bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for risk in the traditional RFM approach
Authors: Singh Shweta , Singh Sumit 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The Purpose of this study is to provide an alternative way to create customer valuation metric while accounting for customer riskiness. Customer relationship management (CRM) emphasizes the importance of measuring customer value. Analytics has paved the way for innovation by providing companies valuable insights into the behavior of customers. Earlier models used to measure customer value do not take into account the types and level of risk posed by customers, such as probability of churn, regularity of purchases, etc. The authors put forth a new and innovative approach to measuring customer value while, at the same time, adjusting for customer riskiness.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using a non-parametric approach used in the operations research area, the authors create a risk-adjusted regency, frequency, monetary value (RARFM) score for each customer. These scores are used to segment the customers into two groups – customers with high and low RARFM scores. The authors then identify the underlying demographics and behavioral characteristics that separate the two groups.

Findings
– Findings of this paper indicate that customers who perform the best on the RARFM metric tend to be more experienced, and are more likely to exhibit behavioral tendencies that help them perform well in their jobs, such as purchasing promotional goods that act as sales aid and enhance their performance.

Originality/value
– The paper is innovative in its approach in terms of creating a new metric for calculating customer value. Few papers have proposed ways to handle and adjust for customer riskiness. Here, the authors propose three kinds of customer risk. Current paper provides a twist to traditional RFM analysis by creating a RARFM score for each customer, and provides a scientific way of assigning weights to RFM.
Maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation alters central leptin signalling, increases food intake, and decreases bone mass in 1 year old rat offspring
Authors: Qasem Rani J , Li Jing , Tang Hee Man , Pontiggia Laura , D'mello Anil P 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe effects of perinatal nutrition on offspring physiology have mostly been examined in young adult animals. Aging constitutes a risk factor for the progressive loss of metabolic flexibility and development of disease. Few studies have examined whether the phenotype programmed by perinatal nutrition persists in aging offspring. Persistence of detrimental phenotypes and their accumulative metabolic effects are important for disease causality. This study determined the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation on food consumption, central leptin sensitivity, bone health, and susceptibility to high fat diet‐induced adiposity in 1‐year‐old male offspring. Sprague‐Dawley rats received either a control or a protein restricted diet throughout pregnancy and lactation and pups were weaned onto laboratory chow. One‐year‐old low protein (LP) offspring exhibited hyperphagia. The inability of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) leptin injection to reduce food intake indicated that the hyperphagia was mediated by decreased central leptin sensitivity. Hyperphagia was accompanied by lower body weight suggesting increased energy expenditure in LP offspring. Bone density and bone mineral content that are negatively regulated by leptin acting via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), were decreased in LP offspring. LP offspring did not exhibit increased susceptibility to high fat diet induced metabolic effects or adiposity. The results presented here indicate that the programming effects of perinatal protein restriction are mediated by specific decreases in central leptin signalling to pathways involved in the regulation of food intake along with possible enhancement of different CNS leptin signalling pathways acting via the SNS to regulate bone mass and energy expenditure.
Isolation and characterization of Ligustrum micranthum (Oleaceae) microsatellite loci using paired‐end Illumina reads
Authors: Sugai Kyoko , Setsuko Suzuki 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTwenty‐six microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for Ligustrum micranthum, a species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The genetic structure of this species must be clarified in order to restore the island's ecosystem. A total of 8511 primer pairs were designed from de novo sequencing. Of the 48 primer pairs selected, amplification and polymorphisms were tested using one population each from the Chichijima and Hahajima Islands of the Ogasawara Islands. Twenty‐six microsatellite loci were successfully amplified and the number of alleles for these loci ranged from five to 31 per locus, and the mean expected heterozygosities were 0.858 and 0.849, respectively. No significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed in either population, and no significant linkage disequilibrium was detected between any locus pair. The microsatellite loci reported in this study can be used in future studies to evaluate the genetic structure and mating system of L. micranthum.
