bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Awareness regarding eye donation among stakeholders in Srikakulam district in South India
Authors: Ronanki Venkata Ramana , Sheeladevi Sethu , Ramachandran Brinda P , Jalbert Isabelle 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
There is a huge need for the availability of transplantable donor corneas worldwide to reduce the burden of corneal blindness due to corneal opacity. Voluntary eye donation depends on the awareness levels of various stakeholders in the community. This study aimed to assess the awareness level regarding eye donation among various stakeholders in Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Methods
355 subjects were selected from the district using multi stage random sampling. A pre tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding each individual’s awareness, knowledge, and perception regarding eye donation. Each response was scored individually and a total score was calculated. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with willingness towards eye donation and increased awareness levels.

Results
Of the 355 subjects interviewed, 192 (54%) were male and 163 (46%) were female. The mean age of the stakeholders was 35.9 years (SD ±16.1) and all the study subjects were literate. Ninety-three percent of subjects were aware of the concept of eye donation. Knowledge levels were similar among the teaching community and persons engaged in social service, but lower among students (p < 0.05). Among the stakeholders, there was considerable ambiguity regarding whether persons currently wearing spectacles or suffering from a chronic illnesses could donate their eyes. Older age group (p < 0.001), female gender (p < 0.001) and education (p < 0.001) were associated with increased knowledge levels. 82% of the subjects were willing to donate their eyes and this was unaffected by gender or geographical location (rural vs urban).

Conclusions
Awareness levels and willingness to donate eyes are high among the stakeholders in Srikakulam district in India. The services of stakeholders could be utilized, in conjunction with other community based eye donation counselors, to promote awareness regarding eye donation among the general population.
A task-specific interactive game-based virtual reality rehabilitation system for patients with stroke: a usability test and two clinical experiments
Authors: Shin Joon-Ho , Ryu Hokyoung , Jang Seong Ho 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR) is not commonly used in clinical rehabilitation, and commercial VR gaming systems may have mixed effects in patients with stroke. Therefore, we developed RehabMaster™, a task-specific interactive game-based VR system for post-stroke rehabilitation of the upper extremities, and assessed its usability and clinical efficacy.MethodsA participatory design and usability tests were carried out for development of RehabMaster with representative user groups. Two clinical trials were then performed. The first was an observational study in which seven patients with chronic stroke received 30 minutes of RehabMaster intervention per day for two weeks. The second was a randomised controlled trial of 16 patients with acute or subacute stroke who received 10 sessions of conventional occupational therapy only (OT-only group) or conventional occupational therapy plus 20 minutes of RehabMaster intervention (RehabMaster + OT group). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment score (FMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI), adverse effects, and drop-out rate were recorded.ResultsThe requirements of a VR system for stroke rehabilitation were established and incorporated into RehabMaster. The reported advantages from the usability tests were improved attention, the immersive flow experience, and individualised intervention. The first clinical trial showed that the RehabMaster intervention improved the FMA (P= .03) and MBI (P= .04) across evaluation times. The second trial revealed that the addition of RehabMaster intervention tended to enhance the improvement in the FMA (P= .07) but did not affect the improvement in the MBI. One patient with chronic stroke left the trial, and no adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsThe RehabMaster is a feasible and safe VR system for enhancing upper extremity function in patients with stroke.
Immune responses result in misdiagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum by immunodiagnosis kits in egg-positive patients living in a low schistosomiasis transmission area of China
Authors: Xie Shu-Ying , Yuan Min , Ji Min-Jun , Hu Fei , Li Zhao-Jun , Liu Yue-Min , Zeng Xiao-Jun , Chen Hong-Gen , Wu Hai-Wei , Lin Dan-Dan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn recent field surveys, we failed to detect the presence of specific antibody againstSchistosoma japonicumin some egg-positive patients by commonly used immunodiagnostic kits. To find out whether low levels of specific antibody truly exist among egg-positive individuals and elucidate the underlying immune mechanisms, we carried out a cross-sectional epidemiologic study in aS. japonicumlow transmission endemic area of Poyang Lake region, China and compared the humoral and cellular immune characteristics betweenS. japonicumhigh and low antibody responders.MethodsKato–Katz thick smear assay was used to determine the schistosomiasis status of 3,384 participants residing in two Poyang Lake region villages, Jiangxi, China. Among the 142 stool egg-positive participants, we identified low and highS. japonicumantibody responders with soluble egg antigen (SEA) and adult worm antigen (AWA) specific IgG levels by adopting ROC curve analysis. To compare the humoral and cellular immune responses between high and lowS. japonicumantibody responders, serum specific antibody levels as well as the percentage of T lymphocyte subpopulation in PMBC, and cell stimulated cytokines (IFN- gamma and interlukin-10) were detected.ResultsEightS. japonicumegg-positive participants were defined as low antibody responders. Although the percentage of CD3+T cells in low responders was slightly higher and the percentage of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+and CD4+CD25+Treg cells were lower than those in high responders, the differences between the two groups were not significant (P > 0.05). AWA -stimulated interlukin-10 level was significantly higher in high responders, while other cytokines did not show differences between two groups. For antibody profiles, except AWA specific IgA, significant differences of each antibody isotype between low and high responders were detected (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study confirmed that there areS. japonicumantibody low responders among schistosome egg-positive residents inS. japonicumlow-transmission areas in China. Thus, mis-diagnosis using immune-diagnosis kits do exist. Significant differences of responding antibody levels between low and high responders were detected, while no major cellular response changes were observed.
Preface
Authors: Ahlberg Per 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The 15th International Conference on Physical Organic Chemistry (ICPOC 15) was held on the west coast of Sweden in the heart of Scandinavia in central Göteborg on 8–13 July 2000 in the middle of the summer. The conference was the first in the series to be held in the Nordic countries of Europe. IUPAC Conferences on Physical Organic Chemistry are for physical organic chemists working in all fields of science and its applications. ICPOC 15 covered progress in physical organic chemistry and emphasized its interaction with other sciences.In particular, those ways in which physical organic chemistry has crept into some "hot "fields were highlighted.
The conference attracted 268 active participants and 51 accompanying persons. The program comprised 14 plenary lectures, 30 invited lectures, 75 oral contributions, 119 poster presentations, and 3 after-lunch concerts. The organizers are grateful for support from IUPAC, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences through its Nobel Institute for Chemistry, The Swedish National Committee for Chemistry, The Swedish Chemical Society, and Organic Chemistry at Göteborg University.

