bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic indices in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: where do we stand how do we proceed?
Authors: Baliakas P. , Mattsson M. , Stamatopoulos K. , Rosenquist R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe remarkable clinical heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has highlighted the need for prognostic and predictive algorithms that can be employed in clinical practice to assist patient management and therapy decisions. Over the last 20 years, this research field has been rewarding and many novel prognostic factors have been identified, especially at the molecular genetic level. Whilst detection of recurrent cytogenetic aberrations and determination of the immunoglobulin heavy variable gene somatic hypermutation status have an established role in outcome prediction, next‐generation sequencing has recently revealed novel mutated genes with clinical relevance (e.g. NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3). Efforts have been made to combine variables into prognostic indices; however, none has been universally adopted. Although a unifying model for all groups of patients and in all situations is appealing, this may prove difficult to attain. Alternatively, focused efforts on patient subgroups in the same clinical context and at certain clinically relevant ‘decision points’, that is at diagnosis and at initiation of first‐line or subsequent treatments, may provide a more accurate approach. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the clinical applicability of three recently proposed prognostic models, the MD Anderson nomogram, the integrated cytogenetic and mutational model and the CLL‐international prognostic index. We also consider future directions taking into account novel aspects of the disease, such as the tumour microenvironment and the dynamics of (sub)clonal evolution. These aspects are particularly relevant in view of the increasing number of new targeted therapies that have recently emerged.
DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS IN HAEMODIALYSIS USING THE GUIDED SELF‐DETERMINATION METHOD: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Finderup Jeanette , Bjerre Tina , Soendergaard Aase , Nielsen Mette Elisabeth , Zoffmann Vibeke 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYBackgroundStudies in patients with diabetes have shown that the guided self determination (GSD) method effectively improves patients’ glycaemia control and life skills. As a pilot study in 2011 showed promising results of using parts of GSD adjusted to patients on haemodialysis (HD), we decided to develop and test a full‐scale GSD for this patient group (GSD‐HD).ObjectivesTo study how a full‐scale GSD‐HD influenced the quality of relatedness between the patient and the GSD‐HD nurse and the patients’ ability to live well with end stage renal disease (ESRD).MethodsGSD‐HD was developed through participatory research and evaluated qualitatively at five dialysis units in Denmark involving 31 patients and 16 nurses. The intervention lasted four months and comprised six sessions. Data consisting of semi‐structured interviews with 13 patients were analysed using a mix of inductive and deductive thematic analysis.FindingsA process of developing life skills was clearly identified in the changes accomplished by all 13 participants going through the GSD‐HD intervention. Six themes showed that the changes involved the patients personally, their relationships with healthcare professionals and relatives and their self‐management of ESRD: Deeper and more meaningful relationships, self‐exploration of self‐selected challenges, self‐understanding as a condition for meaningful knowledge, ability to act in a self‐determined way, feedback from action that accords with daily life skills and decision‐making from professional to share.ConclusionThe positive changes identified in this qualitative evaluation are promising and indicate that GSD‐HD has a potential worthwhile to be tested further among patients with ESRD.
Effects of seismic surveys on New Zealand fur seals during daylight hours: Do fur seals respond to obstacles rather than airgun noise?
Authors: Lalas Chris , McConnell Helen 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe responses of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) during a three‐dimensional marine seismic survey were recorded in the first quantified investigation of the effects of seismic exploration operations on otariid seals. The survey was over the continental slope off southern New Zealand, where fur seals dive to forage at night and rest on the surface during daylight hours. Data were restricted to daylight sightings from the source vessel while towed seismic gear was fully deployed, with comparisons made between fur seal responses when airguns were off and when airguns were operating at full power. Results were inconclusive. Comparisons were confounded because both sighting rate and distance first seen decreased with deteriorating sea state. The key finding of this study was that the source vessel and towed gear created physical obstacles that often generated responses from fur seals. A more thorough investigation is recommended in order to differentiate between responses to airgun noise and responses to physical obstacles, and improvements are suggested to rectify shortfalls in data collection that should generate conclusive outcomes.
