bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of leukaemic CD34+ cells in acute myeloid leukaemia is of high prognostic value: a longstanding controversy deciphered
Authors: Zeijlemaker Wendelien , Kelder Angèle , Wouters Rolf , Valk Peter J.M. , Witte Birgit I. , Cloos Jacqueline , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Schuurhuis Gerrit J.
Published: June 2015

Primary resistance and relapses after initial successful treatment are common in acute myeloid leukaemia and therefore outcome remains poor. More accurate risk group stratification and effective personalized risk adapted treatment are necessary to improve outcome. In the last two decades, controversial results have been published concerning the prognostic relevance of CD34 expression. In this study of 706 acute myeloid leukaemia patients, we established a new flow cytometric‐based CD34‐definition, without use of cut‐off values. We discriminated CD34‐positive (n = 548) and CD34‐negative (n = 158) patients by the presence or absence of neoplastic CD34+ cells, respectively. CD34‐status was defined using aberrant immunophenotypes and validated using molecular phenotypes. This new definition of CD34 enables strong prediction of treatment outcome in the entire patient group and in several risk subgroups. Previously observed discrepancies in prognostic impact of CD34 protein expression using cut‐offs (5–20%) can now entirely be explained by considering the number of CD34‐negative cases. In the total patient group, the absence of neoplastic CD34‐positive cells is paralleled by low levels of minimal residual disease, suggesting relative therapy sensitivity and explaining longer survival. Overall, we present CD34 surface expression as a relatively simple, powerful and independent predictor of clinical outcome, now warranting incorporation in acute myeloid leukaemia risk stratification.
Pathways of different forms of nitrogen and role of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in alkaline residue sand from bauxite processing
Authors: Goloran J. B. , Chen C. R. , Phillips I. R. , Liu X.
Published: June 2015

Nitrogen (N) dynamics and associated processes are often overlooked in the rehabilitation protocols of disturbed landscapes. This study reports on the transformations of N fertilizers and the microbial community, and plant growth responses in rehabilitated strongly alkaline residue sand from bauxite processing (BRS). Ryegrass was grown in specifically designed growth chambers in a two‐factorial completely randomized design. Different forms of N fertilizer, such as ammonium sulphate (AS), potassium nitrate (KN) and glycine (GL), were applied at two rates. Nitrogen uptake by plants, residual inorganic N and N losses through leaching and volatilization were determined and quantified throughout the growing period. The abundance of both ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that N uptake was greater with KN fertilizer (31.3–56.4%) than with AS (23.4–47.8%) and GL (16.4–38.1%), in spite of the substantial leaching loss of NO3−. Combined N losses by volatilization and leaching with GL (39–53%) and AS (40–60%) fertilizers indicated both physico‐chemical and biological transformations of N by mineralization and nitrification. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria, rather than AOA, were the dominant nitrifiers that colonized the freshly rehabilitated BRS growth media. The gene copy number of AOB correlated with both soil extractable NO3−‐N (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) and ryegrass leaf biomass N (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). We concluded that AOB play a pivotal role in the cycling of N in BRS, whereas NO3−‐N is critical for plant N nutrition and rehabilitation in the alkaline BRS disposal areas.
Delivery of HIV test results, post‐test discussion and referral in health care settings: a review of guidance for European countries
Authors: Bell SA , Delpech V , Casabona J , Tsereteli N , de Wit J
Published: June 2015

Objectives

HIV testing and counselling (HTC) guidelines support and promote best practice among service providers. Few European countries have national HTC guidelines and most rely on guidance from regional and international bodies. This study examines recommendations in current pan‐European and global guidelines regarding test result delivery, post‐test discussion and referral pathways in health care settings, and reviews the types of evidence upon which recommendations are based.

Methods

A systematic review and comparative content analysis of relevant guidelines identified through a literature search and review of targeted organization websites were carried out.

Results

One global and three pan‐European guidelines were reviewed. There was general consensus that any test result should be confidential and delivered privately to a patient; positive results should be delivered in person by a health care professional; negative test results could also be delivered by telephone, text message or post. Analyses show conflicting guidance relating to the provision of post‐test counselling, and inconsistencies in referral pathways to specialist treatment for positive test results. There is limited reference to published evidence in support of recommendations. Instead there is heavy reliance on expert opinion/consultation and other previous/existing guidelines when developing guidelines. Scientific evidence, where stated, is often more than ten years old, and based predominantly on US/UK research.

Conclusions

While largely in agreement, current pan‐European and global HTC guidelines have inconsistencies, particularly regarding post‐test counselling and referral pathways to specialized services. Our findings highlight the need for an up‐to‐date review of more current evidence from wider European settings to support the process of expert consultation.
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis taking biologic therapies in a dermatologic private practice in Miami, Florida
Authors: Medina‐Gil Carolina , Dehesa Luis , Vega Adriane , Kerdel Francisco
Published: June 2015

Background

The reactivation of a latent tuberculosis infection is one of the possible major events that may occur during biologic therapies for inflammatory chronic diseases such as psoriasis. Although its main screening test is regularly used in clinical practice, there are few studies about the prevalence of this silent mycobacterial infection and the rate of positive convertors during treatment.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving biologic therapy by using tuberculin skin test as a screening method and to evaluate the rate of conversion of tuberculin skin test (TST) during the treatment with biologics.

