associated with cover cropping. Of the five cover crop systems (1 year duration), the summer fallow and the yellow mustard/buckwheat/winter rape mixture consistently decreased the weed seedbank. The magnitude of decline in these high disturbance systems reached complete depletion of the Setaria spp. germinable seedbank and an 85% and 80% reduction for C. album and A. theophrasti respectively. Both systems included tilling the soil three to four times throughout the growing season. In contrast, treatments which involved less soil disturbance had weed escapes that set seed in one or more site years. Cover crop systems that stimulated weed seed germination and where weeds were either suppressed by the cover crop or where subsequent tillage provided control, resulted in the greatest weed seedbank declines.
Consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour in meerkats (Suricata suricatta)
Authors: ENGLISH S. , NAKAGAWA S. , CLUTTON‐BROCK T. H. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAlthough recent models for the evolution of personality, using game theory and life‐history theory, predict that individuals should differ consistently in their cooperative behaviour, consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour have rarely been documented. In this study, we used a long‐term data set on wild meerkats to quantify the repeatability of two types of cooperative care (babysitting and provisioning) within individuals and examined how repeatability varied across age, sex and status categories. Contributions to babysitting and provisioning were significantly repeatable and positively correlated within individuals, with provisioning more repeatable than babysitting. While repeatability of provisioning was relatively invariant across categories of individuals, repeatability of babysitting increased with age and was higher for subordinates than dominants. These results provide support for theoretical predictions that life‐history trade‐offs favour the evolution of consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour and raise questions about why some individuals consistently help more than others across a suite of cooperative behaviours.
Experimental systemic virulence of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates in comparison with Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei
Authors: Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi , Komiyama Edson Yukio , de Paiva Martins Clélia Aparecida , Vasconcellos Thássia Castro , Cardoso Jorge Antonio Olavo , Carvalho Yasmin Rodarte , do Prado Renata Falchete , Balducci Ivan 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThere are no previous studies on the comparative virulence of Candida dubliniensis with other non‐albicans species. The aim of this study was to compare the virulence and infection kinetics of C. dubliniensis and other species. Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei (reference strains) were inoculated intravenously in mice. For infection kinetics evaluation, a group of five animals were sacrificed after 6 h, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Microbiological evaluations (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and brain) and histopathological examination of the kidney were performed. The results of virulence evaluation were analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (5%). Candida dubliniensis‐inoculated mice survived for longer periods compared with those with C. albicans (P = 0.005). No differences were detected in relation to C. tropicalis (P = 0.326) and C. krusei (P = 0.317). Most of the organs were persistently colonised by C. albicans and C. dubliniensis even by day 21. Tendency of C. krusei clearance was observed in all organs. Fungal masses and renal lesions were observed after inoculation of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. Within the limits of the study, data on survival rate and dissemination capacity suggest that C. dubliniensis is less virulent than C. albicans.
Damage of Candida albicans blastoconidia exposed to biocides
Authors: Kurzaątkowski Wiesław , Staniszewska Monika , Tyski Stefan 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe damage of Candida albicans blastoconidia exposed to the lowest concentration of chemical disinfectant and antiseptic passing the EN 1275:2005 at 5 min contact time was examined under transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The blastoconidia of C. albicans 82 exposed to the chemical products showed the following damage: Incidin Liquid Spray (disinfectant) and Spitaderm (antiseptic) – cytoplasm congealing; Incidin Plus and Lysoformine 3000 (disinfectants) – cell wall and cell membrane damage, and leakage of the cytoplasm; Medicarine (disinfectant) – cytoplasm denaturation and rough cytoplasm. The damage of blastoconidia of the strains C. albicans 24 and C. albicans 28, exhibiting different susceptibility to Lysoformine 3000 was compared under scanning electron microscopy. The blastoconidia of the strain C. albicans 28 did not exhibit essential damage at a concentration 16 times lower (0.02%) than the lowest concentration of Lysoformine 3000 (Lc‐LYS) for this strain (0.32%). At this concentration (0.02%, corresponding to Lc‐LYS for C. albicans 24) the more sensitive isolate 24 showed substantial damage. The conducted study exhibited the effects of the tested products against the viability and structural integrity of the cells. Blastoconidial buds at the early stage of development seem to be very susceptible to the action of the tested products. The budding areas are located mainly at the blastoconidial poles.
Herbal medicines and chronic kidney disease
Authors: JHA VIVEKANAND 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAlternative and indigenous systems of medicine are popular amongst the poorer sections of society in the developing world. Their use in the developed world has also increased in recent times. The source and composition of these medicines vary in different parts of the world, but herbs and other botanicals are central to these systems. Largely outside the ambit of regulatory control, herbal remedies are prepared by quasi‐trained herbalists and not tested for safety. Toxicity can occur when a herb with unknown toxicity is consumed, incorrect identification leads to substitution of an innocuous herb with a toxic one, preparations are contaminated with toxic non‐herbal compounds or when a herb potentiates the nephrotoxic effect of a conventional therapy. Renal injury has been reported in association with several herbs. The best‐known herb‐induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is aristolochic acid nephropathy. The condition is characterized by progressive interstitial nephritis, with a proportion of patients developing urothelial malignancies. The toxic compound is aristolochic acid (AA); AA‐DNA adducts have been identified in the renal and urothelial tissues. Recent evidence suggests that AA also contributes to the development of Balkan endemic nephropathy. The role of herbs has been postulated in the development of CKD in other parts of the developing world, especially amongst the rural population. Public awareness and regulation of use of herbal medicines are required to eradicate this entity from the community.
Current status of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations for Asians and an approach to create a common eGFR equation
Authors: MATSUO SEIICHI , YASUDA YOSHINARI , IMAi ENYU , HORIO MASARU 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTCKD is now recognized as life‐threatening disease and various countermeasures are implemented worldwide. The most important step to overcome CKD is early detection and evaluation. Equation for estimating GFR is the necessary tool for this step. This is also useful to follow‐up CKD patients in routine clinical settings. Currently, most commonly used equation is original and re‐expressed MDRD formula. For Asians, ethnic co‐efficient is needed when applying these formulas. Ethnic co‐efficient is different among Asian countries. Recently, different original equations have been developed in several Asian countries. At the present time, it is not clear to develop a single common eGFR equation fit for Asians. There are several factors that affect GFR estimation. These include ethnicity, reference method to measure GFR, method of creatinine measurement and calibration. Towards the future, Asian collaborative study is necessary to validate and standardize eGFR equations.