Additive roles of PthAs in bacterial growth and pathogenicity associated with nucleotide polymorphisms in effector‐binding elements of citrus canker susceptibility genes
Authors: Abe Valeria Yukari , Benedetti Celso Eduardo 
Published: December 2015

SummaryCitrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri, affects most commercial citrus varieties. All X. citri strains possess at least one transcription activator‐like effector of the PthA family that activates host disease susceptibility (S) genes. The X. citri strain 306 encodes four PthA effectors; nevertheless, only PthA4 is known to elicit cankers on citrus. As none of the PthAs act as avirulence factors on citrus, we hypothesized that PthAs 1–3 might also contribute to pathogenicity on certain hosts. Here, we show that, although PthA4 is indispensable for canker formation in six Brazilian citrus varieties, PthAs 1 and 3 contribute to canker development in ‘Pera’ sweet orange, but not in ‘Tahiti’ lemon. Deletions in two or more pthA genes reduce bacterial growth in planta more pronouncedly than single deletions, suggesting an additive role of PthAs in pathogenicity and bacterial fitness. The contribution of PthAs 1 and 3 in canker formation in ‘Pera’ plants does not correlate with the activation of the canker S gene, LOB1 (LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES 1), but with the induction of other PthA targets, including LOB2 and citrus dioxygenase (DIOX). LOB1, LOB2 and DIOX show differential PthA‐dependent expression between ‘Pera’ and ‘Tahiti’ plants that appears to be associated with nucleotide polymorphisms found at or near PthA‐binding sites. We also present evidence that LOB1 activation alone is not sufficient to elicit cankers on citrus, and that DIOX acts as a canker S gene in ‘Pera’, but not ‘Tahiti’, plants. Our results suggest that the activation of multiple S genes, such as LOB1 and DIOX, is necessary for full canker development.
BLAME AVOIDANCE IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE: REACTIVITY, STAGED RETREAT AND EFFICACY
Authors: HOOD CHRISTOPHER , JENNINGS WILL , COPELAND PAUL 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBuilding on blame avoidance analysis, this article develops a method to assess the reactivity, sequencing and efficacy of defensive responses by officeholders facing a crisis of personal blame, analysing cases drawn from four advanced democracies. It tests the hypotheses that officeholders: react by positive action rather than non‐engagement when blame levels are high; respond in a ‘staged retreat’ sequence; and can reduce the level of blame they face from one day to another through choice of presentational strategies. The article applies event history analysis to test the sequencing hypothesis and time series cross‐sectional models to test the reactivity and efficacy hypotheses. The analysis shows that officeholders tend to respond actively when blame levels are high, that to some extent their responses tend to follow a staged retreat pattern, and their interventions have a systematic effect on the next day's media blame level only if they take the form of personal statements.
Hydrothermal Fluid Sources of the Fengjia Barite–fluorite Deposit in Southeast Sichuan, China: Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Zou Hao , Zhang Shou‐ting , Chen An‐qing , Fang Yi , Zeng Zhao‐fa 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe Fengjia barite–fluorite deposit in southeast Sichuan is a stratabound ore deposit which occurs mainly in Lower Ordovician carbonate rocks. Here we present results from fluid inclusion and oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies to determine the nature and origin of the hydrothermal fluids that generated the deposit. The temperature of the ore‐forming fluid shows a range of 86 to 302 °C. Our detailed microthermometric data show that the temperature during mineralization of the fluorite and barite in the early ore‐forming stage was higher than that during the formation of the calcite in the late ore‐forming stage. The salinity varied substantially from 0.18% to 21.19% NaCl eqv., whereas the density was around 1.00 g/cm3. The fluid composition was mainly H2O (>91.33%), followed by CO2, CH4 and traces of C2H6, CO, Ar, and H2S. The dominant cation was Na+ and the dominant anion Cl‐, followed by Ca2+, SO42‐, K+, and Mg2+, indicating a mid–low‐temperature, mid‐low‐salinity, low‐density NaCl–H2O system. Our results demonstrate that the temperature decreased during the ore‐forming process and the fluid system changed from a closed reducing environment to an open oxidizing environment. The hydrogen and oxygen isotope data demonstrate that the hydrothermal fluids in the study area had multiple sources, primarily formation water, as well as meteoric water and metamorphic water. Combined with the geological setting and mineralization features we infer that the stratabound barite–fluorite deposits originated from mid–low‐temperature hydrothermal fluids and formed vein filling in the fault zone.
The Fossils of Atapuerca: Scientific Nationalism and the New Beginning of Spanish History
Authors: Hochadel Oliver 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNumerous studies have shown how closely nation‐building accompanies research into human prehistory. While these studies primarily focus on the period before 1945, the example of the Spanish site Atapuerca demonstrates that the strong link between hominid fossils and national identity still exists in the twenty‐first century. The article argues that there are different ways of appropriating prehistoric human remains. One may distinguish the concept of ‘biological continuity’ in which the fossils represent some kind of ancestor from the concept of ‘scientific nationalism’. The latter consists in the pride in the scholarly achievement and international recognition of ‘our own’ scientists. The Atapuerca project was crucial in overcoming the Spanish ‘inferiority complex’ with respect to scientific prowess. In Atapuerca we may even discern a third concept: the marketing of origins in order to lure tourists to the site – nationalism enterprised‐up. The Spanish researchers created a multifold ‘popularization industry’ and forged a close alliance with the national media. Thus, this article will try to explain how Atapuerca turned within less than ten years from a little known archaeological site to the – however imaginary – starting point of Spanish history at the turn of the millennium.