Methods

A total of 445 patients were included in our retrospective study, conducted from January 2006 to September 2012. Tuberculin skin test was performed in all patients prior to treatment and once a year during the follow‐up. PPD was considered positive with an induration above 5 mm, following the recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ America Thoracic Society. Data analysis was obtained with SPSS 20.0.

Results

The prevalence of LTBI in our population before initiating the treatment was 4.5% by using TST screening method. During the treatment, 10 cases that were initially TST‐negative became positive. Only one of the patients developed active tuberculosis infection.

The other 9 TST‐positive patients were detected during the regular annual screening, and no symptoms or findings on chest x‐ray were seen. All the patients were treated with isoniazid (INH) for nine months, and biologic therapy was restarted after one month of treatment with INH without development of overt TB infection in any of them during the follow‐up period of the study. The mean time to becoming TST positive from start date was 26.7 months (range from 8 months to 5 years). As the PPD was done annually, it is unknown exactly when the patients became TST positive. Prior to initiating treatment, 20 patients were found to be TST positive. All patients had clear chest x‐rays and were treated with nine months of INH prior to initiating biologic therapy at least month later.

Conclusions

The use of a screening tool for LTBI is mandatory in patients taking biologic therapies to avoid severe infectious complications. Periodic follow‐up is also crucial as positive results may be seen after prolonged use of these agents.
FROM GABII AND GORDION TO ERETRIA AND METHONE: THE RISE OF THE GREEK ALPHABET
Authors: JANKO RICHARD
Published: June 2015

The three longest inscriptions from Methone, which all seem to be in Eretrian script, are an important testimony to the diffusion of literacy across the Mediterranean world. They help us to reconstruct the prehistory of the Greek alphabet, which according to internal evidence went through three phases, from the simplest ‘Cretan’ script to Euboean, Roman and ultimately Ionian. Yet the earliest alphabetic inscriptions seem to come from Gabii in Latium and Gordion in Phrygia, a fact which contradicts the internal evidence that Greeks adapted the Phoenician script. Consistency returns only if one accepts a recent proposal to raise the chronology of the Middle and Late Geometric periods. The finds from Methone confirm that Euboean script was already well adapted to the recording of complex texts such as epic poetry.
EXQUISITE CORPSES AND OTHER BODIES IN THE ELECTRA PLAYS
Authors: WORMAN NANCY
Published: June 2015

This essay explores the dynamics that surround the figuring and staging of bodies in the Electra plays – especially dead bodies, but also living ones that are represented as approximate and / or proximate to corpses. Interacting with such bodies intensifies agony and transport for characters and audiences alike, both of which affects plunge toward sublimity. At the same time the strongly gendered familial dynamics of pivotal scenes inflect the emotional shudder that attends them with a psychic recoil, as mothers haunt sons and sisters seek to lie down with brothers or other ‘wrong’ objects of affection. Focusing on how Orestes and especially Electra position themselves in relation to these bodies, the essay argues that they operate as sublime and uncanny objects, attracting the living into confrontation with their perverse pleasures and stimulating aesthetic and affective reactions that are central to tragic mimesis.
Characterization of the First Fungal Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 19 Chitinase (NbchiA) from Nosema bombycis (Nb)
Authors: Han Bing , Zhou Kang , Li Zhihong , Sun Bin , Ni Qi , Meng Xianzhi , Pan Guoqing , Li Chunfeng , Long Mengxian , Li Tian , Zhou Congzhao , Li Weifang , Zhou Zeyang
Published: June 2015

Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14), as one kind of glycosyl hydrolase, hydrolyze the β‐(1,4) linkages of chitin. According to the sequence similarity, chitinases can be divided into glycoside hydrolase family 18 and family 19. Here, a chitinase from Nosema bombycis (NbchiA) was cloned and purified by metal affinity chromatography and molecular exclusion chromatography. Sequence analysis indicated that NbchiA belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 19 class IV chitinase. The optimal pH and temperature of NbchiA are 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. This purified chitinase showed high activity toward soluble substrates such as ethylene glycol chitin and soluble chitosan. The degradation of chitin oligosaccharides (GlcNAc)2–5 detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography showed that NbchiA hydrolyzed mainly the second glycosidic linkage from the reducing end of (GlcNAc)3‐5. On the basis of structure‐based multiple‐sequence alignment, Glu51 and Glu60 are believed to be the key catalytic residues. The site‐directed mutation analysis revealed that the enzymatic activity was decreased upon mutation of Glu60, whereas mutation of Glu51 totally abolished the enzymatic activity. This is the first report of a GH19 chitinase in fungi and in Microsporidia.
Contribution of Urban Water Supply to Greenhouse Gas Emissions in China
Authors: Smith Kate , Liu Shuming , Chang Tian
Published: June 2015