Genetic variation of pantropical Terminalia catappa plants with sea‐drifted seeds in the Bonin Islands: suggestions for transplantation guidelines
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Ohtani Masato , Sugai Kyoko , Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Kato Hidetoshi , Yoshimaru Hiroshi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Bonin Islands are endowed with endemic species. However, these species are at risk of extinction because of the exuberance of invasive alien plants. Therefore, native plant species should be revegetated after eradicating alien plants. We investigated the genetic variation of Terminalia catappa populations in the Bonin Islands by using nuclear (n) microsatellites (simple sequence repeats [SSRs]) and chloroplast (cp) DNA. No significant differences were observed in the genetic diversity of nSSRs among 22 populations. However, recent bottlenecks were detected in three populations on the Chichijima Island group. nSSR variation and cpDNA haplotypes suggested the presence of two genetically distinct groups in the Mukojima and Chichijima Island groups and the Hahajima Island group. A similar genetic structure was observed in plants and animals in the Bonin Islands. Populations on the three islands, which were separated from other islands in each island group when the water depth was 50‐m lower than the present level, were dominated by unique nSSRs clusters, suggesting that historical changes in island connections during the Pleistocene era affected genetic substructuring. These results suggested that different factors contributed to the genetic structure of T. catappa on different geographic scales. At the whole‐island level, the genetic structure was determined by long‐distance seed dispersal by ocean currents. At the island‐group level, the genetic structure was determined by historical changes in island connections caused by changes in the sea level due to glacial–interglacial transition. These findings would help in establishing transplantation zone borders for revegetating T. catappa on the Bonin Islands.
Proteomics Approach Identifies Factors Associated With the Response to Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Therapy in Patients With Steroid‐Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Kuribayashi‐Okuma Emiko , Shibata Shigeru , Arai Shigeyuki , Ota Tatsuru , Watanabe Sumiyo , Hisaki Harumi , Okazaki Tomoki , Toda Tosifusa , Uchida Shunya 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLow‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL‐A) has been shown to reduce proteinuria in a subgroup of nephrotic syndrome patients refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Factors influencing the efficacy of LDL‐A in nephrotic syndrome are completely unknown. Using a proteomics approach, we aimed to identify biological markers that predict the response to LDL‐A in patients with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Identification of plasma proteins bound to the dextran‐sulfate column at the first session of LDL‐A was determined by mass spectrometry. To investigate biological factors associated with the response to LDL‐A, we compared profiles of column‐bound proteins between responders (defined by more than 50% reduction of proteinuria after the treatment) and non‐responders by 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) coupled to mass spectrometry in seven patients with SRNS. Evaluation of proteins adsorbed to LDL‐A column in patients with SRNS revealed the identity of 62 proteins, which included apolipoproteins, complement components, and serum amyloid P‐component (SAP). Comparative analysis of the column‐bound proteins between responders and non‐responders by 2‐DE demonstrated that apolipoprotein E (APOE) and SAP levels were increased in non‐responders as compared with responders. These results were confirmed by western blotting. Moreover, serum levels of APOE and SAP were significantly higher in the non‐responder group than in the responder group by ELISA. Our data provide comprehensive analysis of proteins adsorbed by LDL‐A in SRNS, and demonstrate that the serum levels of APOE and SAP may be used to predict the response to LDL‐A in these patients.
Prospective evaluation of patient‐reported quality of life outcomes after external beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer in Victoria: A cohort study by the Victorian Prostate Cancer Registry
Authors: Patabendi Bandarage Varuni Ransika Kumari , Billah Baki , Millar Jeremy L , Evans Sue 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionExternal beam radiation treatment (EBRT) for prostate cancer (CaP) can cause adverse effects on bowel, bladder and sexual function. We aimed to use CaP clinical registry data to evaluate variation in patient adverse effects after EBRT in Victoria.MethodsStudy subjects were men diagnosed with primary CaP between 2009 and 2014, treated with EBRT in metropolitan Melbourne, or in one of three regional integrated cancer service (ICS) regions. Information on change in general and disease‐specific health outcome 12 and 24 months after the initial diagnosis were obtained using a modified Expanded CaP index composite (EPIC)‐26 survey and there was no variation of follow up between ICSs.ResultsThe proportion of men with ‘big bother’ (the most troublesome category) was compared between the ICS regions in Victoria (n = 1,825). There was no difference in big bother in urinary and sexual function across the regions at 24 months. However, patients treated in one regional cancer service had a higher proportion with ‘big bother’ (11.1%) compared with the rest of the Victoria (4.8%); (χ2 = 4.85; P = 0.02). The only significant factor for this was the location of EBRT (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–6.04; P = 0.02). There was no association over time in that region with change in EBRT technique from 3‐D conformal radiation therapy to intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (z‐test for proportion: 0.77; P: 0.44).ConclusionA comprehensive clinical cancer registry system, can be used to benchmark outcomes for men diagnosed with CaP and may detect clinically relevant variations that require further detailed evaluation and response.