Per Ahlberg

Chairman, ICPOC 15
Preface
Authors: Mapolie Selwyn 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
CHEMRAWN XII was the first of the CHEMRAWN series of conferences to be held in Southern Africa. CHEMRAWN (chemical research applied to world needs) is a standing committee of IUPAC and has over the years organized a number of important conferences focusing on specific issues of global interests. These conferences often bring together scientists, government leaders and policy makers to address major global issues which could be resolved via chemistry. CHEMRAWN XII took place at Stellenbosch University, South Africa over the period 2-5 December 2007. Delegates came from all over Africa as well as from other parts of the developed and developing world. The conference was organized along the following broad themes:
- adequate, safe, and affordable food for Africa
- African agriculture in a global context: chemistry as the enabler
- securing and sustaining water and soil quality for agricultural production
- technologies to reduce post-harvest food loss
- the role of agriculture in building a sustainable energy base
- the role of chemicals in sustainable agriculture
- the safe development and application of biotechnology in agricultural production
- value-added and niche chemicals from agricultural produce
This issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC) contains some of the papers presented at CHEMRAWNXII. The topics of these papers encompass many of the major themes of the conference andreflect the varied contributions of speakers from a range of countries. It is heartening to see papers fromresearchers based at institutions in developing countries. I would like to thank all those colleagues whomade the effort to submit full manuscripts arising from their lectures at the conference.

Selwyn Mapolie

Conference Editor
Preface
Authors: Lanzetta Rosa , Nicotra Francesco 
Published: March 2014

The European Carbohydrate Organization (ECO), under the auspices of IUPAC and the cosponsorship of the Italian Chemical Society, organized the 16th European Carbohydrate Symposium (Eurocarb-16), in Sorrento (Napoli), Italy on 3-7 July 2011, during the International Year of Chemistry.More than 700 participants representing 46 different countries participated; the scientific program covered all the chemical, biological, biophysical, and biotechnological aspects of carbohydrates; and more than 150 oral communications, 28 invited lectures, 10 plenary lectures, and 2 awarded plenary lectures, as well as 400 poster contributions were presented.Following the tradition of the previous meetings, the Emil-Fischer Carbohydrate Award and the Carbohydrate Research Award were presented during the opening ceremony.The papers published in this issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC) give a good cross-section of the topics covered at Eurocarb-16, including: synthetic procedures developed on multifunctional molecules such as carbohydrates; design and synthesis of bioactive carbohydrates of pharmaceutical interest; structural studies on very complex carbohydrate molecules and their dynamic interactions; carbo hydrate-based tools for biological applications such as PNA-sugar conjugates; and carbohydratebased synthetic ion transporters and glyco-nanoparticles. These are just some examples of the contributions presented.We are grateful to the contributors, who permit the readers to have an idea of how carbohydrate chemistry can concur with the development of chemistry in different and multidisciplinary areas, with relevant applications of social interest. Eurocarb-17 will take place in Tel Aviv 7-11 July 2013.Rosa Lanzetta and Francesco NicotraConference Co-chairs and Editors
Preface
Authors: King Benjamin T. 
Published: March 2014