Intensive Transnationalism amongst Japanese Migrants after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Voices from Diasporic Blogs
Authors: Takeda Atsushi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article explores how Japanese migrants responded to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 by analysing personal weblogs published by Japanese migrants across the globe. The analysis of their blog posts demonstrates the collective response of Japanese overseas citizens to a crisis in their homeland. Their narratives reveal their emotional reactions, such as frustration, heartache, and guilt, and delineate how this catastrophe affected their sense of national identity and solidarity. As well as shedding light on these responses, the data further serve to crystallize the way in which Japanese migrants' transnationalism intensifies following homeland disasters.
Blockade of Interleukin‐17 Restrains the Development of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Li Q. , Gu Y. , Tu Q. , Wang K. , Gu X. , Ren T. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a clinical complication of severe acute lung injury (ALI) in humans, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Here, we explored the association between IL‐17 and development of ALI using LPS‐induced murine model. We found that IL‐17 level was elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of ALI mice. Upregulation of IL‐17 resulted in increased severity of ALI as evidenced by decreased body weight and survival rate, elevated level of total protein and albumin in BAL fluid, as well as more apparent histopathology changes of lung. Induction of ALI was impaired in IL‐17‐deficient mice. Management of IL‐17 could modulate LPS‐induced pulmonary inflammation, as reflected by the total cell and neutrophil counts, proinflammatory cytokines, as well as chemokines in BAL fluid. Of note, blockade of IL‐17 effectively inhibited the lung inflammation and alleviated ALI severity. Finally, we confirmed the clinical relevance and found that IL‐17 expression was elevated and associated with the disease severity in patients with ARDS. In essence, IL‐17 was crucial for development of ALI, suggesting a potential application for IL‐17‐based therapy in clinical practice.
Playing the Game of Outcomes‐based Performance Management. Is Gamesmanship Inevitable? Evidence from Theory and Practice
Authors: Lowe Toby , Wilson Rob 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article presents the case for the need for a re‐think in the prevailing orthodoxy of measurement approaches in the governance and management of public services. The article explores the simplification of complex reality that outcomes‐based performance management (OBPM) requires in order to function, and the consequences of such simplification. It examines the evidence for and against the effectiveness of OBPM, and argues that both sets of evidence can be brought into a single explanatory story by understanding the theory of OBPM. The simplification required to measure and attribute ‘outcomes’ turns the organization and delivery of social interventions into a game, the rules of which promote gamesmanship, distorting the behaviour of organizations, managers and practitioners who undertake it.
Video Data Model and Retrieval Service Framework Using Geographic Information
Authors: Han Zhigang , Cui Caihui , Kong Yunfeng , Qin Fen , Fu Pinde 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlong with a rapid growth in the volume of user‐generated video clips, efficient video retrieval methods have become one of the most critical challenges in multimedia management. In this article, we propose a service framework using geographic information for retrieval of the videos on the web. The main idea is to describe and query videos by video‐related geographic data such as video location, field of view and trajectory. Based on the point, line and polygon description for videos, we define the commonly used video retrieval methods. A video retrieval service framework and the service interfaces are designed based on the REST architecture. A prototype system is also implemented to test the services. The experiment shows that the proposed video description, retrieval methods and web services are feasible and useful. We believe that the integration of geographical video retrieval methods into existing methods will promote the geo‐tagged video sharing, discovery and consumption in various web applications.
Notifying blood donors of infection: results of a donor satisfaction survey
Authors: Reynolds C. A. , Brailsford S. R. , Hewitt P. E. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYBackground/Objectives:When NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) confirms a blood donation to have markers of infection, the donor is contacted by letter to arrange a discussion about the test results and onward care. A survey was carried out to assess the level of satisfaction with this process.Materials/Methods:A questionnaire was sent to 335 donors who had been notified by NHSBT in 2008 and 2009 that they had tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Ratings were made using Likert scales, where the respondent indicated the level of agreement or satisfaction with statements about the initial notification letter and the subsequent post‐test discussion (PTD) with the NHSBT clinician.Results:There was an overall 47·5% (159/335) response rate. Fifty‐eight percent (91/157) agreed that they were satisfied with the letter, but 30% (46/152) disagreed that it was easy to stay calm (average score 3·2). Scores for the letter were significantly lower in HIV and HTLV than in hepatitis for several questions. Scores for the discussion were in general higher than the initial letter, with 90% (114/127) satisfied overall, although 2 of 19 HIV positive donors remained dissatisfied.Conclusion:Overall, most donors were satisfied with the notification process, although scores were slightly lower for HTLV and HIV. Further audit is planned; in particular to remeasure the satisfaction with, and understanding of, the notification letter for HTLV positive donors and the telephone PTD.