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use in the water sector in China have not received the same attention as emissions from other sectors, but interest in this area is growing. This study uses 2011 data to investigate GHG emissions from electricity use for urban water supply in China. The objective is to measure the climate cobenefit of water conservation, compare China with other areas on a number of emissions indicators, and assist in development of policy that promotes low‐emission water supply. Per capita and per unit GHG emissions for water supplied to urban areas in China in 2011 were 24.5 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2‐eq) per capita per year and 0.213 kg CO2‐eq per cubic meter, respectively. Comparison of provinces within China revealed that GHG emissions for urban water supply as a percentage of total province‐wide emissions from electricity use correlate directly with the rate of leakage and water loss within the water distribution system. This highlights controlling leakage as a possible means of reducing the contribution of urban water supply to GHG emissions. An inverse correlation was established between GHG emissions per unit water and average per capita daily water use, which implies that water demand tends to be higher when per unit emissions are lower. China's high emission factor for electricity generation inflates emissions for urban water supply. Shifting from emissions‐intensive electricity sources is crucial to reducing emissions in the water supply sector.
Self‐perceived health versus actual cardiovascular disease risks
Authors: Ko Young , Boo Sunjoo
Published: June 2015

Aim

Self‐perceived poor health is related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk perception, cardiovascular event, hospital readmission, and death from CVD. This study evaluated the associations between self‐perceived health and actual CVD risk in South Koreans as well as the influence of sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors on self‐perceived poor health.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis of the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The sample was 4535 South Koreans aged 30–74 years without CVD. Self‐perceived health status was compared with actual cardiovascular risk separately by sex using χ2‐tests. Logistic regressions were used to identify potential sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors of self‐perceived poor health.

Results

Self‐perceived poor health was related to higher CVD risk but there were substantial gaps between them. Among cardiovascular risk factors, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, and a family history of CVD did not affect self‐perceived health.

Conclusion

Gaps between perceived health and actual CVD risk should be closed to optimize cardiovascular health of South Koreans. Koreans need to increase risk perception to a level commensurate with their actual risk. Healthcare providers should try to provide individuals at increased CVD risk with better information more frequently, especially those who have favorable perceptions of their health but smoke or have elevated cholesterol levels and bodyweight.
Predictors of hepatitis A vaccine coverage among university students in Korea
Authors: Park Seungmi , Choi Jeong Sil
Published: June 2015

Aim

To investigate the status of hepatitis A vaccination, knowledge, and health beliefs among university students in Korea and identify factors influencing their hepatitis A vaccination rate.

Methods

A self‐reporting survey was conducted with 367 university students in Korea via descriptive survey. Data were collected on demographics, status of hepatitis A vaccination, knowledge, and health beliefs.

Results

The hepatitis A vaccination rate was 23.4%. The hepatitis A vaccination rate was significantly higher in those who had a general awareness about the hepatitis A (odds ratio [OR] = 3.56, P = 0.003), those with some overseas travel experience (OR = 2.64, P = 0.025), those perceiving the benefits of hepatitis A vaccination (OR = 1.66, P = 0.023), and those perceiving barriers (inversed) to hepatitis A vaccination (OR = 1.95, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

To promote hepatitis A vaccination among university students, information and education should be provided to improve their health beliefs. In addition, this demographic should be a major target population for hepatitis A vaccination. This study's results suggest that the development of national promotional campaigns and hepatitis A vaccination programs based on predictors of the vaccination rate are needed.
Word recognition in Alzheimer's disease: Effects of semantic degeneration
Authors: Cuetos Fernando , Arce Noemí , Martínez Carmen , Ellis Andrew W.
Published: June 2015

Impairments of word recognition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been less widely investigated than impairments affecting word retrieval and production. In particular, we know little about what makes individual words easier or harder for patients with AD to recognize. We used a lexical selection task in which participants were shown sets of four items, each set consisting of one word and three non‐words. The task was simply to point to the word on each trial. Forty patients with mild‐to‐moderate AD were significantly impaired on this task relative to matched controls who made very few errors. The number of patients with AD able to recognize each word correctly was predicted by the frequency, age of acquisition, and imageability of the words, but not by their length or number of orthographic neighbours. Patient Mini‐Mental State Examination and phonological fluency scores also predicted the number of words recognized. We propose that progressive degradation of central semantic representations in AD differentially affects the ability to recognize low‐imageability, low‐frequency, late‐acquired words, with the same factors affecting word recognition as affecting word retrieval.
STRATIGRAPHY AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY OF THE CROATIAN PART OF THE ADRIATIC BASIN
Authors: Velić J. , Malvić T. , Cvetković M. , Velić I.
Published: June 2015

Coastal parts of Croatia are dominated by the SW‐verging Dinaric foldbelt, to the west and SW of which is the Adriatic Basin (the stable foreland). In both areas, the stratigraphic column is dominated by a thick carbonate succession ranging from Carboniferous to Miocene. Four megasequences have been identified: (i) a pre‐platform succession ranging in age from Late Carboniferous (Middle Pennsylvanian: Moscovian) to Early Jurassic (Early Toarcian; Brušane and Baške Ostarije Formations); (ii) an Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous platform megasequence (Mali Alan Formation); (iii) a Paleogene to Neogene post‐platform megasequence (Raša Formation); and (iv) a Neogene to Quaternary (Pliocene to Holocene) megasequence (Istra and Ivana Formations).

