bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The HALOS‐ND model: a step in the journey of predicting hospital length of stay after liver transplantation
Authors: Krishnan Kartik R. , Bhattacharya Renuka , Pereira Arema , Otto Annie K. , Carithers Robert L. , Reyes Jorge D. , Perkins James D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHospital length of stay (LOS) after liver transplantation has been determined to correlate with liver disease severity, post‐transplant survival rates, and transplant‐associated costs. A patient's model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score and an organ's Donor risk index (DRI) have both been found to be significant predictors of LOS, but these two factors alone are insufficient to form an accurate prediction. Previous studies have identified other factors predictive of LOS, which can be incorporated with MELD and DRI to create more specific results. The objective of this study was to create an algorithm, or models, based on the most significant LOS predictors as identified from national data at different stages of the transplant process. Four models were developed predicting LOS using recipient factors, payment factors, donor factors, and postoperative factors. A medical care team member can enter a patient's data into the model and receive a reasonably accurate prediction of LOS for each phase of the liver transplant process, specifying the impact of each factor. These predictions would help predict the factors most likely to prolong LOS, inform resource allocation, and provide patients with more specific predictions of their LOS following transplantation.
Impact of donor and recipient age difference on long‐term allograft survival after living donor renal transplantation: analysis of 478 cases
Authors: Kostakis Ioannis D. , Moris Demetrios N. , Barlas Alexandros , Bokos Ioannis , Darema Maria , Theodoropoulou Eleni , Karaolanis Georgios , Kostakis Alkiviadis , Boletis Ioannis , Zavos Georgios 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIntroductionEither deceased or living‐related renal transplantation constitutes the best therapeutic option for patients with end‐stage renal disease. In this retrospective study, an attempt to identify parameters that affect allograft survival in living donor renal transplantation was made.MethodsBetween January 2000 and July 2012, 478 adult patients received a renal transplant from a living‐related donor in our center and their records were retrospectively reviewed in November 2012. Data concerning donor age, recipient age, donor/recipient age difference, donor/recipient gender, and ABO compatibility/incompatibility were recorded and associated with renal allograft survival rate.ResultsRenal allograft survival rate was 96%, 89.5%, and 77.7% in the first, fifth, and 10th yr after transplantation, respectively. Only the difference between donor and recipient age was statistically significant in relation to graft survival. In cases with age difference >13 yr, graft survival rate was lower from the third yr onward.ConclusionsOnly the age difference between donor and recipient exerts an adverse impact on graft outcome after living donor renal transplantation, whereas donor age, recipient age, donor/recipient gender, and ABO incompatibility do not significantly influence renal allograft survival.
Complications related to invasive hemodynamic monitors during adult liver transplantation
Authors: Lu Shu Y. , Matsusaki Takashi , Abuelkasem Ezeldeen , Sturdevant Mark L. , Humar Abhinav , Hilmi Ibtesam A. , Planinsic Raymond M. , Sakai Tetsuro 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe rate of complications directly related to invasive monitors during liver transplantation (LT) was reviewed in 1206 consecutive adult LTs performed over 8.6 yr (1/1/2004–7/31/2012). The designated anesthesiologists placed intra‐operative monitors, including two arterial catheters (via the radial and the right femoral arteries), central venous catheters (a 9 Fr. catheter and an 18 Fr. veno‐venous bypass [VVB] return cannula in an internal jugular vein), a pulmonary artery catheter, and a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe. A 17 Fr. VVB drainage cannula was placed via the left femoral vein. No Clavien–Dindo Grade V (death) or Grade IV (organ dysfunction) complication was identified. Nine Grade III complications (requiring surgical intervention) and 15 Grade II complications (conservative treatment) were noted. Seven (0.58% in 1206 cases) were related to a femoral arterial line with Grade III of four; seven (0.58%) were due to VVB return cannula in the femoral vein with Grade III of one; four (0.33%) were related to central venous catheters with Grade III of two; four (0.33%) were due to a TEE probe with Grade III of two; and two minor complications (0.17%) that were related to a radial arterial line. No complication was observed with a pulmonary arterial catheter. Current invasive monitors placed during LT have an acceptable risk.