Corruption as a Self‐Fulfilling Prophecy: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Costa Rica
Authors: Corbacho Ana , Gingerich Daniel W. , Oliveros Virginia , Ruiz‐Vega Mauricio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn influential literature argues that corruption behaves as a self‐fulfilling prophecy. Its central claim is that the individual returns to corruption are a function of the perceived corruptibility of the other members of society. Empirically, this implies that if one were to exogenously increase beliefs about societal levels of corruption, willingness to engage in corruption should also increase. We evaluate this implication by utilizing an information experiment embedded in a large‐scale household survey recently conducted in the Gran Área Metropolitana of Costa Rica. Changes in beliefs about corruption were induced via the random assignment of an informational display depicting the increasing percentage of Costa Ricans who have personally witnessed an act of corruption. Consistent with the self‐fulfilling prophecy hypothesis, we find that internalizing the information from the display on average increased the probability that a respondent would be willing to bribe a police officer by approximately .05 to .10.
Cervical pessaries to prevent preterm birth in women with a multiple pregnancy: a per‐protocol analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Liem Sophie M.S. , Schuit Ewoud , van Pampus Mariëlle G. , van Melick Marjo , Monfrance Maurice , Langenveld Josje , Mol Ben W.J. , Bekedam Dick 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionWe recently showed that a cervical pessary prevents preterm birth and reduces poor neonatal outcomes in women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix (<38 mm). The objective of this study was to evaluate the full potential treatment effect of the pessary in the whole group and in women with a short cervix.Material and methodsWe performed a per‐protocol analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (ProTWIN trial, NTR1858) where we excluded women who were allocated to the pessary but never had it placed. Women who had the pessary removed before 36 gestational weeks and did not deliver within 7 days after removal, were excluded. Analyses were performed on all women and in those with a cervical length <38 mm.ResultsIn 23 (6%) women the pessary was not placed. In women with a cervical length <38 mm (25th percentile) the pessary reduced poor perinatal outcome (relative risk 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.78) and birth at <32 weeks (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.87). After excluding 47 (12%) women, the time to delivery was longer in the pessary group than in the control group (whole group: hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.82, cervical length <38 mm: hazard ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.57).ConclusionsThe analysis confirms the principal findings of the intention‐to‐treat analysis. Time to delivery was longer in the pessary group than in the control group when censored data were used. This implies the pessary should not be removed until labor is evident.
