bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting survival in advanced hematologic malignancies: do patient‐reported symptoms matter?
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Cartoni Claudio , Niscola Pasquale , Tendas Andrea , Meloni Elisabetta , Scaramucci Laura , Soldati Salvatore , Brunetti Gregorio Antonio , Marini Maria Giulia , Mandelli Franco 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether patient‐reported symptoms provide independent prognostic information for survival in patients with hematological malignancies.Study Design and SettingOverall 119 patients with various diagnoses were recruited in an observational study and symptoms were assessed with the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Key potential socio‐demographic, biomedical, and physician‐reported prognostic candidates were also considered. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for both univariate and multivariate analyses of survival. Additional sensitivity analysis, based on 500 bootstrap‐generated simulation datasets, was also performed to confirm the results obtained with the Cox regression model.ResultsThe median survival of the entire cohort was 4.8 months (range 0–28 months). The MDASI was completed at baseline by 91% of patients. The final multivariate model retained two parameters as independent prognostic factors for survival: clinical prognostic group and patient's self‐reported severity of drowsiness. The following hazard ratios (HR) were found for curable vs. terminal: 0.055 (95% CI, 0.022–0.136; P < 0.001) and 0.193 (95% CI, 0.103–0.362: P < 0.001) for advanced vs. terminal. Patient's self‐reported severity of drowsiness independently predicted survival with a HR of 1.801 (95% CI, 1.044–3.107; P = 0.033). Additional sensitivity analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of variables identified in this study.ConclusionThe results suggest that patients' self‐reporting of symptoms provides independent prognostic information for survival in patients with hematologic malignancies. These findings underscore the value of collecting patient‐reported symptom data in routine clinical practice.
Is biochar a source or sink for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds in agricultural soils?
Authors: Quilliam Richard S. , Rangecroft Sally , Emmett Bridget A. , Deluca Thomas H. , Jones Davey L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment originate mainly from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, and pose a significant human health risk. Soils act as environmental sinks for PAHs, as they become strongly absorbed onto soil particles; degradation is mainly driven by microbial catabolism, although it is dependent on PAH bioavailability. There is current interest in burying biochar in soil as a long‐term soil carbon store; however, biochar inherently contains varying levels of PAHs and its application could contaminate soil, and its high sorptive capacity may facilitate the persistence of PAHs in the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding biochar to soil on microbial mineralization of PAHs, and to quantify whether or not soils amended with biochar were less likely to leach PAHs. We used contrasting agricultural soils (Eutric Cambisol and Cambic Podzol) spiked with the labelled PAH compound 14C‐phenanthrene and amended with either wood biochar or rice husk biochar. Mineralization was quantified by measuring the release of 14CO2 and simulated rain used to quantify leaching of PAH through biochar‐amended soil. Rice husk biochar had higher concentrations of PAHs (64.65 mg kg−1) than wood biochar (9.56 mg kg−1), and both soil types contained quantifiable levels of PAHs. However, soil that had contained biochar for 3 years had significantly higher levels of PAH (1.95 mg kg−1) compared to unamended soil (1.13 mg kg−1). PAH catabolism in soil was reduced when amended with biochar, although biochar amendment did not consistently decrease PAH leaching. Biochar‐mediated inhibition of PAH mineralization is a consequence of increased sorption and reduced bioavailability. Before large scale biochar addition to soils is adopted, future work is needed to address the dynamic between sorbent saturation and microbial activity and how this relates to the concentration of PAHs in soil solution and their persistence in the environment.
The relationship between physical activity and heart rate variability in orthotopic heart transplant recipients
Authors: Lai Fu‐Chih , Chang Wen‐Lin , Jeng Chii 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the relationship between physical activity and heart rate variability in orthotopic heart transplant recipients, to compare the difference in heart rate variability between patients one year after orthotopic heart transplant and healthy adults matched to the heart transplant recipients in terms of age, gender and physical activity levels.Background.  Although physical activity affects the heart rate variability in patients with heart disease, there is a paucity of literature discussing the correlation between physical activity and heart rate variability among heart transplant recipients.Design.  This was a descriptive and cross‐sectional study.Methods.  A total of 120 eligible subjects were divided into the orthotopic heart transplant recipient group (n = 60) and the healthy adult group (n = 60). The Seven‐day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire was used to record the subjects’ amount of physical activity per week. Heart rate variety parameters were determined by separate frequency domain components.Results.  Results indicated heart transplant recipients’ heart rate variety was significantly lower than that of healthy adults in terms of mean, sdr, total power (ms2), low frequency (ms2), low frequency (nu), high frequency (ms2) and low frequency/high frequency. Heart transplant recipients’ heart rate variety including total power (ms2), low frequency (ms2) and high frequency (ms2) was 18·2, 2 and 7·2% of healthy controls, respectively; the amount of absolutely and relatively moderate physical activity was positively related to high frequency (ms2) and high frequency (nu), but was negatively related to low frequency/high frequency. High frequency (nu) increases while the total amount of weekly physical activity increases.Conclusions.  Results confirmed that the more the moderate physical activity performed, the better the patient’s heart rate variability.Relevance to clinical practice.  We suggest that clinical care providers have to encourage heart transplant recipients to engage in moderate physical activity.
Learning needs of patients with heart failure a descriptive, exploratory study
Authors: Kim So‐Sun , Ahn Jeong‐Ah , Kang Seok‐Min , Kim GiYon , Lee Sunhee 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To assess the learning needs of patients with heart failure in Korea as this information is the cornerstone for developing a programme based on patients’ learning needs.Background.  Heart failure is a life‐threatening event and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Korea. Cardiac educational programmes are intended to prevent the recurrence of heart failure and improve patients’ quality of life. However, patients’ information requests have historically not been well met by physicians and nurses in Korea.Design.  A descriptive and exploratory study was designed.Methods.  We recruited 121 patients with heart failure between the ages of 19–88 years. Self‐report questionnaires, which included general characteristics, disease‐related characteristics and the Heart Failure Patients’ Learning Needs Inventory patient version, were used to gather data.Results.  The only general characteristic that was significantly related to patients’ learning needs was their occupation. No disease‐related characteristics were related to learning needs. The overall mean learning needs score was 3·78.Conclusion.  Patients’ learning needs in Korea are lower than those typically seen in Western countries. Korean patients with heart failure had a low level of knowledge about heart failure and did not recognise the importance of being informed about their disease, which is why Korean patients with heart failure tend to depend on their physicians to make decisions related to their health management. These conditions can negatively affect clinical outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Although an educational programme for patients with heart failure should be based on the patients’ learning needs, heart failure management and education programmes in Korea are not currently developed using a needs‐based approach. Therefore, this study will provide a basis for encouraging Korean patients to obtain information about their disease and to guide professionals in developing heart failure management and education programmes.
