bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased circulating plasma cells detected by flow cytometry predicts poor prognosis in patients with plasma cell myeloma
Authors: Bae Mi Hyun , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Kim Bo Hyun , Cho Young‐Uk , Jang Seongsoo , Lee Dong‐Hyun , Seo Eul‐Ju , Yoon Dok Hyun , Lee Jung‐Hee , Suh Cheolwon 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundFlow cytometry (FC) is a reliable tool for diagnosing and monitoring of plasma cell myeloma (PCM). Recent studies used FC for quantifying plasma cells (PCs) in peripheral blood (PB) using various panels, and an adverse prognostic effect of circulating PCs (cPCs) has been reported. We investigated the prognostic implication of cPCs quantified using a simple panel in patients with PCM.MethodsBone marrow (BM) and PB of 85 patients with PCM were analyzed by five‐color FC at time of diagnosis. A serial gating strategy for quantification used CD38/CD138 to gate PCs in 100,000–200,000 acquired events, with subsequent gating for CD19, CD56, and CD45, to identify aberrant immunophenotypes.ResultscPCs were observed in 74.1% patients (63/85, median 0.067% leukocytes). Patients were grouped based on a cPC cut‐off level of 0.02% derived using the receiver operating characteristic curves. Compared with patients with cPCs < 0.02% (n = 28), those with cPCs ≥ 0.02% (n = 57) showed lower hemoglobin (P = 0.003) and platelets (P = 0.014), but higher calcium, M‐protein and BM PCs (P = 0.013, 0.029, and P < 0.001, respectively). Survival analysis of 74 patients showed that cPCs ≥ 0.02% predicted shorter progression‐free and overall survival (P = 0.001 and 0.013, respectively), and this negative prognostic impact was retained in multivariate analysis (P = 0.023).ConclusionsFlow cytometric quantification of cPCs using five surface antigens (CD138, CD38, CD56, CD19, and CD45) is a sensitive and simple method that can be used for assessing PCM prognosis; it would allow clinical laboratories to readily adopt a risk stratification strategy based on cPC levels in PCM patients. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Quantitative assessment of informative immunophenotypic markers increases the diagnostic value of immunophenotyping in mature CD5‐positive B‐cell neoplasms
Authors: Starostka David , Kriegova Eva , Kudelka Milos , Mikula Peter , Zehnalova Sarka , Radvansky Martin , Papajik Tomas , Kolacek David , Chasakova Katerina , Talianova Hana 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe data on the clinical utility of the quantitative assessment of immunophenotypes in distinguishing mature CD5‐positive B‐cell neoplasms is limited. The study aim was to assess the diagnostic value of the quantitative assessment of a panel of 18 markers and to identify the most informative ones.MethodsThe immunophenotype of the neoplastic population was determined in diagnostic specimens from 188 patients. BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer and FACSDiva software were used to analyze the positivity/negativity and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the surface expression of 18 markers. Advanced data mining methods were used to define the key differential diagnostic features of CLL/SLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma), MCL (mantle cell lymphoma), and CD5+ MZL (marginal zone lymphoma).ResultsThe most informative markers for the distinction of CLL/SLL, MCL, CD5+ MZL, including atypical cases, were the MFI values of CD79b, CD20, CD23, CD43, CD38, CD11c, FMC7, CD200, kappa light chain, and their combinations. CD23 and CD200 were the most discriminant between CLL/SLL and MCL and CD23 plus CD79b between CLL/SLL and CD5+ MZL. The quantitative analysis of the most informative markers failed to accurately distinguish MCL and CD5+ MZL. The study highlights the data mining methods for the analysis and selection of the most informative immunophenotypic markers and for the design of a predictive model (diagnostic classifier), minimizing the subjectivity of expert‐based assessment.ConclusionsOur data confirmed that the quantification of the expression of informative markers increases the diagnostic value of immunophenotyping in mature CD5+ B‐cell neoplasms. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Investigation of horizontal floor acceleration in historic masonry buildings
Authors: Rudisch Andreas , Dunjic Viktor , Kolbitsch Andreas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEarthquakes with comparatively low magnitudes can lead to serious damage to non‐structural components of historical masonry buildings, such as architectural facade elements. In order to assess the vulnerability of non‐structural components, the horizontal floor acceleration is used. This depends on the dynamic characteristics of the building, the ground acceleration and dissipative effects. In the present article comprehensive probabilistic FE time history analyses with different hazard levels have been carried out for selected masonry structures. In order to take induced non‐linearities into account, a macroscopic material model for historic masonry was calibrated and applied. It was shown that the chosen methodology enables the determination of the distribution of floor acceleration over the building height for historic masonry structures. In addition, due to the detailed scope, a robust comparison with the simplified design methods is possible. Finally, the applicability of the simplified design approach according to EN 1998‐1 [1] is discussed for the investigated case.