Self‐assessment of postoperative scars in living liver donors
Authors: Imamura Hajime , Soyama Akihiko , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Muraoka Izumi , Hara Takanobu , Yamaguchi Izumi , Tanaka Takayuki , Kinoshita Ayaka , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe application of less invasive techniques for liver surgery in patients undergoing living donor hepatectomy (LDH) has been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical status according to type of incision in donors.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐seven living liver donors underwent hepatectomy using three types of incisions: (i) Mercedes‐Benz incision (M.B.), (ii) right subcostal incision with midline up to xiphoid incision (S.C.), and (iii) short upper midline incision (U.M.). A total of 100 donors answered the questionnaires, and 87 had sufficient data for the analyses. An original questionnaire designed to evaluate the physical status concerning postoperative scars. The questionnaire consisted of three major categories: appearance, sensation, and daily activities. The univariate analysis was performed using the chi‐square test.ResultsNumbness of the abdominal wall was reported more frequently by the donor with M.B.s and right subcostal incisions up to xiphoid incisions. In terms of appearance, sensation, and daily activities, LDH with a U.M. was found to have a good self‐assessment compared with that performed using other types of incisions.ConclusionsLDH with a U.M. is a preferable procedure in terms of physical status and safety.
“Faith Alone”—Primus Inter Pares: Welcome to the Banquet
Authors: Simpson Gary M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractFaith alone represents the primus inter pares of the sixteenth‐century Reformation's four solas. Gary Simpson introduces five authors who critically explore and creatively extend the doctrine of justification by faith alone as Dialog with its Fall issues (2013–2017) leans into the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (2017).
Faith Alone: Reflections on an Adverb
Authors: Lange Dirk G. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn response to critics of his New Testament translation, Luther points out that they simply do not understand the grammar restrictions of language that requires the addition of the word alone in his translation of Paul's letter to the Romans. Luther also points out that they do not understand that alone in this passage is an adverb and not an adjective. This article explores the significance of the word alone (in “faith alone”) when it is considered an adverb as opposed to an adjective. As an adverb, alone resists attempts to manipulate it into a metaphysical principle. Alone as an adverb keeps faith as a living, dynamic relationship that God established and which comes to expression in the celebration of the sacrament.
Living Sola Fide: Features of Religious Recognition
Authors: Saarinen Risto 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article discusses the life of faith and forensic justification as related to some new issues in social theory, especially Axel Honneth's notions of love, respect, and esteem. The article is critical of virtue ethics and recommends an ethics of vocation as a path toward equal respect and individual social esteem. The article also discusses why Lutherans consider faith (or even faith alone) rather than love as a proper starting‐point of this path.
Clinical impact of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations among sickle cell disease patients of Central India
Authors: Nishank Sudhansu Sekhar , Singh Mendi Prema Shyam Sunder , Yadav Rajiv 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt is known that patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) present activation of the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, especially during vaso‐occlusive crises and also during the steady state of the disease. We determined whether the presence of the factor prothrombin gene G20210A variant, factor V gene G1691A mutation (factor V Leiden), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms may be risk factors for vascular complications in individuals with SCD.MethodsThe study involved 150 patients with sickle cell anemia and 150 healthy controls of Central India. Genotyping of three thrombophilic mutations was carried out by PCR‐RFLP methods using MnlI, Hind III, and Hinf I, respectively, for factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and MTHFR mutations.ResultsPatients with SCD had significantly higher prevalence of mutant variants of MTHFR gene (28.0% heterozygotes and 14.6% homozygotes) and FVL gene (14.6% heterozygotes) as compared to normal/control individuals, but complete absence of mutant variants of prothrombin gene. The patients with SCD having mutant variants of MTHFR and FVL genes showed higher incidence of pain in chest, abdomen, and bone joints along with early age of onset of clinical manifestations as well as frequent dependence on blood transfusion than those patients with SCD having wild variants of these thrombotic genes. As compared to control subjects, SCD individuals having mutant variants of FVL and MTHFR genes had significant association with higher levels of prothrombin fragment (F1+2), D‐dimer, thrombin‐antithrombin (TAT), and lower level of protein C.ConclusionMTHFR C677T and FVL G1691A polymorphisms may be risk factors for increased vascular complications in patient with SCD.