A number of organic‐rich intervals with source rock potential have been identified on‐ and offshore Croatia: Middle and Upper Carboniferous, Upper Permian, Lower and Middle Triassic, Lower and Upper Jurassic, Lower and Upper Cretaceous, Eocene, and Pliocene – Pleistocene. Traps and potential plays have been identified from seismic data in the Dinaric belt and adjacent foreland. Evaporites of Permian, Triassic and Neogene (Messinian) ages form potential regional seals, and carbonates with secondary porosity form potential reservoirs. Oil and gas shows in wells in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Basin have been recorded but no oil accumulations of commercial value have yet been discovered.

In the northern Adriatic offshore Croatia, Pliocene hemi‐pelagic marlstones and shales include source rocks which produce commercial volumes of biogenic gas. The gas is reservoired in unconsolidated sands of the Pleistocene Ivana Formation.
Clitorodynia: A Descriptive Study of Clitoral Pain
Authors: Parada Mayte , D'Amours Tanya , Amsel Rhonda , Pink Leah , Gordon Allan , Binik Yitzchak M.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Clitorodynia is classified as a type of localized vulvodynia. Our knowledge of this problem is limited to case studies and one published report.

Aims

The objective of the present study was to describe quantitatively the clinical characteristics of clitoral pain, to assess interference with sexual function, and to investigate whether clitoral pain is a unitary category.

Methods

One hundred twenty-six women with clitoral pain completed an online questionnaire that assessed demographic information, descriptive pain characteristics, intensity and impact on daily activities, sexual function, and gynecological and medical histories.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures used for the study are the following: clitoral pain characteristics (e.g., intensity, duration, quality, distress, etc.), short-form McGill pain questionnaire-2, and the female sexual function index.

Results

Clitoral pain is characterized by frequent and intense pain episodes that can either be provoked or unprovoked, and causes significant impairment in both daily and sexual function. The pain can be localized to the clitoris only or can occur with other genital pain. Comorbidity with other chronic pain disorders is common. A cluster analysis suggested two distinct patterns of clitoral pain, one localized and one generalized.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that women with clitoral pain suffer from significant, distressing, and often long-term pain, which interferes with sexual and daily activities. Two subtypes of clitoral pain may exist, each with distinct pain characteristics and subjective experiences.
Local Power of Fixed‐T Panel Unit Root Tests With Serially Correlated Errors and Incidental Trends
Authors: Karavias Yiannis , Tzavalis Elias
Published: June 2015

The asymptotic local power properties of various fixed T panel unit root tests with serially correlated errors and incidental trends are studied. Asymptotic (over N) local power functions are analytically derived, and through them, the effects of general forms of serial correlation are examined. We find that a test based on an instrumental variables (IV) estimator dominates the tests based on the within‐groups (WG) estimator. These functions also show that in the presence of incidental trends, an instrumental variables test based on the first differences of the model has non‐trivial local power in an N−1/2 neighbourhood of unity. Furthermore, for a test based on the within‐groups estimator, although it is found that it has trivial power in the presence of incidental trends, this ceases to be the case if there is serial correlation as well.
Salinity tolerance of crops – what is the cost?
Authors: Munns Rana , Gilliham Matthew
Published: June 2015

Soil salinity reduces crop yield. The extent and severity of salt‐affected agricultural land is predicted to worsen as a result of inadequate drainage of irrigated land, rising water tables and global warming. The growth and yield of most plant species are adversely affected by soil salinity, but varied adaptations can allow some crop cultivars to continue to grow and produce a harvestable yield under moderate soil salinity. Significant costs are associated with saline soils: the economic costs to the farming community and the energy costs of plant adaptations. We briefly consider mechanisms of adaptation and highlight recent research examples through a lens of their applicability to improving the energy efficiency of crops under saline field conditions.

Contents

Summary
668

I.
Soil salinity and its economic costs

668

II.
Mechanisms of plant adaptation to saline soil and potential energy costs

668

III.
New insights into salinity tolerance mechanisms

670

IV.
Better yield under nonsaline conditions equals better salt tolerance?

671

V.
What does the future hold for stress tolerance research?

672

Acknowledgements

672

References

672
The Need for Cultural Safety in Injury Prevention
Authors: Giles Audrey R. , Hognestad Sarah , Brooks Lauren A.
Published: June 2015