Complex building element monitoring – interior insulation in practical test
Authors: Söhnchen Andreas , Schoch Torsten 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGermany has set ambitious targets at a national level for the reduction of emissions with the Energiekonzept 2010: by 2020, emissions should be reduced by at least 40 % compared to 1990. By 2050, a reduction of emissions by 80 to 95 % (compared to 1990) is intended [1]. In order to even come near to these targets, the energy‐related refurbishment of existing buildings has been gaining significance for some years. Facades that are worth preserving or under listed building protection limit the upgrading options on the outside, but interior insulation solutions are as ever regarded with suspicion by some protagonists. The following article reports on the building physics support for a particularly challenging refurbishment project.
Load‐bearing behaviour and characteristic load‐bearing capacity of injection anchors in masonry
Authors: Hofmann Jan , Welz Georg 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFixings with injection anchors are post‐installed chemical fastenings, which are generally described as bonded anchors. For bonded anchors in masonry, only injection systems are approved, since safe application of capsule systems cannot be guaranteed due to the presence of cavities in the masonry, for example due to joints, grip holes or the use of perforated blocks.The present article collects the current state of knowledge and describes the usual “engineeering” approaches.
Demographic drivers of a refugee species: large‐scale experiments guide strategies for reintroductions of hirola
Authors: Ali Abdullahi H. , Kauffman Matthew J. , Amin Rajan , Kibara Amos , King Juliet , Mallon David , Musyoki Charles , Goheen Jacob R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEffective reintroduction strategies require accurate estimates of vital rates and the factors that influence them. The hirola (Beatragus hunteri) is the rarest antelope on Earth, with a global population size of <500 individuals restricted to the Kenya–Somali border. We estimated vital rates of hirola populations exposed to varying levels of predation and rangeland quality from 2012 to 2015, and then built population matrices to estimate the finite rate of population change (λ) and demographic sensitivities. Mean survival for all age classes and population growth was highest in the low‐predation–high‐rangeland‐quality setting (λ = 1.08 ± 0.03 [mean ± SE]), and lowest in the high‐predation–low‐rangeland‐quality setting (λ = 0.70 ± 0.22). Retrospective demographic analyses revealed that increased fecundity (the number of female calves born to adult females annually) and female calf survival were responsible for higher population growth where large carnivores were absent. In contrast, variation in adult female survival was the primary contributor to differences in population growth attributable to rangeland quality. Our analyses suggest that hirola demography is driven by a combination of top‐down (predation) and bottom‐up (rangeland quality) forces, with populations in the contemporary geographic range impacted both by declining rangeland quality and predation. To enhance the chances of successful reintroductions, conservationists can consider rangeland restoration to boost both the survival and fecundity of adult females within the hirola's historical range.
