bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid tumors following kidney transplantation in children
Authors: Smith Jodi M. , Martz Karen , McDonald Ruth A. , Harmon William E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractKidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of cancer. Data on non‐LPD malignancies (solid tumors) in pediatric renal transplant recipients are limited. We performed a cohort study using the NAPRTCS transplant registry to describe the incidence of non‐LPD malignancy compared with the general pediatric population. The observed incidence rate of non‐LPD malignancy in the NAPRTCS transplant registry was 72.1 per 100 000 person‐years (SIR 6.7; 95% CI, 5.3, 8.5); a 6.7‐fold increased risk compared with the general pediatric population (10.7 cases per 100 000 person‐years). Non‐LPD malignancy was diagnosed in 35 subjects at a median of 726 days post‐transplant. The most common type of malignancy was renal cell carcinoma. The increased risk of non‐LPD malignancy was seen in all patients regardless of age, gender, race, etiology of end‐stage kidney disease, and transplant era. The specific type of immunosuppression was not identified as a risk factor. In this first large‐scale study of North American pediatric renal transplant recipients, we observed a 6.7‐fold increased risk of non‐LPD malignancy compared with the general pediatric population. Further examination of this unique patient population may provide greater insight into the impact of transplant and immunosuppression on malignancy risk.
Flt3 ligand treatment modulates parasitemia during infection with rodent malaria parasites via MyD88‐ and IFN‐γ‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Tamura T. , Akbari M. , Kimura K. , Kimura D. , Yui K. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe previously showed that treatment of mice with the Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) prevents development of lethal experimental cerebral malaria and inhibits parasitemia during Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infection. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the reduction of parasitemia in Flt3L‐treated mice. Studies using gene knockout mice and antibody treatment indicated that the anti‐parasitemia effect of Flt3L was mediated by innate immune system and was dependent on MyD88, IFN‐γ, IL‐12 and natural killer (NK) cells. The number of NK cells and their ability to produce IFN‐γ was enhanced in Flt3L‐treated mice. Phagocytic activity of splenocytes was increased in Flt3L‐treated mice after PbA infection when compared with that in untreated mice, and this activity was mainly mediated by the accumulation of F4/80midCD11b+ cells in the spleen. In both MyD88−/− and IFN‐γ−/− mice, the proportion of F4/80midCD11b+ cells was not increased in the spleen of Flt3L‐treated mice after infection. These correlations suggest that NK cells produce IFN‐γ in Flt3L‐treated mice, and accumulation of F4/80midCD11b+ cells in the spleen is promoted by an IFN‐γ ‐dependent manner, culminating in the inhibition of parasitemia. These findings imply that Flt3L promotes effective innate immunity against malaria infection mediated by interplay among varieties of innate immune cells.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and cognitive function in persons with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Szabo Ashley J. , Alosco Michael L. , Miller Lindsay A. , McGeary John E. , Poppas Athena , Cohen Ronald A. , Gunstad John 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimCognitive impairment is common among persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and several potential aetiological mechanisms have been described, including contributions of genetic markers such as variations in the brain‐derived neurotrophic (BDNF) gene. This current study examined the associations of BDNF genotype with cognitive function among individuals with CVD.MethodsThis study included 110 participants with CVD who completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that assessed global cognitive function, attention/executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial abilities. All participants also underwent blood draw to provide a DNA sample that was used to determine BDNF genotype. Carriers of either one or two copies of the methionine allele of BDNF were categorized into one group (n = 33); non‐carriers were categorized into a second group (n = 77).ResultsAfter adjustment for demographic and medical characteristics, hierarchical regression analyses revealed persons with one or more methionine alleles displayed better performance than valine/valine individuals for attention/executive function (β = 0.22, P = 0.047) and memory (β = 0.25, P = 0.03), as well as a trend for language (β = 0.19, P = 0.08) and visuospatial abilities (β = 0.21, P = 0.06).ConclusionsBDNF Val66Met had little impact on cognitive functioning in a sample of older adults with CVD, and significant findings contradicted that predicted by past work. Future work is much needed to clarify the mechanisms of these findings, particularly studies examining both circulating BDNF levels and genetic variation in the BDNF gene and cognitive function over time.