Public health nurses are on the front line of injury prevention initiatives. However, within injury prevention interventions and research, issues pertaining to culture are often addressed through the employment of one of the three approaches: cultural competency, cultural appropriateness, and/or cultural sensitivity. When using these approaches, it is often suggested that it is only those who are the recipients of an intervention or the focus of research that “have” culture. The injury prevention designer's/provider's/researcher's own culture, as well as the ways in which it may influence the interventions or research, is typically rendered invisible. In this paper, we provide an overview and illustrations of the use of cultural competency, cultural appropriateness, and cultural sensitivity in injury prevention initiatives, as well as each approach's shortcomings. We then introduce cultural safety, an approach that has not yet gained traction in injury prevention but has had significant uptake within nursing in general, and argue that it has the potential to overcome many other approaches' shortcomings and thus may lead to more effective and socially just injury prevention initiatives.
Motivational Factors Predict Weight Loss in Rural Adults
Authors: Reed Jill R. , Yates Bernice C. , Houfek Julia , Briner Wayne , Schmid Kendra K. , Pullen Carol H.
Published: June 2015

Objective

The objective was to: (a) describe the changes over time in motivational factors of weight loss and (b) to examine predictors of weight loss in rural adults enrolled in a weight loss program.

Design and Sample

A longitudinal study was conducted in a convenience sample of 50 adults recruited from a rural Young Men's Christian Association.

Measures

Questionnaires were completed at baseline (preprogram), 1, 2 and 3 months (end of program).

Results

Mean age was 42.4 (SD ± 11.8); 84% were female and mean BMI was 32.9 (SD ± 4.3). Individuals lost an average of 12.1 pounds. Barriers to healthy eating decreased significantly over time (p < .001). Significant predictors of weight loss included gender (β = .501, p < .001), and the amount of change between baseline and 3 months in controlled regulation (β = .270, p < .05), barriers to healthy eating (β = −0.225, p < .05), and physical activity (β = .238, p < .05) explaining 45% of the variance (F[(8, 41] = 5.92, p < .001) in weight loss.

Conclusions

Rural adults were more likely to lose weight if they had higher levels of controlled regulation, if barriers were reduced, and if physical activity levels increased during the 3‐month weight loss program.
Impact of Substituents in Tumor Uptake and Fluorescence Imaging Ability of Near‐Infrared Cyanine‐like Dyes
Authors: Patel Nayan J. , Manivannan Ethirajan , Joshi Penny , Ohulchanskyy Tymish J. , Nani Roger R. , Schnermann Martin J. , Pandey Ravindra K.
Published: June 2015

This report presents a simple strategy to introduce various functionalities in a cyanine dye (bis‐indole‐N‐butylsulfonate‐polymethine bearing a fused cyclic chloro‐cyclohexene ring structure), and assess the impact of these substitutions in tumor uptake, retention and imaging. The results obtained from the structural activity relationship (SAR) study demonstrate that certain structural features introduced in the cyanine dye moiety make a remarkable difference in tumor avidity. Among the compounds investigated, the symmetrical CDs containing an amino‐phenyl thioether group attached to a cyclohexene ring system and the two N‐butyl linkers with terminal sulfonate groups in benzoindole moieties exhibited excellent tumor imaging ability in BALB/c mice bearing Colon26 tumors. Compared to indocyanine green (ICG), approved by FDA as a blood pooling agent, which has also been investigated for the use in tumor imaging, the modified CD selected on the basis of SAR study produced enhanced uptake and longer retention in tumor(s). A facile approach reported herein for introducing a variety of functionalities in tumor‐avid CD provides an opportunity to create multi‐imaging modality agent(s). Using a combination of mass spectrometry and absorbance techniques, the photobleaching of one of the CDs was analyzed and significant regioselective photooxidation was observed.
Essentialism in Social Representations of Citizenship: An Analysis of Greeks' and Migrants' Discourse
Authors: Kadianaki Irini , Andreouli Eleni
Published: June 2015

Following a Social Representations approach, the article examines the representations of citizenship held by both migrants and Greek citizens in Greece after the announcement of a heavily debated citizenship legislation. Essentialism, a way of representing social categories as holding an underlying essence that determines their characteristics, was used as an analytical tool to understand the inclusive or exclusive function of representations of citizenship towards migrants. Findings showed that Greeks construct representations based on ethnic, civic, and cultural ideas, while migrants construct representation of citizenship based on civic and cultural ideas. Essentialism was a way of constructing ethnic and cultural representations of citizenship and functioned in both exclusive and inclusive ways, but assimilatory terms accordingly. Civic and cultural representations of citizenship were constructed in nonessentialist ways and functioned in inclusive ways. However, from Greeks' perspective, civic inclusion was conditioned upon an often‐questioned legality of migrants and upon cultural assimilation terms. Studying both the content and the essentialist/nonessentialist formulation of representations of citizenship is an important tool in understanding the politics of inclusion and exclusion of citizens in the social arena.
Nutritional intake and anthropometric changes of professional road cyclists during a 4‐day competition
Authors: Sánchez‐Muñoz C. , Zabala M. , Muros J. J.
Published: June 2015