Human herpesvirus 8+ polyclonal IgMλ B‐cell lymphocytosis mimicking plasmablastic leukemia/lymphoma in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Oksenhendler Eric , Boutboul David , Beldjord Kheira , Meignin Véronique , de Labarthe Adrienne , Fieschi Claire , Dossier Antoine , Agbalika Felix , Parravicini Carlo , Tosato Giovanna , Gérard Laurence , Galicier Lionel 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPurposeMulticentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a distinct lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by inflammatory symptoms, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and cytopenia. Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also called human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8), is the cause of virtually all cases of MCD occurring in patients with HIV infection. MCD lesions characteristically contain HHV‐8‐infected polyclonal IgMλ plasmablasts. A high frequency of HHV‐8‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma has been reported in these patients.Patients and methodsWe now report on three patients who presented with severe symptoms of MCD, extreme splenomegaly, and rapid expansion of B‐cell lymphocytosis (44–81%) attributable to circulating HHV‐8 positive plasmablasts.ResultsThe circulating plasmablastic cells shared the phenotype (IgMλ, CD19+, CD20− CD138−) of HHV‐8‐infected cells from MCD lesions, mimicking the leukemic phase of large B‐cell lymphoma occurring in HHV‐8‐related MCD. These patients displayed a very high HHV‐8 viral load in blood (>7 logs HHV‐8 DNA copies/ml) and high levels of serum vIL‐6, the viral homolog of human interleukin 6. Serum IL‐6 and IL‐10 were also abnormally elevated. HHV‐8‐infected cells were demonstrated by immunoglobulin gene rearrangement analysis, to be polyclonal and likely represent an expansion of HHV‐8‐infected cells similar to those found in MCD lesions.ConclusionThus, the spectrum of HHV‐8‐related plasmablastic lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with HIV infection is expanded to include HHV‐8+ polyclonal IgMλ B‐cell lymphocytosis. At onset, this lymphoproliferative disorder may mimic plasmablastic leukemia/lymphoma. Recognizing this unusual complication may have important implications in treatment decision avoiding unnecessary toxicity to the patients.
Synaptic gating at axonal branches, and sharp‐wave ripples with replay: a simulation study
Authors: Vladimirov Nikita , Tu Yuhai , Traub Roger D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMechanisms of place cell replay occurring during sharp‐wave ripples (SPW‐Rs) remain obscure due to the fact that ripples in vitro depend on non‐synaptic mechanisms, presumably via axo‐axonal gap junctions between pyramidal cells. We suggest a model of in vivo SPW‐Rs in which synaptic excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (EPSPs) control the axonal spiking of cells in SPW‐Rs: ripple activity remains hidden in the network of axonal collaterals (connected by gap junctions) due to conduction failures, unless there is a sufficient dendritic EPSP. The EPSP brings the axonal branching point to threshold, and action potentials from the collateral start to propagate to the soma and to the distal axon. The model coherently explains multiple experimental data on SPW‐Rs, both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of synaptic gating leads to the following implication: a sequence of pyramidal cells can be replayed at ripple frequency by the superposition of subthreshold dendritic EPSPs and ripple activity in the axonal plexus. Replay is demonstrated in both forward and reverse directions. We discuss several testable predictions. In general, the mechanism of synaptic gating suggests that pyramidal cells under certain conditions can act like a transistor.