Incomplete tidal restoration may lead to persistent high CH4 emission
Authors: Emery Hollie E. , Fulweiler Robinson W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSalt marshes provide a range of critical ecosystem services including high rates of carbon sequestration. Recent recognition of the importance of these ecosystems has led to an interest in restoring marshes that have been degraded by human activities. Tidal restriction from coastal development can alter salt marsh plant and animal communities as well as marsh biogeochemistry. However, much less is known about how tidal restriction, and subsequent tidal restoration, may alter greenhouse gas emissions. Since salt marshes typically have lower emissions of methane than freshwater wetlands, tidal restoration that increases the salinity in a restricted marsh could theoretically improve the net global warming potential of a marsh by lowering methane emissions. In this study, we examined the emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide at four temperate salt marshes, three of which had been restricted and subsequently restored. Greenhouse gas fluxes were poorly correlated with environmental parameters (biomass, temperature, moisture, sediment organic content, porewater salinity and pH, etc.) normally considered to be primary drivers of salt marsh biogeochemical processes. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions and uptake were not influenced by the restriction and restoration history of the marshes. Despite comparable salinity, methane emissions in one partially restored marsh were 25 times higher than those in unimpacted reference sites 13+ years after restoration. However, methane emissions from the other restored sites were equal to or significantly lower than those from unimpacted reference sites. This study highlights that we cannot assume recovering ecosystems will function like unimpacted ones, especially if restoration is incomplete.
Rodent herbivory and fire differentially affect plant species recruitment based on variability in life history traits
Authors: Sharp Bowman Tiffanny R. , McMillan Brock R. , St. Clair Samuel B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRodent consumers can have strong top‐down effects on plant community development via seed predation, but their influence on seedling recruitment and how it varies depending on disturbance history and plant traits are largely unknown. Over a two‐year period, we experimentally tested the influence of rodents and fire on seedling survival of 14 plant species with contrasting growth forms and life history traits in the Great Basin Desert. Seedling survival was dramatically increased by rodent exclusion and fire and was greater in 2013 than 2012. Rodent abundance was an order of magnitude lower in 2013 than 2012 and across both years showed a negative linear relationship with mean seedling survival of all 14 plant species (R2 = −0.62). There was strong variability in plant species sensitivity to rodent herbivory with a more than 10‐fold difference in mortality risk between the most sensitive species and the most resistant species and a high degree of variability in survival among all species. Mortality risk of forb species was double that of grass species and there was a trend toward higher mortality of native species compared to introduced species. The results suggest that rodent herbivory may be an important determinant of plant community assembly in desert ecosystems with plant life history strategies and growth form traits serving as important survival filters. Post‐fire environments and low rodent years likely provide windows of opportunity for greater seedling recruitment due to a release from rodent herbivory pressure.
SIENA‐XL for improving the assessment of gray and white matter volume changes on brain MRI
Authors: Battaglini Marco , Jenkinson Mark , De Stefano Nicola ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this article, SIENA‐XL, a new segmentation‐based longitudinal pipeline is introduced, for: (i) increasing the precision of longitudinal volume change estimation for white (WM) and gray (GM) matter separately, compared with cross‐sectional segmentation methods such as SIENAX; and (ii) avoiding potential biases in registration‐based methods when Jacobians are used, with a smoothing extent larger than spatial scale between tissue‐interfaces, which is where atrophy usually occurs. SIENA‐XL implements a new brain extraction procedure and a multi‐time‐point intensity equalization step before performing the final segmentation that also includes separate segmentation of deep GM structures by using FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool. The detection of GM and WM volume changes with SIENA‐XL was evaluated using different healthy control (HC) and multiple sclerosis (MS) MRI datasets and compared with the traditional SIENAX and two Jacobian‐based approaches, SPM12 and SIENAX‐JI (a version of SIENAX including Jacobian integration ‐ JI). In scan‐rescan data from HCs, SIENA‐XL showed: (i) a significant decrease in error, of 50–70% when compared with SIENAX; (ii) no significant differences in error when compared with SIENAX‐JI and SPM12 in a scan‐rescan HC dataset that included repositioning. When tested in a HC dataset with scan‐rescan both at baseline and after 1 year of follow‐up, SIENA‐XL showed: (i) significantly higher precision (P < 0.01) than SIENAX; (ii) no significant differences to SIENAX‐JI and SPM12. Finally, in a dataset of 79 MS patients with a 2 years follow‐up, SIENA‐XL showed a substantial reduction of sample size, by comparison with SIENAX, SIENAX‐JI, and SPM12, for detecting treatment effects of 25, 30, and 50%. Hum Brain Mapp 39:1063–1077, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis and management of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ngene Nnabuike C. , Moodley Jagidesa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe cause of pre‐eclampsia is unknown. Different postulates have been developed to explain its pathogenesis. The two‐stage theory and angiogenic imbalance are two notable postulates of the disease. Together, they propose that there is a lack of cytotrophoblastic invasion of the uterine spiral arteries in pre‐eclampsia. The lumen of these arteries remains narrow instead of converting to the wide channels seen in normal pregnancy, and result in poor placental perfusion. Coupled with maternal susceptibility, this process leads to the release of mediators, including an excess of anti‐angiogenic factors that result in the clinical manifestations of the disease. Circulating levels of anti‐angiogenic factors such as soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 increase, whereas pro‐angiogenic factors such as placental growth factor decrease. Assessment of the circulating concentrations of these angiogenic factors, such as the soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1/placental growth factor ratio, has diverse clinical relevance in pre‐eclampsia. The present review describes the role of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis and management of pre‐eclampsia.