Population genomic analyses from low‐coverage RAD‐Seq data: a case study on the non‐model cucurbit bottle gourd
Authors: Xu Pei , Xu Shizhong , Wu Xiaohua , Tao Ye , Wang Baogen , Wang Sha , Qin Dehui , Lu Zhongfu , Li Guojing 
Published: October 2013

SummaryRestriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq), a next‐generation sequencing‐based genome ‘complexity reduction’ protocol, has been useful in population genomics in species with a reference genome. However, the application of this protocol to natural populations of genomically underinvestigated species, particularly under low‐to‐medium sequencing depth, has not been well justified. In this study, a Bayesian method was developed for calling genotypes from an F2 population of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] to construct a high‐density genetic map. Low‐depth genome shotgun sequencing allowed the assembly of scaffolds/contigs comprising approximately 50% of the estimated genome, of which 922 were anchored for identifying syntenic regions between species. RAD‐Seq genotyping of a natural population comprising 80 accessions identified 3226 single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs), based on which two sub‐gene pools were suggested for association with fruit shape. The two sub‐gene pools were moderately differentiated, as reflected by the Hudson's FST value of 0.14, and they represent regions on LG7 with strikingly elevated FST values. Seven‐fold reduction in heterozygosity and two times increase in LD (r2) were observed in the same region for the round‐fruited sub‐gene pool. Outlier test suggested the locus LX3405 on LG7 to be a candidate site under selection. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the cucumber genome region syntenic to the high FST island on LG7 harbors an ortholog of the tomato fruit shape gene OVATE. Our results point to a bright future of applying RAD‐Seq to population genomic studies for non‐model species even under low‐to‐medium sequencing efforts. The genomic resources provide valuable information for cucurbit genome research.
Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation using reduced‐intensity conditioning in an outpatient setting in ABO‐incompatible patients: are survival and graft‐versus‐host disease different?
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Aguirre Cesar Homero , Gómez‐De‐León Andrés , Alatorre‐Ricardo Julio , Cantú‐Rodríguez Olga Graciela , González‐Llano Oscar , Jaime‐Pérez José Carlos , Mancías‐Guerra Consuelo , Flores‐Jiménez Juan Antonio , Gómez‐Almaguer David 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbimortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Minor ABO incompatibility has been associated with an increased risk of GVHD. We analyzed the impact of ABO matching on patient outcome after peripheral blood, reduced‐intensity allo‐HSCT in an outpatient setting, and its relationship with GVHD.Study Design and MethodsData of 121 patients were included. All patients received allo‐HSCT from HLA‐identical siblings as outpatients using a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen. Influence of ABO matching as a risk factor for the development of GVHD and survival was analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression, respectively.ResultsMedian age was 36 years (range, 1‐71 years); 88 patients were ABO identical: 13 presented major mismatch and 20 minor mismatch, with an ABO incompatibility rate of 27.3%. The median follow‐up period was 54 months (range, 0.3‐120 months). Minor ABO incompatibility patients presented the highest rate of acute GVHD (aGVHD; 25%), in comparison with ABO‐identical (20.5%) and major ABO incompatibility patients (15.4%; p = 0.79). The highest incidence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in the context of minor ABO incompatibility (35%), in contrast to ABO‐identical (30.8%) and major ABO incompatibility (15.4%). Survival was higher for patients in the minor ABO mismatch group; however, there was no significant correlation between ABO matching status and survival (p = 0.45).ConclusionUsing this type of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, minor ABO‐mismatched allo‐HSCT was associated with a higher incidence of aGVHD and cGVHD and with increased survival, albeit with no significance.
Development of common metrics for donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention for the blood donation context
Authors: France Janis L. , Kowalsky Jennifer M. , France Christopher R. , McGlone Sarah T. , Himawan Lina K. , Kessler Debra A. , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe Theory of Planned Behavior has been widely used in blood donation research, but the lack of uniform, psychometrically sound measures makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions or compare results across studies. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to develop such measures of donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention.Study Design and MethodsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted on survey responses collected from college students (n = 1080). The resulting scales were then administered to an independent sample of experienced donors (n = 433) for additional CFAs and to test whether the Theory of Planned Behavior model provided a good fit to the data.ResultsCFAs conducted on both samples support the use of six‐item scales, with two factors each, to measure donation attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control and a single‐factor three‐item scale to measure donation intention. Further, structural equation modeling of these measures revealed that the Theory of Planned Behavior provided a strong fit to the data (comparative fit index, 0.976; root mean square error of approximation, 0.041; standardized root mean square residual, 0.055) and accounted for 73.7% of the variance in donation intention.ConclusionThe present findings confirm the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior to the blood donation context and more importantly provide psychometric support for the future use of four brief measures of donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention.