The 14th International Symposium on Novel Aromatic Compounds (ISNA-14), held in Eugene, OR, USA from 24 to 29 July 2011, dealt with broad themes: molecular design, geometry, and function, realized through the hands of chemists. Aromatic compounds underlie these themes in the same way that stone and steel underlie architecture. Indeed, the ISNA conferences have been central to the development of the architectural approach to chemistry.The 256 ISNA-14 participants came from around the globe and enjoyed 62 talks, 148 posters, and a fine social program. The Nozoe Lecture, delivered by Prof. Peter Bäuerle of the University of Ulm, initiated an avalanche of outstanding science that lasted five days. The participation of many first-time attendees and seasoned ISNA veterans demonstrated the continuing vitality of the ISNA series and bodes well for ISNA-15, to be held in Taipei, Taiwan from 28 July to 2 August 2013.The University of Oregon was a delightful venue for the conference. Excursions to the ocean and to vineyards provided opportunities to meet old friends, make new ones, and see this lovely corner of the world. And, lo and behold, it did not rain!This issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry is a microcosm of ISNA-14, reflecting the thoughts, trends, scientific style, and problems addressed. The compilation of papers is synergistic and tells us more than each story taken separately—it tells us what chemists are thinking about now. I hope this issue might today pique the curiosity and creativity of a new investigator or might tomorrow reveal the key role played by novel aromatic compounds in the development of chemistry.Benjamin T. KingConference Co-chair
Shifting values: The promotional policies of craft and industrial design in Flanders (1980–2001)
Authors: Gimeno-Martínez Javier 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This article looks at the shifts in cultural promotion of craft as a result of a particular political conjuncture in the region of Flanders (Belgium). In 1991, as a consequence of Belgian federalization, the promotion policies for craft in Flanders passed from being answerable to the Belgian state to being answerable to the regional Flemish government. This political change brought about cultural consequences. Industrial design entered the promotional channels that until then had been preserved for craft, and became a dominant referent that dictated its further evolution. Before this, craft had been a site for diversity of material discourses in which the decorative, the figurative and the minimalistic coexisted. In the late 1990s however, this diversity was lost and craft offered a homogeneous sight, characterized by the minimalistic and non-figurative. This article argues that non-creative aspects turned out to be decisive in this struggle between craft and industrial design. More specifically, the fact that promotional policies of craft and industrial design became answerable to economic institutions from the Belgian federalisation onwards enhanced the importance of industrial design and reduced the relevance of craft. This research utilizes a historical politico-aesthetic perspective to analyse the relationship between political and ideological superstructure, and cultural and artistic practices to explain the changes in the aesthetic and stylistic appearance of craft.
Deconstruction, legibility and space: Four experimental typographic practices
Authors: Ayiter Elif , Yazıcıgil Onur , Çetin Sina Cem , Türkmen Doruk 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this article we wish to present the typographic experimentations of four designers, each of whom looks at typography and its implementations from different viewpoints; however with similar goals – namely to investigate how typographic systems can be implemented, their attributes as carriers of semantic meaning be redefined, and/or their functions be improved upon within the digital medium that presents challenges as well as opportunities that enable graphic designers to reach well beyond the traditional medium of typographic work; i.e., printed paper. The article will examine these four projects under the umbrella concept of Deconstruction, also extending into a consideration of Legibility; setting them forth as examples of the impact that the digital medium has brought to bear upon typographic practice in recent decades.
Intrahepatic Innate Lymphoid Cells Secrete IL-17A and IL-17F That Are Crucial for T Cell Priming in Viral Infection
Authors: Jie Zuliang , Liang Yuejin , Hou Lifei , Dong Chen , Iwakura Yoichiro , Soong Lynn , Cong Yingzi , Sun Jiaren 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Intrahepatic cell-derived, early IL-17 is important for activating APCs in viral infection; however, the source and regulation of this IL-17 surge in the liver microenvironment are not well defined. In this article, we present evidence for a significant expansion of IL-17A/F–producing cells in mouse liver within 24 h of adenovirus infection. In addition to γδ T cells, a subset of IL-17A/F+ cells expressed no myeloid or lymphoid lineage markers. Instead, they expressed high levels of stem cell markers, IL-7R and RORγt, consistent with the newly described innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Based on their unique surface markers and cytokine profiles, these cells were confirmed as group 3 ILCs. In addition to adenovirus infection, group 3 ILCs were also found in mouse liver within 24 h of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. They contributed significantly to the establishment of the early cytokine milieu in virus-infected liver. Functional studies with mice deficient of IL-17R, IL-17A, and IL-17F further revealed that IL-17 signaling was critical for priming T cell responses in viral hepatitis. IL-17A repressed IL-17F secretion in vitro and in vivo; IL-17F+ intrahepatic cells expanded more vigorously in IL-17A knockout animals, permitting efficient Ag presentation and T cell function. However, IL-17F neither inhibited IL-17A in vitro nor regulated its secretion in vivo. Together, this study has demonstrated the importance of a unique intrahepatic subpopulation and subsequent IL-17A/F regulation at initial stages of viral infection in the liver. These results have important implications for anticytokine biologic therapy and vaccine development.
Siglec-G Deficiency Leads to More Severe Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Earlier Onset of Lupus-like Symptoms in MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Bökers Susanne , Urbat Anne , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Espéli Marion , Nitschke Lars 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Siglec-G is a member of the sialic acid–binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec) family expressed on all B cells. Siglec-G–deficient mice show a large expansion of the B1 cell compartment, demonstrating the crucial role of Siglec-G as an inhibitory receptor on this cellular subset. Although Siglec-G–deficient mice did not develop spontaneous autoimmunity, mice double-deficient for Siglec-G and the related Siglec protein CD22 did show autoimmunity at an older age. In this study, we addressed the question of whether loss of Siglec G on its own affects disease severity in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Siglec-G–deficient mice showed moderately increased clinical severity and higher inflammation of the knee joints following collagen-induced arthritis, when compared with control mice. The Siglec-G–deficient mouse was also backcrossed to the autoimmune prone MLR/lpr background. Although both Siglec-G–deficient and control MRL/lpr mice developed a lupus-like disease, Siglec-G–deficient MRL/lpr mice showed an earlier occurrence of autoantibodies; a higher lymphoproliferation of B and T cells; and an earlier onset of disease, as shown by proteinuria and glomerular damage in the kidney. Moreover, Siglec-G–deficient female mice showed a significantly reduced survival compared with female control MRL/lpr mice. Thus, the loss of the inhibitory receptor Siglec-G led to a moderate exacerbation of disease severity and early onset in both collagen-induced arthritis and spontaneous lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice.
Culturally Competent Transplant Program Improves Hispanics' Knowledge and Attitudes about Live Kidney Donation and Transplant
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Reddy Elizabeth , Gil Sorelly , Feinglass Joseph , Rodde Jillian , Abecassis Michael M. , Caicedo Juan Carlos 
Published: March 2014