Ni/γ‐Al2O3 catalyzed hydrogenation sequence of conjugated double bonds in 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal and reaction kinetics
Authors: Zhao Lili , Wang Yi , An Hualiang , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUND2‐ethylhexanol (2EHO) is an important organic chemical, which is mainly used in the manufacture of plasticizers. At present, the industrial manufacture of 2EHO is generally carried out by gas‐phase hydrogenation of 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal, which has high energy consumption. So it is of significance to study liquid‐phase hydrogenation of 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal.RESULTSSeveral byproducts were found such as 3‐methylheptane, 2‐ethylhexyl butyrate, 2,4‐diethyloctanol, 2,4‐diethyloctanal, 5,7‐diethylundecane and 2‐ethylhexyl‐2‐ethylhexanoate in the reaction system of 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal liquid‐phase hydrogenation catalyzed by Ni/γ‐Al2O3 and a reaction network was proposed. The CC bond of 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal molecule was hydrogenated prior to the CO bond hydrogenation and furthermore the CO bond was hardly hydrogenated until the CC bond hydrogenation finished. The kinetics of liquid‐phase hydrogenation of 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal catalyzed by Ni/γ‐Al2O3 was studied and the result demonstrated that both 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal hydrogenation to 2‐ethylhexanal (CC bond hydrogenation) and 2‐ethylhexanal hydrogenation to 2‐ethylhexanol (CO bond hydrogenation) were first‐order irreversible reactions.CONCLUSIONSIt is made clear by means of online infrared analysis that the hydrogenation of CO bond is difficult to achieve before completion of the hydrogenation of CC bond. The 2‐ethylhexanal hydrogenation reaction, whose activation energy is higher, is the rate‐determining step in the entire hydrogenation process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Long‐term viral suppression and immune recovery during first‐line antiretroviral therapy: a study of an HIV‐infected adult cohort in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Tanuma Junko , Matsumoto Shoko , Haneuse Sebastien , Cuong Do Duy , Vu Tuong Van , Thuy Pham Thi Thanh , Dung Nguyen Thi , Dung Nguyen Thi Hoai , Trung Nguyen Vu , Kinh Nguyen Van , Oka Shinichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionAchieving viral suppression is key in the global strategy to end the HIV epidemic. However, the levels of viral suppression have yet to be described in many resource‐limited settings.MethodsWe investigated the time to virologic failure (VF; defined as a viral load of ≥1000 copies/ml) and changes in CD4 counts since starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a cohort of HIV‐infected adults in Hanoi, Vietnam. Factors related to the time to VF and impaired early immune recovery (defined as not attaining an increase in 100 cells/mm3 in CD4 counts at 24 months) were further analysed.ResultsFrom 1806 participants, 225 were identified as having VF at a median of 50 months of first‐line ART. The viral suppression rate at 12 months was 95.5% and survival without VF was maintained above 90% until 42 months. An increase in CD4 counts from the baseline was greater in groups with lower baseline CD4 counts. A younger age (multivariate hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, vs. <30), hepatitis C (HCV)‐antibody positivity (HR 1.43), and stavudine (d4T)‐containing regimens (HR 1.4, vs. zidovudine (AZT)) were associated with earlier VF. Factors associated with impaired early immune recovery included the male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.78), HCV‐antibody positivity (OR 1.72), d4T‐based regimens (OR 0.51, vs. AZT), and nevirapine‐based regimens (OR 0.53, vs. efavirenz) after controlling for baseline CD4 counts.ConclusionDurable high‐rate viral suppression was observed in the cohort of patients on first‐line ART in Vietnam. Our results highlight the need to increase adherence support among injection drug users and HCV co‐infected patients.