District nurses’ perceptions of the concept of delegating administration of medication to home care aides working in the municipality: A discrepancy between legal regulations and practice
Authors: Craftman Asa G , von Strauss Eva , Rudberg Susanne L , Westerbotn Margareta 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe district nurses’ perceptions of the concept of delegating medication management to unlicensed personnel working in municipal social care.Background.  The delegation of medical tasks involves responsibility and is regulated by law to avoid damage and injuries and to protect the patient. The delegation of the administration of medication is a multifaceted task. The delegating district nurse is responsible for the outcome and should also follow up the delegated task.Design.  A descriptive qualitative study, involving semi‐structured interviews and content analysis.Methods.  Twenty district nurses were interviewed. The interviews were audio taped. The data were collected from April 2009–August 2010 and analysed using content analysis.Results.  The findings revealed that the statutes of delegation appear to be incompatible with practice, however, mostly due to lack of time. Communication between district nurses and home care aides, as well as tutoring, was regarded as important. The district nurses found it imperative to be available to the home care aides and made an effort to create a trusting atmosphere.Conclusions.  District nurses cannot manage their workload without delegating the administration of medication in the present organisational model of health care and social care. The statutes regarding delegating medicine tasks are also cumbersome and difficult to incorporate for district nurses who are responsible for the delegation.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings elucidate the current situation as regards district nurses and the need to delegate the administration of medication. Health care and social care for home‐dwelling older patients, as well as statutes, needs to be evaluated and updated to meet and be prepared for the increasing demands of care.
Sexual selection and experimental evolution of chemical signals in Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: Hunt J. , Snook R. R. , Mitchell C. , Crudgington H. S. , Moore A. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOur expectations for the evolution of chemical signals in response to sexual selection are uncertain. How are chemical signals elaborated? Does sexual selection result in complexity of the composition or in altered quantities of expression? We addressed this in Drosophila pseudoobscura by examining male and female cuticular hydrocarbons (CHs) after 82 generations of elevated (E) sexual selection or relaxed sexual selection through monogamy (M). The CH profile consisted of 18 different components. We extracted three eigenvectors using principal component analysis that explained 72% of the variation. principal component (PC)1 described the amount of CHs produced, PC2 the trade‐off between short‐ and long‐chain CHs and PC3 the trade‐off between apparently arbitrary CHs. In both sexes, the amount of CHs produced was greater in flies from the E treatment. PC3 was also higher, indicating that sexual selection also influenced the evolution of CH composition. The sexes differed in all three PCs, indicating substantial sexual dimorphism in this species, although the magnitude of this dimorphism was not increased as a result of our experimental evolution. Collectively, our work provides direct evidence that sexual selection plays an important role in the evolution of CHs in D. pseudoobscura and that both increased quantity and overall composition are targeted.
Respiratory viruses in neonates hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Cho Hye Jung , Shim So‐Yeon , Son Dong Woo , Sun Yong Han , Tchah Hann , Jeon In‐Sang 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in neonates has not been clearly studied. The aims of this study were to determine the overall distribution of respiratory viruses in neonates hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infectiosns (ALRI) and to describe the clinical characteristics of RSV infections in these neonates.MethodsFrom January 2009 through May 2010, neonates aged <1 month who were hospitalized with ALRI and did not have underlying disease were included in the study. Viruses were identified on multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using nasal swab samples. Clinical variables were evaluated between the RSV and non‐RSV infection groups.ResultsOf the 108 infants included in the study, 46 (42.6%) had RSV; human rhinovirus (18.5%), human parainfluenza virus 3 (7.5%), and human metapneumovirus (3.7%) were the next most common infections. Codetections accounted for 8.3% of the cases. Crowding increased the risk of RSV infection compared to the non‐RSV group (OR, 16.5; P = 0.001). The RSV group had a greater incidence of dyspnea (P = 0.027), pneumonia (P < 0.001), requirement for oxygen (P < 0.001), and prolonged hospitalization (P = 0.011) than the non‐RSV group.ConclusionsRSV was the most common viral etiology in neonates without underlying diseases who were hospitalized with ALRI. The disease severity of RSV infection was worse than that of other detected viral infections. Strict prevention strategies should be considered in overcrowded situations.
The Argument Structure of Experience: Experiential Constructions in Early Vedic, Homeric Greek and Early Latin1
Authors: Dahl Eystein , Fedriani Chiara 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn this paper we investigate different types of argument‐structure constructions associated with so‐called experiential predicates in Early Vedic, Homeric Greek and Early Latin. We argue that the broad range of argument‐realisation patterns associated with experiential verbs in these languages reflects the fact that experiential predicates differ in fundamental respects from prototypically transitive verbs which we take to represent the perhaps most salient verb type in natural language. We survey the most important construction types attested in the domain of experience in the languages under scrutiny with particular regard to recurrent paths of association between experiential verb classes and their argument‐realisation options. Finally, on the basis of our data we provide some proposals regarding the main tendencies in the linguistic organisation of this complex functional domain in Proto‐Indo‐European.
Incorporating Asymmetric Preferences into Fan Charts and Path Forecasts*
Authors: Demetrescu Matei , Wang Mu‐Chun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOrdinary fan charts consist of symmetric marginal forecast intervals, and do not take into consideration the concrete loss function of the user of the forecast. The note shows how to build fan charts that have exact joint coverage even under asymmetric loss, and maintain at the same time the intuition conveyed by ordinary fan charts. The proposed method is computationally simple, and easily implemented with any loss function. The differences between the information conveyed by fan charts with or without asymmetries, and with or without exact joint coverage, are illustrated with a Bayesian forecast exercise of US GDP growth rates.
A role for an endosperm‐localized subtilase in the control of seed size in legumes
Authors: D'Erfurth I. , Le Signor C. , Aubert G. , Sanchez M. , Vernoud V. , Darchy B. , Lherminier J. , Bourion V. , Bouteiller N. , Bendahmane A. , Buitink J. , Prosperi J. M. , Thompson R. , Burstin J. , Gallardo K. 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Here, we report a subtilase gene (SBT1.1) specifically expressed in the endosperm of Medicago truncatula and Pisum sativum seeds during development, which is located at a chromosomal position coinciding with a seed weight quantitative trait locus (QTL).