Identification of internal control genes in milk‐derived mammary epithelial cells during lactation cycle of Indian zebu cow
Authors: Jatav Pradeep , Sodhi Monika , Sharma Ankita , Mann Sandeep , Kishore Amit , Shandilya Umesh K , Mohanty Ashok K , Kataria Ranjit S , Yadav Poonam , Verma Preeti , Kumar Surinder , Malakar Dhruba , Mukesh Manishi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe present study aims to evaluate the suitability of 10 candidate genes, namely GAPDH, ACTB, RPS15A, RPL4, RPS9, RPS23, HMBS, HPRT1, EEF1A1 and UBI as internal control genes (ICG) to normalize the transcriptional data of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) in Indian cows. A total of 52 MEC samples were isolated from milk of Sahiwal cows (major indigenous dairy breed of India) across different stages of lactation: Early (5–15 days), Peak (30–60 days), Mid (100–140 days) and Late (> 240 days). Three different statistical algorithms: geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper were used to assess the suitability of these genes. In geNorm analysis, all the genes exhibited expression stability (M) values below 0.5 with EEF1A1 and RPL4 showing the maximum expression stability. Similar to geNorm, Normfinder also identified EEF1A1 and RPL4 as two of the most stable genes. In Bestkeeper algorithm as well, all the 10 genes showed consistent expression levels. The analysis showed that four genes, that is, EEF1A1, RPL4, GAPDH and ACTB exhibited higher coefficient of correlation to the Bestkeeper index, lower coefficient of variance and standard deviation, indicating their superiority to be used as ICG. The present analysis has provided evidence that RPL4, EEF1A1, GAPDH and ACTB could probably act as most suitable genes for normalizing the transcriptional data of milk‐derived mammary epithelial cells of Indian cows.
Ribosomal RNA analysis in the diagnosis of Diamond‐Blackfan Anaemia
Authors: Quarello Paola , Garelli Emanuela , Carando Adriana , Mancini Cecilia , Foglia Luiselda , Botto Carlotta , Farruggia Piero , De Keersmaecker Kim , Aspesi Anna , Ellis Steve R. , Dianzani Irma , Ramenghi Ugo 
Published: January 2016

SummaryDiamond‐Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is an inherited disease characterized by pure erythroid aplasia that has been tagged as a ‘ribosomopathy’. We report a multi‐centre study focused on the analysis of rRNA processing of 53 Italian DBA patients using capillary electrophoresis analysis of rRNA maturation of the 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits. The ratio of 28S/18S rRNA was higher in patients with mutated ribosomal proteins (RPs) of the small ribosomal subunit. In contrast, patients with mutated RPs of the large ribosomal subunit (RPLs) had a lower 28S/18S ratio. The assay reported here would be amenable for development as a diagnostic tool.
TP53 mutation in patients with high‐risk acute myeloid leukaemia treated with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Middeke Jan M. , Herold Sylvia , Rücker‐Braun Elke , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Stelljes Matthias , Kaufmann Martin , Schäfer‐Eckart Kerstin , Baldus Claudia D. , Stuhlmann Reingard , Ho Anthony D. , Einsele Hermann , Rösler Wolf , Serve Hubert , Hänel Mathias , Sohlbach Kristina , Klesse Christian , Mohr Brigitte , Heidenreich Falk , Stölzel Friedrich , Röllig Christoph , Platzbecker Uwe , Ehninger Gerhard , Bornhäuser Martin , Thiede Christian , Schetelig Johannes ,   the Study Alliance Leukaemia (SAL)
Published: January 2016

SummaryTreatment success in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is heterogeneous. Cytogenetic and molecular alterations are strong prognostic factors, which have been used to individualize treatment. Here, we studied the impact of TP53 mutations on the outcome of AML patients with adverse cytogenetic risk treated with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Samples of 97 patients with AML and adverse‐risk cytogenetics who had received a HSCT within three randomized trials were analysed. Complete sequencing of the TP53 coding region was performed using next generation sequencing. The median age was 51 years. Overall, TP53 mutations were found in 40 patients (41%). With a median follow up of 67 months, the three‐year probabilities of overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival for patients with TP53 wild type were 33% [95% confidence interval (CI), 21% to 45%] and 24% (95% CI, 13% to 35%) compared to 10% (95% CI, 0% to 19%) and 8% (95% CI, 0% to 16%) (P = 0·002 and P = 0·007) for those with mutated TP53, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the TP53‐mutation status had a negative impact on OS (Hazard Ratio = 1·7; P = 0·066). Mutational analysis of TP53 might be an important additional tool to predict outcome after HSCT in patients with adverse karyotype AML.