Appropriate nutrition through adequate dietary intake of total calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients is an essential component of optimizing the performance of all elite athletes. The aim of this study was to describe the food intake, body composition, and biochemical profile of professional cyclists during the Tour of Andalusia, a four‐stage race covering a total distance of 647.6 km. Nutritional data were collected by trained investigators who weighed all of the food and fluid ingested by the cyclists. The nutritional intake of the cyclists was as follows: CHO, 12.8 ± 1.7 g/kg of body weight (BW; 62.3%); fat, 2.1 ± 0.2 g/kg BW (23.2%); proteins, 3.0 ± 0.3 g/kg BW (14.5%); total kcal was 5644.3 ± 593.1. Intake of all micronutrients, except for folate and potassium [which were 93.7% and 91.3% of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)] exceeded the RDA/I. Percentage of body fat and fat weight significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while weight of muscle mass remained unchanged after the Tour. Concentrations of urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, myoglobin, and high‐density lipoproteins significantly increased (P < 0.05) after the Tour. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe both nutritional intake and the body and biochemical composition of a sample of professional road cyclists during a top‐class cycling race.
Comparative Study of Laser Doppler Vibrometer and Capacitive Air‐coupled Transducer for Ultrasonic Propagation Imager and the New Development of an Efficient Ultrasonic Wavenumber Imaging Algorithm
Authors: Truong C. T. , Kang D.‐H. , Lee J.‐R. , Farrar C. R.
Published: June 2015

Damage detection techniques using guided waves have been studied for decades with very few successful real‐world applications. The recent development with the full wavefield technique using the Ultrasonic Propagation Imager (UPI) is one of those few exceptions. In this paper, we study two non‐contact sensors: the laser Doppler vibrometer and the capacitive air‐coupled transducer in the context as the sensing modules for the UPI. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive study for optimisation of the two sensors, as well as a comparison between them for use in the UPI. First, the parameters for laser ultrasonic measurement of each sensor were studied: surface treatment, measurement angle and stand‐off distance in the case of the laser Doppler vibrometer and measurement angle, lift‐off distance and bias voltage in the case of the capacitive air‐coupled transducer. Two optimised sensors were then compared in terms of their ability to detect damages using the UPI. Also, in this paper, we presented the ultrasonic wavenumber imaging (UWI) algorithm with the new development towards an efficient implementation. The uniqueness of the UWI algorithm with the capability of damage size estimation makes this algorithm very attractive for the future study with full wavefield signal processing.
A genetic coding variant rs72474224 in GJB2 is associated with clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yao F. , Yue M. , Zhang C. , Zuo X. , Zheng X. , Zhang A. , Wang Z. , Liu S. , Li H. , Meng L. , Zeng M. , Fan X. , Sun L. , Zhang X.
Published: June 2015

Our recent targeted sequencing study identified a missense single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs72474224 (c.324C>T) in GJB2. To investigate the correlation between rs72474224 (c.324C>T) and subphenotypes of psoriasis, genotype data for rs72474224 (c.324C>T, p.Val37Ile) was analyzed in 9946 cases and 9906 controls. The additive model provided the best fit for rs72474224 (P = 7.34 × 10−9). The genotypic and allelic frequency distributions were associated with plaque psoriasis in case‐only (Pgenotype = 2.67 × 10−3, Pallele = 6.22 × 10−4) and subphenotype‐control (Pgenotype = 1.58 × 10−11, Pallele = 8.16 × 10−12) analyses. No other significant difference was found in case‐only analyses. Rs72474224 in GJB2 is preferentially associated with plaque psoriasis in Chinese population and might contribute to the complexity of psoriasis clinical features.
A novel HLA‐B*27 allele, B*27:138, identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Koay B. T. , Norfarhana K. F. , Norhafizi M. Y. M. , Lee Y. Y. , Dhaliwal J. S.
Published: June 2015

HLA‐B*27:138 differs from B*27:06 by two nucleotide changes in exon 3.
Evaluating Lost Person Behavior Models
Authors: Sava Elena , Twardy Charles , Koester Robert , Sonwalkar Mukul
Published: June 2015

US wilderness search and rescue consumes thousands of person‐hours and millions of dollars annually. Timeliness is critical: the probability of success decreases substantially after 24 hours. Although over 90% of searches are quickly resolved by standard “reflex” tasks, the remainder require and reward intensive planning. Planning begins with a probability map showing where the lost person is likely to be found. The MapScore project described here provides a way to evaluate probability maps using actual historical searches. In this work we generated probability maps the Euclidean distance tables in (Koester ), and using Doke's () watershed model. Watershed boundaries follow high terrain and may better reflect actual barriers to travel. We also created a third model using the joint distribution using Euclidean and watershed features. On a metric where random maps score 0 and perfect maps score 1, the Euclidean distance model scored 0.78 (95%CI: 0.74–0.82, on 376 cases). The simple watershed model by itself was clearly inferior at 0.61, but the Combined model was slightly better at 0.81 (95%CI: 0.77–0.84).
Biologic variability in NT‐proBNP and cardiac troponin‐I in healthy dogs and dogs with mitral valve degeneration
Authors: Ruaux Craig , Scollan Katherine , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. , Sisson D. David
Published: June 2015

Background

The N‐terminal fragment of the prohormone B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin‐I are candidate biomarkers for cardiac disease in dogs. The degree of biologic variation in these biomarkers has not previously been reported in healthy dogs or dogs with mitral regurgitation.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to derive estimates of intrinsic biologic variability and reference change values for NT‐proBNP and cardiac troponin‐I in healthy dogs and dogs with mitral regurgitation grade IB and II according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) grading system.