Association studies between SBT1.1 polymorphisms and seed weights in ecotype collections provided further evidence for linkage disequilibrium between the SBT1.1 locus and a seed weight locus. To investigate the possible contribution of SBT1.1 to the control of seed weight, a search for TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) mutants was performed.

An inspection of seed phenotype revealed a decreased weight and area of the sbt1.1 mutant seeds, thus inferring a role of SBT1.1 in the control of seed size in the forage and grain legume species. Microscopic analyses of the embryo, representing the major part of the seed, revealed a reduced number of cells in the MtP330S mutant, but no significant variation in cell size.

SBT1.1 is therefore most likely to be involved in the control of cotyledon cell number, rather than cell expansion, during seed development. This raises the hypothesis of a role of SBT1.1 in the regulation of seed size by providing molecules that can act as signals to control cell division within the embryo.
Stomatal penetration by aqueous solutions – an update involving leaf surface particles
Authors: Burkhardt Juergen , Basi Sabin , Pariyar Shyam , Hunsche Mauricio 
Published: September 2012

Summary

The recent visualization of stomatal nanoparticle uptake ended a 40‐yr‐old paradigm. Assuming clean, hydrophobic leaf surfaces, the paradigm considered stomatal liquid water transport to be impossible as a result of water surface tension. However, real leaves are not clean, and deposited aerosols may change hydrophobicity and water surface tension.