Therapy with low‐dose azacitidine for MDS in children and young adults: a retrospective analysis of the EWOG‐MDS study group
Authors: Cseh Annamaria M. , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Yoshimi Ayami , Catala Albert , Frühwald Michael C. , Hasle Henrik , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Mary M. , Lauten Melchior , De Moerloose Barbara , Smith Owen P. , Bernig Toralf , Gruhn Bernd , Kulozik Andreas E. , Metzler Markus , Olcay Lale , Suttorp Meinolf , Furlan Ingrid , Strahm Brigitte , Flotho Christian 
Published: January 2016

SummaryLow‐dose azacitidine is efficient and safe in the therapy of malignant myeloid disorders in adults but data in children are lacking. We present a retrospective analysis of 24 children and young adults with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who received azacitidine at the time of first diagnosis or relapse after allotransplant (2 children were treated with azacitidine both initially and for relapse). Diagnoses were refractory cytopenia of childhood (N = 4), advanced primary MDS (N = 9) and secondary MDS (N = 11). The median duration of treatment was four cycles. Azacitidine was well tolerated, but cytopenias led to dose reduction in five cases. Treatment was discontinued in one child because of impaired renal function. Sixteen MDS patients were treated with azacitidine at first diagnosis. One complete clinical remission was observed and one child showed complete marrow remission; six children experienced stable disease with haematological improvement. Ten children received azacitidine for relapsed MDS after transplant: of these, seven experienced stable disease for 2–30 cycles (median 3), including one patient with haematological improvement for seven cycles. In summary, azacitidine is effective in some children with MDS and appears to be a non‐toxic option in palliative situations to prolong survival.
Socioeconomic inequalities and determinants of oral hygiene status amongUrbanIndian adolescents
Authors: Mathur Manu Raj , Tsakos Georgios , Parmar Priyanka , Millett Christopher J. , Watt Richard G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the socioeconomic inequalities in oral hygiene and to explore the role of various socioeconomic and psychosocial factors as determinants of these inequalities among adolescents residing in Delhi National Capital Territory.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1386 adolescents aged 12–15 years from three different socioeconomic groups according to their area of residence (middle‐class areas, resettlement colonies and urban slum colonies). Level of oral hygiene was examined clinically using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S), and an interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to measure key socio‐demographic variables and psychosocial and health‐related behaviours. Logistic regression analysis tested the association between area of residence and poor oral hygiene.ResultsPoor oral hygiene was observed in 50.2% of the adolescents. There was a socioeconomic gradient in poor oral hygiene, with higher prevalence observed at each level of deprivation. These differences were only partly explained, and the differences between adolescent groups remained statistically significant after adjusting for various demographic variables, standard of living, social capital, social support and health‐affecting behaviours (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.30–2.76; andOR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.60–3.92 for adolescents from resettlement colonies and urban slums, respectively, than middle‐class adolescents).ConclusionArea of residence emerged as a strong socioeconomic predictor of prevalence of poor oral hygiene among Indian adolescents. Various material, psychosocial and behavioural factors did not fully explain the observed inequalities in poor oral hygiene among different adolescent groups.
Thunderstorm‐related asthma: what happens and why
Authors: D'Amato G. , Vitale C. , D'Amato M. , Cecchi L. , Liccardi G. , Molino A. , Vatrella A. , Sanduzzi A. , Maesano C. , Annesi‐Maesano I. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe fifth report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that greenhouse gases will increase the global temperature as well as the frequency of extreme weather phenomena. An increasing body of evidence shows the occurrence of severe asthma epidemics during thunderstorms in the pollen season, in various geographical zones. The main hypotheses explaining association between thunderstorms and asthma claim that thunderstorms can concentrate pollen grains at ground level which may then release allergenic particles of respirable size in the atmosphere after their rupture by osmotic shock. During the first 20–30 min of a thunderstorm, patients suffering from pollen allergies may inhale a high concentration of the allergenic material that is dispersed into the atmosphere, which in turn can induce asthmatic reactions, often severe. Subjects without asthma symptoms, but affected by seasonal rhinitis can also experience an asthma attack. All subjects affected by pollen allergy should be alerted to the danger of being outdoors during a thunderstorm in the pollen season, as such events may be an important cause of severe exacerbations. In light of these observations, it is useful to predict thunderstorms and thus minimize thunderstorm‐related events.