Methods

Plasma and sera were collected weekly for up to 7 weeks from 12 control dogs and 9 dogs with mitral regurgitation. NT‐proBNP and troponin‐I (C‐TnI) concentrations were determined. Indices of biologic variation such as reciprocal index of individuality (r‐IoI) and reference change values (RCV) were calculated in both the groups.

Results

Individuality was high in control dogs and dogs with grade IB and II mitral valve regurgitation for both C‐TnI (r‐IoI 1.6 and 2) and NT‐proBNP (1.5 and 2.7), while the 2‐sided RCV for NT‐proBNP was significantly lower in dogs with mitral regurgitation (52.5% vs 99.4%, P<0.01.).

Conclusions

High individuality of these cardiac biomarkers suggests that, following diagnosis, these assays are best interpreted by serial determination in individual canine patients rather than by comparison to a population‐based reference interval. The smaller RCV values for dogs with mitral regurgitation suggest that smaller relative changes in NT‐proBNP are clinically meaningful in these patients.
Ion channel and lipid scramblase activity associated with expression of TMEM16F/ANO6 isoforms
Authors: Scudieri Paolo , Caci Emanuela , Venturini Arianna , Sondo Elvira , Pianigiani Giulia , Marchetti Carla , Ravazzolo Roberto , Pagani Franco , Galietta Luis J. V.
Published: June 2015

Key points

TMEM16F is a membrane protein with possible dual function as an ion channel and a phospholipid scramblase.

The properties of ion channels associated with TMEM16F and the link between ion channel and scramblase activity are a matter of debate.

We studied the properties of four isoforms of TMEM16F generated by alternative splicing.

Upregulation of three TMEM16F isoforms or silencing of endogenous TMEM16F increased and decreased, respectively, both scramblase and channel activities.

Introduction of an activating mutation in TMEM16F sequence caused a marked increase in phosphatidylserine scrambling and in ion transport indicating direct involvement of the protein in both functions.

TMEM16F, also known as ANO6, is a membrane protein that has been associated with phospholipid scramblase and ion channel activity. However, the characteristics of TMEM16F‐dependent channels, particularly the ion selectivity, are a matter of debate. Furthermore, the direct involvement of TMEM16F in phospholipid scrambling has been questioned. We studied the properties of different TMEM16F variants generated by alternative splicing. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, we found that V1, V2 and V5 variants generated membrane currents activated by very high (micromolar) intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and positive membrane potentials. These variants showed different degrees of Ca2+ sensitivity and kinetics of activation but similar ion permeability, characterized by a slight selectivity for Cl− over Na+. A fourth variant (V3) showing a unique carboxy‐terminus was devoid of activity, in agreement with its intracellular localization. We also measured scramblase activity using the binding of annexin V to detect phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. V1, V2 and V5 variants were associated with calcium‐dependent phosphatidylserine externalization. Interestingly, introduction of an activating mutation, D409G, produced a marked increase in the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of TMEM16F‐dependent channels. In parallel, this mutation also enhanced the extent of phosphatidylserine externalization that occurred even under resting conditions. These results support the conclusion that TMEM16F proteins are directly involved in dual activity, as a phospholipid scramblase and as an ion channel.
Assessing Shortened Field-Based Heart-Rate-Variability-Data Acquisition in Team-Sport Athletes
Authors: Pereira Lucas A. , Flatt Andrew A. , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Loturco Irineu , Nakamura Fabio Y.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To compare the LnRMSSD and the LnRMSSD:RR values obtained during a 5-min stabilization period with the subsequent 5-min criterion period and to determine the time course for LnRMSSD and LnRMSSD:RR stabilization at 1-min analysis in elite team-sport athletes.

Participants:

35 elite futsal players (23.9 ± 4.5 y, 174.2 ± 4.0 cm, 74.0 ± 7.5 kg, 1576.2 ± 396.3 m in the Yo-Yo test level 1).

Methods:

The RR-interval recordings were obtained using a portable heart-rate monitor continuously for 10 min in the seated position. The 2 dependent variables analyzed were LnRMSSD and LnRMSSD:RR. To calculate the magnitude of the differences between time periods, effect-size (ES) analysis was conducted. To assess the levels of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used.

Results:

The LnRMSSD and LnRMSSD:RR values obtained during the stabilization period (0–5 min) presented very large to nearly perfect ICCs with the values obtained during the criterion period (5–10 min), with trivial ESs. In the ultra-short-term analysis (ie, 1-min segments) the data showed slightly less accurate results, but only trivial to small differences with very large to nearly perfect ICCs were found.

Conclusion:

LnRMSSD and LnRMSSD:RR can be recorded in 5 min without traditional stabilization periods under resting conditions in team-sport athletes. The ultra-short-term analysis (1 min) also revealed acceptable levels of agreement with the criterion.
Relationship Between a Standardized Tackling Proficiency Test and Match-Play Tackle Performance in Semiprofessional Rugby League Players
Authors: Speranza Michael J.A. , Gabbett Tim J. , Johnston Rich D. , Sheppard Jeremy M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

This study examined the relationships between tackling ability, playing position, muscle strength and power qualities, and match-play tackling performance in semiprofessional rugby league players.