Adverse effects of rifampicin in dogs and serum alanine aminotransferase monitoring recommendations based on a retrospective study of 344 dogs
Authors: Bajwa Jangbir , Charach Michael , Duclos David 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundRifampicin has been reported to have potent activity againstStaphylococci, including meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius. There is limited documented information regarding adverse effects and recommendations for serum biochemistry monitoring.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aims of this retrospective study were as follows: (i) to document the occurrence of adverse events in dogs receiving oral rifampicin; (ii) to determine the relationship between adverse events and the dosage/duration of therapy and concurrent medications; and (iii) to report findings associated with changes on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT).AnimalsClient‐owned dogs.MethodsA retrospective review of 344 medical records was carried out. SerumALTconcentrations and adverse effects were recorded and analysed. Correlations between different time intervals (days 0–9, 10–18, 19–27, 28–36 and >36) and serumALTelevation were compared.ResultsDogs received 2.9–16 mg/kg/day of rifampicin. Adverse events occurred in 16.27% of dogs (56 of 344) and included vomiting (6.97%), anorexia (6.10%) and lethargy (3.77%). Adverse events were significantly more common in dogs concurrently treated with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (P = 0.018), doxycycline (P = 0.044), levothyroxine sodium (P = 0.044), cephalosporins (P = 0.002) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories (P < 0.001). Twenty‐five of 94 dogs (26.59%) had serum elevations ofALT. These increases were significantly associated with the duration of therapy during two time periods, 19–27 days (P = 0.04) and >36 days (P = 0.01).Conclusions and clinical importanceSignificant adverse events were noted in association with concurrent drug administration and with serumALTelevations. Pretreatment and weekly serum biochemistry monitoring is recommended to identify dogs at risk for hepatotoxicosis.
Weight Function Method With Segment-Wise Polynomial Interpolation to Calculate Stress Intensity Factors for Complicated Stress Distributions
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Hasegawa Kunio , Xu Steven X. , Scarth Douglas A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Many solutions of the stress intensity factor have been proposed in recent years. However, most of them take only third or fourth-order polynomial stress distributions into account. For complicated stress distributions which are difficult to be represented as third or fourth-order polynomial equations over the stress distribution area such as residual stress distributions or thermal stress distributions in dissimilar materials, it is important to further improve the accuracy of the stress intensity factor. In this study, a weight function method with segment-wise polynomial interpolation is proposed to calculate solutions of the stress intensity factor for complicated stress distributions. By using this method, solutions of the stress intensity factor can be obtained without employing finite element analysis or difficult calculations. It is therefore easy to use in engineering applications. In this method, the stress distribution area is firstly divided into several segments and the stress distribution in each segment is curve fitted to segment-wise polynomial equation. The stress intensity factor is then calculated based on the weight function method and the fitted stress distribution in each segment. Some example solutions for both infinite length cracks and semi-elliptical cracks are compared with the results from finite element analysis. In conclusion, it is confirmed that this method is applicable with high accuracy to the calculation of the stress intensity factor taking actual complicated stress distributions into consideration.
The Influence of Tropical Pacific SST Anomaly on Surface Air Temperature in China
Authors: Jia XiaoJing , Lin Hai , Yao Xia 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The influence of the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) on the wintertime surface air temperature (SAT) in China is investigated using both the observational data and the output of coupled ocean–atmosphere numerical models during the period from 1960 to 2006. A singular value decomposition analysis (SVD) is applied between 500-hPa geopotential height (Z500) in the Northern Hemisphere and SST in the tropical Pacific Ocean to get the tropical Pacific SST-forced atmospheric patterns. The association of the SAT over China and the tropical Pacific SST is measured by calculating the temporal correlation coefficient (TCC) between the SAT and the expansion coefficient of the atmospheric component of the leading two SVD modes. Results show that the SAT over China is significantly correlated to the second SVD mode (SVD2). The SST component of SVD2 is characterized by negative tropical Pacific SST anomalies centered over the midequatorial Pacific Ocean. The atmospheric component of SVD2 (ASVD2) shares many similarities in spatial structures to the Arctic Oscillation (AO). The time variation of ASVD2, however, is found more closely correlated to the variation of SAT over China than the AO. When SVD2 is in its positive phase, the SAT over China tends to be warmer than normal. Further analysis indicates that the TCC between the SAT in China and ASVD2 is largely decreased after the long-term climate trend is removed. The time variability of the tropical Pacific SST-forced large-scale atmospheric patterns and its relationship to SAT are reasonably captured by the multimodel ensemble (MME) seasonal forecasts. An examination of the MME forecast skill indicates that ASVD2 contributes significantly to the TCC skill of MME forecasts.