Context Hispanics receive disproportionately fewer live donor kidney transplants than non-Hispanic whites. Increasing Hispanics' knowledge and changing attitudes about live kidney donation may reduce these disparities. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of culturally and linguistically competent educational sessions delivered through Northwestern University's Hispanic Transplant Program. Design Baseline and postsession questionnaires were used to evaluate changes in patients' and family members' knowledge and attitudes toward live kidney donation and program satisfaction. Knowledge items related to live kidney donation were scaled, and changes in scores were evaluated via a paired t test. Multiple regression analysis of follow-up knowledge scores controlled for baseline scores was used to estimate the effects of patients' and families' sociodemographic characteristics. Changes in attitude items, including comfort with exploring live kidney donation, were analyzed with χ2 tests. Results One-hundred thirteen patients and family members completed surveys before and after an education session. Respondents' knowledge about live kidney donation and transplant increased significantly ( P < .001) between baseline and after the session. Patients' attitudes toward live kidney donation became more favorable ( P < .02), as did family members' attitudes toward being a donor ( P < .001) after participating in the program. All respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and preferences for culturally congruent care. Conclusions The educational sessions provided by the Hispanic Transplant Program effectively addressed commonly shared Hispanic concerns about live kidney donation. Culturally congruent education increased Hispanic patients' and family members' knowledge and improved attitudes about live donor kidney transplants.