Methods:

Sixteen semiprofessional rugby league players (mean ± SD age 23.8 ± 1.9 y) underwent tests for muscle strength and power. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill. After controlling for playing position, players were divided into “good tackler” or “poor tackler” groups based on the median split of the results of the 1-on-1 tackling drill. A total of 4547 tackles were analyzed from video recordings of 23 matches played throughout the season.

Results:

Maximal squat was significantly associated with tackling ability (rS = .71, P < .05) and with the proportion of dominant tackles (rS = .63, P < .01). Forwards performed more tackles (P = .013, ES = 1.49), with a lower proportion of missed tackles (P = .03, ES = 1.38) than backs. Good tacklers were involved in a larger proportion of dominant tackles and smaller proportion of missed tackles than poor tacklers.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate that lower-body strength contributes to more effective tackling performance during both a standardized tackling assessment and match play. Furthermore, players with good tackling ability in a proficiency test were involved in a higher proportion of dominant tackles and missed a smaller proportion of tackles during match play. These results provide further evidence of the practical utility of an off-field tackling assessment in supplying information predictive of tackling performance in competition.
Relationships Between Pacing Parameters and Performance of Elite Male 1500-m Swimmers
Authors: Lipinska Patrycja , Allen Sian V. , Hopkins Will G.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Pacing has a substantial effect on endurance performance. The authors characterize pacing and identify its parameters for optimal performance in 1500-m freestyle swimming.

Methods:

Web sites provided 50-m lap and 1500-m race times for 330 swims of 24 elite male swimmers. Pacing for each swim was characterized with 7 parameters derived from a general linear model: linear and quadratic coefficients for the effect of lap number; reductions from predicted time for first, second, penultimate, and last laps; and lap-time variability. Scatter plots of race time vs each parameter for each swimmer were used to identify optimum values of parameters.

Results:

Most scatterplots showed only weak relationships between the parameter and performance, but one-third to one-half of swimmers had an optimum value of the parameter that was substantially different from their mean value. A large improvement in performance time (1.4% ± 0.9%, mean ± SD) could be achieved generally by reversing the sign of the linear parameter to make the slowest lap occur earlier in the race. Small to moderate improvements might also accrue by changing the quadratic parameter, by making the first and second laps slower and the penultimate and last laps faster, and reducing lap-time variability.

Conclusions:

This approach to analysis of pacing may help improve performance in swimmers and other endurance athletes in sports with multiple laps, but data from many competitions are required.
Epigenetic therapy overcomes treatment resistance in T cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Hasanali Zainul S. , Saroya Bikramajit Singh , Stuart August , Shimko Sara , Evans Juanita , Shah Mithun Vinod , Sharma Kamal , Leshchenko Violetta V. , Parekh Samir , Loughran Thomas P. , Epner Elliot M.
Published: June 2015

Epigenetic drugs can overcome resistance to monoclonal antibodies in T-PLL and activate therapeutic targets for antibody-drug conjugates.
Developing predictive assays: The phenotypic screening “rule of 3”
Authors: Vincent Fabien , Loria Paula , Pregel Marko , Stanton Robert , Kitching Linda , Nocka Karl , Doyonnas Regis , Steppan Claire , Gilbert Adam , Schroeter Thomas , Peakman Marie-Claire
Published: June 2015

Not all phenotypic assays are created equal; critically evaluating the disease relevance of the assay system, stimulus, and readout can help design the most predictive ones.
Going viral
Authors: Parekkadan Biju
Published: June 2015

A multiplexed assay using a synthetic peptide library enabled population analysis of historical immunization to viral infections in humans.
Evaluation of the Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events (EMMACE)-3: protocol for a longitudinal study
Authors: Alabas O A , West R M , Gillott R G , Khatib R , Hall A S , Gale C P
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Patients with cardiovascular disease are living longer and are more frequently accessing healthcare resources. The Evaluation of the Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events (EMMACE)-3 national study is designed to improve understanding of the effect of quality of care on health-related outcomes for patients hospitalised with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods and analysis

EMMACE-3 is a longitudinal study of 5556 patients hospitalised with an ACS in England. The study collects repeated measures of health-related quality of life, information about medications and patient adherence profiles, a survey of hospital facilities, and morbidity and mortality data from linkages to multiple electronic health records. Together with EMMACE-3X and EMMACE-4, EMMACE-3 will assimilate detailed information for about 13 000 patients across more than 60 hospitals in England.

Ethics and dissemination

EMMACE-3 was given a favourable ethical opinion by Leeds (West) Research Ethics committee (REC reference: 10/H131374). On successful application, study data will be shared with academic collaborators. The findings from EMMACE-3 will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, at scientific conferences, the media, and through patient and public involvement.

Study registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01808027. Information about the study is also available at EMMACE.org.