The effect of a hay grid feeder on feed consumption and measurement of the gastricpHusing an intragastric electrode device in horses: A preliminary report
Authors: Aristizabal F. , Nieto J. , Yamout S. , Snyder J. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyObesity and gastric ulceration are highly prevalent in horses. Management modifications for preventing squamous gastric ulceration include frequent feeding and free access to pasture; however, these practices may predispose horses to obesity.ObjectivesTo compare the percentage of hay consumed, intragastricpHand horse activity between feeding from the ground and a hay grid feeder.Study designCrossover experimental study.MethodsApHelectrode was inserted into the stomach to record the intragastricpHfor 48 h. Horses received 1% of their body weight in grass hay twice a day. Horses were assigned to be fed from the ground or a commercial hay grid feeder for 24 h and then switched to the opposite protocol for an additional 24 h. Horses were continuously video‐recorded and the percentage of time spent eating or drinking, walking or standing, and lying down were calculated. Two point data were compared by pairedttest andpHover time was compared by repeated measuresANOVA.ResultsHorses consumed significantly greater amounts of grass hay when fed on the ground compared with a hay grid feeder (n = 9; P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups for mean intragastricpHvalues (n = 6; P = 0.97), mean intragastricpHover time (n = 6; P = 0.45) the length of time thepHwas below 4.0 (n = 6; P = 0.54), and the percentage of time horses spent eating or drinking (n = 9; P = 0.52), walking or standing (n = 9; P = 0.3), or lying down (n = 9; P = 0.4). Within each group horses spent more time eating during the day compared with the night (n = 9; hay grid feeder P = 0.003; ground feeding P = 0.007).ConclusionsThe hay grid feeder studied may be used to reduce the amount of hay ingested by horses without reducing the time horses spend eating.
Enriching conflict resolution environments with the provision of context information
Authors: Carneiro Davide , Gomes Marco , Costa Ângelo , Novais Paulo , Neves José 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIt is a common affair to settle disputes out of courts nowadays, through negotiation, mediation or any other mean. This has also been implemented over telecommunication means under the so‐called Online Dispute Resolution methods. However, this new technology‐supported approach is impersonal and cold, leaving aside important issues such as the disputants' body language, stress level or emotional response while being based on forms, e‐mails or chat rooms. To overcome this shortcoming, in this paper, it is proposed the creation of intelligent environments for conflict resolution that can complement the existing tools with important knowledge about the context of interaction. This will allow decision‐makers to take better framed decisions based not only on figures but also on important contextual information, similar to what happens when parties communicate in the physical presence of each other.
A novel maritime risk assessment model incorporating a fuzzy rule‐based approach
Authors: Ung Shuen‐Tai 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBecause of the lack or incompleteness of data, a number of maritime risk studies based on fuzzy rule‐based approaches have been proposed. However, two drawbacks can be identified in such approaches. The first is the low degree of discrimination of risk results because of the membership function distribution of the linguistic terms describing inputs. The lack of discrimination becomes degenerative in circumstances where the membership functions of linguistic terms are disproportionately distributed. The second is the lack of consideration for different effects of risk results caused by input weights because of the loss of information from the inputs. By developing a new mechanism for constructing rules and fuzzy conclusions, a risk modelling capable of overcoming such difficulties is proposed. The methodology is validated using two case studies selected from the literature. It is concluded that the framework is able to provide better discrimination of risk results. Risk outcomes can be generated with confidence regardless of the membership function shapes of linguistic terms in both the antecedent and consequent parts. It also has the feature that enables risk results to be sensitive to the minor alterations of input weights.
Towards the rational design of antimicrobial proteins
Authors: Pulido David , Moussaoui Mohammed , Nogués M. Victòria , Torrent Marc , Boix Ester 
Published: August 2013

The ribonuclease (RNase) A superfamily lineage includes distant members with antimicrobial properties, suggesting a common ancestral host‐defense role. In an effort to identify the minimal requirements for the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP or RNase 3) antimicrobial properties we applied site‐directed mutagenesis on its closest family homolog, the eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN or RNase 2). Both eosinophil secretion proteins are involved in human immune defense, and are reported as being among the most rapidly evolving coding sequences in primates. Previous studies in our laboratory defined two regions at the N–terminus involved in the protein antimicrobial action, encompassing residues 8–16 and 34–36. Here, we demonstrate that switching two single residues is enough to provide EDN with ECP antipathogen properties. That is, the EDN double‐mutant Q34R/R35W displays enhanced bactericidal activity, particularly towards Gram‐negative bacteria, and a significant increase in its affinity towards the bacterial outer membrane lipopolysaccharides. Moreover, we confirmed the direct contribution of residue W35 in lipopolysaccharide binding, membrane interaction and permeabilization processes. Furthermore, additional T13 to I substitution provides EDN with an exposed hydrophobic patch required for protein self‐aggregation and triggers bacterial agglutination, thereby increasing the final antimicrobial activity by up to 20–fold. Our results highlight how single selected mutations can reshape the entire protein function. This study provides an example of how structure‐guided protein engineering can successfully reproduce an evolution selection process towards the emergence of new physiological roles.