A novel c.790C>T mutation in RHAG gene encoding the Rhnull phenotype in Japanese
Authors: Tanaka M. , Yamasaki H. , Watanabe S. , Takahashi J. , Matsukura H. , Tani Y. 
Published: December 2015

Background and ObjectivesMolecular analyses of Rhnull individuals have revealed that abnormalities occur only at the RH or RHAG gene. Rhnull phenotype arises from two distinct genetic mechanisms, the amorph and the regulator type. Here, we genetically analysed a Japanese Rhnull family and identified a novel RHAG mutation.Materials and MethodsRBC samples from two family members were phenotyped using the standard serological techniques and BLOODchip Reference for the predicted phenotype. Scanning electron micrographs of red blood cells (RBCs) were generated. All 10 RHAG exons were subjected to DNA sequencing.ResultsRBCs in 2 Rhnull samples did not contain Rh or RhAG antigens. The screening tests for irregular RBC antibodies identified anti‐Rh29 in 2 samples and anti‐C+e in the older sister of the proband. A molecular base analysis revealed a novel c.790C>T (p.Arg263X) mutation in exon 5 of RHAG gene.ConclusionThe samples with the novel c.790C>T (p.Arg263X) mutation in exon 5 of the RHAG gene were identified as regulator type.
Re‐evaluation of HNA‐1 antibodies for their reactivity to different recombinant variants of FcγRIIIb
Authors: Nishizawa K. , Yasui K. , Amakishi E. , Irie Y. , Matsuyama N. , Kamada H. , Nakajima F. , Ishii H. , Matsukura H. , Hirayama F. 
Published: December 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe Fcgamma receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb) carries the human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐1 system. The three FCGR3B alleles encode four antigens: one allele encodes HNA‐1a, and two alleles encode two antigens each, HNA‐1b and HNA‐1d and HNA‐1b and HNA‐1c, respectively. Several other non‐synonymous substitutions have also been reported. Little is known about the properties of HNA‐1d antibodies because HNA‐1d was recently discovered, and HNA‐1d antibodies have been reported only in a couple of cases. These findings raise the possibility that the polymorphisms in the HNA‐1 system and spectrum of the specificity of resulting antibodies are more complex than previously thought. We address this possibility in this work.Materials and MethodsSeveral HNA‐1 antibodies, which had been classified as HNA‐1a or HNA‐1b before HNA‐1d was discovered, were re‐evaluated for their reactivity to different recombinant variants of FcγRIIIb.ResultsThe HNA‐1a antibody, but not the reference HNA‐1a antibody, cross‐reacted to HNA‐1d. Further, nucleotide replacement in FCGR3B alleles *02 at 193G→A (AA position 54 E→K) resulted in the disappearance of HNA‐1d, but not HNA‐1b, antigenicity.ConclusionThe HNA‐1 system may be more complex than previously understood.
Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease in Children
Authors: Liu Peng , Han Cong , Li De-Sheng , Lv Xian-Li , Li You-Xiang , Duan Lian 
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—
Here, we describe the clinical, angiographic characteristics, and long-term surgical outcome of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease in children.

Methods—
We retrospectively collected 374 consecutive children with moyamoya disease (hemorrhagic 30 and ischemic 344) between 2004 and 2012 in our hospital. The clinical and radiological characteristics of the hemorrhagic patients were retrospectively described and analyzed. All the hemorrhagic patients underwent encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis procedure. Digital subtraction angiography was performed to evaluate the efficacy of vascularization. Clinical follow-up outcomes were obtained through clinical visits, telephone, or letter interview.

Results—

In our study, the ratio of female to male patients in the hemorrhagic group was significantly higher than the ischemic group (2:1 versus 0.9:1;
P
<0.05). The most frequent hemorrhagic location was intraventricular hemorrhage (n=22, 73%). In addition, significantly greater dilatation of the anterior choroidal artery and the posterior communicating artery were seen in the hemorrhagic group (
P
<0.05). Good or fair vascularization were observed in all the 15 children with digital subtraction angiography follow-up. Clinical outcomes showed that 25 of 30 (83%) patients had no disability (modified Rankin scale score, 0 and 1); 1 patient (3.3%) died of recurrent hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions—
The presence of anterior choroidal artery and posterior communicating artery dilation may be associated with the bleeding episode in the children with hemorrhagic moyamoya disease. The encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis surgery can effectively increase the cerebral blood flow in children, which may decrease the incidence of recurrent hemorrhage.