How effective are common household preparations on removing pesticide residues from fruit and vegetables? A review
Authors: Chung Stephen WC 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNowadays, the use of pesticides is inevitable for pest control in crops, especially for fruit and vegetables. After the harvest from raw agricultural commodities, the amount of pesticide residues in food is mainly influenced by the storage, handling and processing that follow. If good agricultural and good manufacturing practices are enforced effectively, the amount of pesticide residues would be brought below the corresponding maximum residue level. Thus, the consumption of raw and/or prepared fruit and vegetables would be safe. Nonetheless, reports regarding pesticide residues in fruit or vegetables on mass media have been worrying consumers, who are concerned about the adverse effects of pesticide residues. As a result, consumers perform household processing before consumption to reduce any related risks. However, can these preparations effectively remove pesticide residues? Reviewing the extensive literature, it showed that, in most cases, washing and soaking can only lead to a certain degree of reduction in residue level, while other processing such as peeling, soaking in chemical baths and blanching can reduce pesticide residues more effectively. In general, the behaviour of residues during processing can be rationalised in terms of the physico‐chemical properties of the pesticide and the nature of the process. In contrast, the reported studies are diversified and some areas still lack sufficient studies to draw any remarks. Recommendations are provided with respect to the available information that aims to formulate an environmental friendly, cost‐effective and efficient household processing of fruit and vegetables to reduce pesticide residues. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A review of structural brain abnormalities in Pallister‐Killian syndrome
Authors: Poulton Cathryn , Baynam Gareth , Yates Clarissa , Alinejad‐Rokny Hamid , Williams Simon , Wright Helen , Woodward Karen J. , Sivamoorthy Soruba , Peverall Joanne , Shipman Peter , Ravine David , Beilby John , Heng Julian Ik‐Tsen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundPallister‐Killian syndrome (PKS) is a rare multisystem developmental syndrome usually caused by mosaic tetrasomy of chromosome 12p that is known to be associated with neurological defects.MethodsWe describe two patients with PKS, one of whom has bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (PMG), the other with macrocephaly, enlarged lateral ventricles and hypogenesis of the corpus callosum. We have also summarized the current literature describing brain abnormalities in PKS.ResultsWe reviewed available cases with intracranial scans (n = 93) and found a strong association between PKS and structural brain abnormalities (77.41%; 72/93). Notably, ventricular abnormalities (45.83%; 33/72), abnormalities of the corpus callosum (25.00%; 18/72) and cerebral atrophy (29.17%; 21/72) were the most frequently reported, while macrocephaly (12.5%; 9/72) and PMG (4.17%; 3/72) were less frequent. To further understand how 12p genes might be relevant to brain development, we identified 63 genes which are enriched in the nervous system. These genes display distinct temporal as well as region‐specific expression in the brain, suggesting specific roles in neurodevelopment and disease. Finally, we utilized these data to define minimal critical regions on 12p and their constituent genes associated with atrophy, abnormalities of the corpus callosum, and macrocephaly in PKS.ConclusionOur study reinforces the association between brain abnormalities and PKS, and documents a diverse neurogenetic basis for structural brain abnormalities and impaired function in children diagnosed with this rare disorder.