Excess fructose intake‐induced hypertrophic visceral adipose tissue results from unbalanced precursor cell adipogenic signals
Authors: Zubiría María G. , Fariña Juan P. , Moreno Griselda , Gagliardino Juan J. , Spinedi Eduardo , Giovambattista Andrés 
Published: September 2013

We studied the effect of feeding normal adult male rats with a commercial diet supplemented with fructose added to the drinking water (10% w/v; fructose‐rich diet, FRD) on the adipogenic capacity of stromal‐vascular fraction (SVF) cells isolated from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) pads. Animals received either the commercial diet or FRD ad libitum for 3 weeks; thereafter, we evaluated the in vitro proliferative and adipogenic capacities of their VAT SVF cells. FRD significantly increased plasma insulin, triglyceride and leptin levels, VAT mass/cell size, and the in vitro adipogenic capacity of SVF cells. Flow cytometry studies indicated that the VAT precursor cell population number did not differ between groups; however, the accelerated adipogenic process could result from an imbalance between endogenous pro‐ and anti‐adipogenic SVF cell signals, which are clearly shifted towards the former. The increased insulin milieu and its intracellular mediator (insulin receptor substrate‐1) in VAT pads, as well as the enhanced SVF cell expression of Zpf423 and peroxisome proliferator receptor‐γ2 (all pro‐adipogenic modulators), together with a decreased SVF cell concentration of anti‐adipogenic factors (pre‐adipocyte factor‐1 and wingless‐type MMTV‐10b), strongly supports this assumption. We hypothesize that the VAT mass expansion recorded in FRD rats results from the combination of initial accelerated adipogenesis and final cell hypertrophy. It remains to be determined whether FRD administration over longer periods could perpetuate both processes, or whether cell hypertrophy itself remains responsible for a further VAT mass expansion, as observed in advanced/morbid obesity.
Doing the Business: Variegation, Opportunity and Intercultural Experience among Intra‐EU Highly‐Skilled Migrants
Authors: Mulholland Jon , Ryan Louise 
Published: September 2013

AbstractFocusing on the working experiences of the French highly skilled in London's financial and business sectors, this paper examines the impact of ongoing pan‐European variegation on intra‐EU highly skilled migration in two key respects: firstly, in its role as a driver for mobility, through its association with divergent opportunity structures across different nations and regions; and secondly, as a potential obstacle to the successful realization of such opportunities, post migration, where mobility exposes the highly skilled migrant to new and embedded forms of difference. Such differences necessitate adaptations, and the acquisition of new inter‐cultural competencies, that go on to mediate the experience, evaluations and outcomes of such opportunity‐driven mobilities. In unpacking the particularities associated with the mobilities of specific populations (the French), to specific places (London) we seek to contribute to a people and place‐sensitive understanding of the relationship between spatial mobility and social mobility.
Policy Implications

EU policymakers need to consider the nature and impact of ongoing variegation on highly skilled mobility within Europe and the problems of non‐transferability of human capital that this may produce.

Highly skilled migration is crucial to sustaining the global talent pool that defines the London economy. Regional interests need to work with businesses and national policymakers to support and develop the opportunities, currently associated with London, for talented migrants to enhance their human capital.

Businesses need to enhance the inter‐cultural competencies of all staff to facilitate working practices for effectiveness, productivity and fairness.