Membership growth at a time of union decline
Authors: Parker Carl , Rees James 
Published: October 2013

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) is a general (multi trade) union in the UK, predominately organizing in the retail and distribution sectors. Since 2006 Usdaw has increased its membership by 84 000 members – an increase of 26 per cent, making it in this respect the most successful TUC-affiliated union in the UK. This growth coincided with Usdaw’s decision to develop itself as an organizing union, which involved the establishment of an Usdaw Organising Academy, a paradigm shift in its approach to organizing, and the creative development of new systems and practices to manage the union. This article describes this process of change and so goes some way to providing an explanation for Usdaw’s success. The article also situates Usdaw’s approach within the broader academic and policy debates about implementing the Organizing Model, and draws out some general lessons from Usdaw’s experience.
The application of central tension plate with sharp hook in the treatment of intra-articular olecranon fracture
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Qi , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundStandard plate fixation can be used to treat intraarticular olecranon fractures with satisfactory functional recovery, but its use is accompanied by implant related complications. This retrospective study reports on the functional outcome of intraarticular olecranon fractures treated with a central tension plate with sharp hook.MethodsA retrospective review of any patient with an olecranon fracture from August 2007 to December 2008 was conducted. Patients were considered for inclusion in the study if they were treated surgically with a central tension plate with sharp hook. Patients with pathological fractures or previous fractures of the proximal ulna were excluded. The quality of reduction was evaluated using postoperative imaging. The functional recoveries of the affected upper limbs were evaluated postoperatively at regular intervals using the Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) score and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH).ResultsTwenty six patients met the study criteria and were included in analysis. There were ten Type IIA, nine Type IIB, four Type IIIA and three Type IIIB fractures according to the Mayo classification system. Thirteen patients exhibited other concomitant fractures at the time of surgery: one patient with a coronoid fracture, two with a fracture of the radial head, and ten with fractures in other bones. Postoperative radiographic assessment revealed an anatomical or nearly anatomical reduction of all olecranon fractures treated. All olecranon fractures healed at an average of 14 weeks (range, 9 to 32 weeks). The patients were followed up for 42 months (range, 32 to 54 months). The mean DASH score was 8.5 (range, 0 to 31.7). The mean MEP score was 93.6 (range, 75 to 100). Based on the MEP score, all patients achieved good or excellent outcomes. No symptomatic plate removal was performed at the time of last follow-up.ConclusionThe central tension plate with sharp hook closely contours to the osteology of the proximal ulna. Treating intra-articular olecranon fracture with this new plate can achieve good to excellent functional outcome with a high union rate and a low incidence of hardware related complications.
The identification of a novel splicing mutation in C1qB in a Japanese family with C1q deficiency: a case report
Authors: Higuchi Yousuke , Shimizu Junya , Hatanaka Michiyo , Kitano Etsuko , Kitamura Hajime , Takada Hidetoshi , Ishimura Masataka , Hara Toshiro , Ohara Osamu , Asagoe Kenji , Kubo Toshihide 
Published: October 2013

AbstractC1q deficiency is a rare disease that is associated with a high probability of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. We report a 4-year-old Japanese girl who presented with fever, facial erythema, joint pain, and oral ulceration. Complement deficiencies were suspected because of her persistent hypocomplementemia and normal levels of the complement proteins C3 and C4. We identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation in theC1qBgene, c.187 + 1G > T, which is the first mutation to be confirmed in a Japanese individual. Because treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs was not effective, we commenced use of fresh frozen plasma to provide C1q supplements. Currently, the patient remains almost asymptomatic, and we are attempting to control the drug dosage and administration intervals of fresh frozen plasma.
The surface condition effect of Cu2O flower/grass-like nanoarchitectures grown on Cu foil and Cu film
Authors: Hu Lijiao , Ju Yang , Hosoi Atsushi , Tang Yongpeng 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Cu2O flower/grass-like nanoarchitectures (FGLNAs) were fabricated directly on two category specimens of Cu foils and Cu film using thermal oxidation method. The FGLNAs are approximately 3.5 to 12 μm in size, and their petals are approximately 50 to 950 nm in width. The high compressive stress caused by a large oxide volume in the Cu2O layer on the specimen surface played an important role in the growth of FGLNAs. The effects of surface conditions, such as the surface stresses, grain size, and surface roughness of Cu foil and Cu film specimens, on the FGLNA growth were discussed in detail.

PACS

81. Materials science; 81.07.-b Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; 81.16.Hc Catalytic methods