Droplets containing NaCl, NaClO3, (NH4)2SO4, glyphosate, an organosilicone surfactant or various combinations thereof were evaporated on stomatous abaxial and astomatous adaxial surfaces of apple (Malus domestica) leaves. The effects on photosynthesis, necrosis and biomass were determined. Observed using an environmental scanning electron microscope, NaCl and NaClO3 crystals on hydrophobic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cuticles underwent several humidity cycles, causing repeated deliquescence and efflorescence of the salts.

All physiological parameters were more strongly affected by abaxial than adaxial treatments. Spatial expansion and dendritic crystallization of the salts occurred and cuticular hydrophobicity was decreased more rapidly by NaClO3 than NaCl.

The results confirmed the stomatal uptake of aqueous solutions. Humidity fluctuations promote the spatial expansion of salts into the stomata. The ion‐specific effects point to the Hofmeister series: chaotropic ions reduce surface tension, probably contributing to the defoliant action of NaClO3, whereas the salt spray tolerance of coastal plants is probably linked to the kosmotropic nature of chloride ions.
Effects of Temporary In‐Work Benefits for Welfare Recipients: Examination of the Australian Working Credit Programme*
Authors: Wilkins Roger , Leigh Andrew 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe investigate the impact of ‘Working Credit’, a nationally‐implemented programme which created increased incentives for welfare recipients to undertake temporary work. Highlighting the difficulties in identifying programme effects in the absence of a randomised controlled trial or a natural experiment, we produce estimates of impacts under alternative identifying assumptions and also undertake various robustness checks. Unconditional and regression‐adjusted difference‐in‐difference estimates suggest that the introduction of the Working Credit programme increased employment rates, earnings and exits for those on income support, but matching methods and various robustness checks provide conflicting evidence on the impact on movements from welfare to work for unemployment benefit recipients. Moreover, estimated effects on earnings while on benefits are sensitive to identifying assumptions. Notwithstanding our inability to conclusively identify causal effects of the programme, we note that our findings are broadly consistent with the incentive effects of the programme, with recipients making use of the credits to increase earnings while on benefits, but not increasing movements off welfare.
Lifetime Generational Accounts for the Netherlands*
Authors: Ter Rele Harry , Labanca Claudio 
Published: September 2012

AbstractConventional generational accounting only includes future benefits and burdens from the government. This paper's contribution is to include past benefits and burdens as well, and in this way to provide a full lifetime account of how much current and future generations benefit from government, in net terms, under various future policy lines. The calculations are carried out for the Netherlands and for the cohorts born since 1946. The more complete picture may be helpful for political decision‐making on equitable intergenerational policies. A second contribution of this paper is that it uses a more comprehensive benefit concept than other such backward‐looking studies by including non‐cash benefits as well. The results point out that there are substantial differences in net lifetime benefits between generations and these are mainly driven by non‐cash benefits such as education and healthcare, on which expenditure increased substantially after 1946.
Use of intracranial self‐stimulation to evaluate abuse‐related and abuse‐limiting effects of monoamine releasers in rats
Authors: Bauer CT , Banks ML , Blough BE , Negus SS 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposeMonoamine releasers constitute a class of drugs that promote the release of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT) and/or norepinephrine. Although some drugs in this class are well‐known drugs of abuse (amphetamine, methamphetamine), others are thought to have reduced (3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine [MDMA]) or no (fenfluramine) abuse potential. The purpose of this study was to further elucidate the role of dopamine versus serotonin selectivity on expression of abuse‐related effects produced by monoamine releasers in an assay of intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) in rats.Experimental ApproachThis study evaluated effects produced in a frequency–rate ICSS procedure by 11 monoamine releasers that vary in selectivity to release DA versus 5‐HT.Key ResultsEfficacy of monoamine releasers to facilitate ICSS correlated with DA‐selectivity, such that DA‐selective releasers exclusively facilitated ICSS, a 5‐HT‐selective releaser exclusively depressed ICSS, and mixed‐action releasers both facilitated low ICSS rates and depressed high ICSS rates. Fixed‐proportion mixtures of a DA‐selective releaser and a 5‐HT‐selective releaser recapitulated effects of mixed‐action releasers. Efficacy of monoamine releasers to facilitate ICSS also correlated with previously published data on efficacy to maintain self‐administration in rhesus monkeys responding under a progressive‐ratio schedule of reinforcement.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data support the importance of selectivity for DA versus 5‐HT in determining abuse potential of monoamine releasers and demonstrate a novel correlation between rat ICSS and nonhuman primate self‐administration measures of abuse‐related effects. Taken together, these results support the use of ICSS in rats as an experimental tool to study the expression and pharmacological determinants of abuse‐related effects of monoamine releasers.