bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High level of molecular and phenotypic biodiversity in Jatropha curcasfrom Central America compared to Africa, Asia and South America
Authors: Montes Osorio Luis Rodolfo , Torres Salvador Andres Fransisco , Jongschaap Raymond Elmar Etienne , Azurdia Perez Cesar Augusto , Berduo Sandoval Julio Ernesto , Trindade Luisa Miguel , Visser Richard Gerardus Franciscus , van Loo Eibertus Nicolaas 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The main bottleneck to elevate jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) from a wild species to a profitable biodiesel crop is the low genetic and phenotypic variation found in different regions of the world, hampering efficient plant breeding for productivity traits. In this study, 182 accessions from Asia (91), Africa (35), South America (9) and Central America (47) were evaluated at genetic and phenotypic level to find genetic variation and important traits for oilseed production.

Results
Genetic variation was assessed with SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat), TRAP (Target Region Amplification Polymorphism) and AFLP (Amplified fragment length polymorphism) techniques. Phenotypic variation included seed morphological characteristics, seed oil content and fatty acid composition and early growth traits. Jaccard’s similarity and cluster analysis by UPGM (Unweighted Paired Group Method) with arithmetic mean and PCA (Principle Component Analysis) indicated higher variability in Central American accessions compared to Asian, African and South American accessions. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0 to 0.65. In the set of Central American accessions. PIC values were higher than in other regions. Accessions from the Central American population contain alleles that were not found in the accessions from other populations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA; P < 0.0001) indicated high genetic variation within regions (81.7%) and low variation across regions (18.3%). A high level of genetic variation was found on early growth traits and on components of the relative growth rate (specific leaf area, leaf weight, leaf weight ratio and net assimilation rate) as indicated by significant differences between accessions and by the high heritability values (50–88%). The fatty acid composition of jatropha oil significantly differed (P < 0.05) between regions.

Conclusions
The pool of Central American accessions showed very large genetic variation as assessed by DNA-marker variation compared to accessions from other regions. Central American accessions also showed the highest phenotypic variation and should be considered as the most important source for plant breeding. Some variation in early growth traits was found within a group of accessions from Asia and Africa, while these accessions did not differ in a single DNA-marker, possibly indicating epigenetic variation.
Predictors of mortality among bacteremic patients with septic shock receiving appropriate antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Leedahl David D , Personett Heather A , Gajic Ognjen , Kashyap Rahul , Schramm Garrett E 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Factors capable of impacting hospital mortality in patients with septic shock remain uncertain. Our objective was to identify predictors of hospital mortality among patients who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy for bacteremic septic shock after accounting for severity of illness, resuscitation status, and processes of care.

Methods
We conducted a secondary subgroup analysis of a prospective severe sepsis cohort study. Patients with septic shock and positive blood cultures who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy were included. Univariable analyses were used to identify differences between hospital survivors and non-survivors, and a multivariable logistic regression model revealed independent determinants of hospital mortality.

Results
From January 2008 to December 2010, 58 of 224 included patients died in the hospital. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated 2 independent predictors of hospital mortality. These included continuous renal replacement therapy utilization within 48 hours of septic shock recognition (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94-16.34) and intra-abdominal infection (adjusted OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.47-10.79). Escherichia coli was independently associated with a lower risk of hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.11-0.90).

Conclusion
Intra-abdominal infection and continuous renal replacement therapy were associated with increased hospital mortality in patients with septic shock who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Our findings may be explained by suboptimal intra-abdominal infection management or inadequate antimicrobial concentration in these patients.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in active and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter clinical study
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Jing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Miaojia , Chen Jinyun , Li Xia , Hu Xiang , Jiang Shu , Shi Songtao , Sun Lingyun 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
In our present single-center pilot study, umbilical cord (UC)–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) had a good safety profile and therapeutic effect in severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present multicenter clinical trial was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of allogeneic UC MSC transplantation (MSCT) in patients with active and refractory SLE.

Methods
Forty patients with active SLE were recruited from four clinical centers in China. Allogeneic UC MSCs were infused intravenously on days 0 and 7. The primary endpoints were safety profiles. The secondary endpoints included major clinical response (MCR), partial clinical response (PCR) and relapse. Clinical indices, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) score and renal functional indices, were also taken into account.

Results
The overall survival rate was 92.5% (37 of 40 patients). UC-MSCT was well tolerated, and no transplantation-related adverse events were observed. Thirteen and eleven patients achieved MCR (13 of 40, 32.5%) and PCR (11 of 40, 27.5%), respectively, during 12 months of follow up. Three and four patients experienced disease relapse at 9 months (12.5%) and 12 months (16.7%) of follow-up, respectively, after a prior clinical response. SLEDAI scores significantly decreased at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up. Total BILAG scores markedly decreased at 3 months and continued to decrease at subsequent follow-up visits. BILAG scores for renal, hematopoietic and cutaneous systems significantly improved. Among those patients with lupus nephritis, 24-hour proteinuria declined after transplantation, with statistically differences at 9 and 12 months. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen decreased to the lowest level at 6 months, but these values slightly increased at 9 and 12 months in seven relapse cases. In addition, serum levels of albumin and complement 3 increased after MSCT, peaked at 6 months and then slightly declined by the 9- and 12-month follow-up examinations. Serum antinuclear antibody and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody decreased after MSCT, with statistically significant differences at 3-month follow-up examinations.

Conclusion
UC-MSCT results in satisfactory clinical response in SLE patients. However, in our present study, several patients experienced disease relapse after 6 months, indicating the necessity to repeat MSCT after 6 months.

Trial registry
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01741857. Registered 26 September 2012.
Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles on Citrate-functionalized Graphene Oxide with High Catalytic Activity for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Su Bingyuan , Jia Yuzhu , Zhang Shuqiong , Chen Xiaomei , Oyama Munetaka 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Ultrafine Pd nanoparticles homogeneously deposited on citrate-functionalized graphene oxide (PdNPs/Cit-GO) were synthesized by a simple method with the reduction of ascorbic acid. The average size of these PdNPs was 4.67 nm, and they dispersed on the GO surface with high density. Significantly, the as-prepared PdNPs/Cit-GO expresses a high catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The synergistic effect of the PdNPs/Cit-GO in the catalysis reaction was also demonstrated.
Oxidative Protonolysis of the Expanded Central C–C Bond in a Di(spiroacridan)-type Hexaphenylethane Derivative Accompanied by UV–vis, FL, and CD Spectral Changes
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Kuroda Yusuke , Wada Kazuhisa , Sakano Yuto , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi , Fukushima Takanori 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Upon electrochemical oxidation of configurationally stable (M)-4,5-dimethyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene attached with two spiroacridan units at the C9 and C10 positions [(M)-1c], a three-way-output response by UV–vis, FL, and CD spectra was realized via clean conversion to the corresponding bond-dissociated dication (Rax)-2c2+. Similar gradual changes were induced upon standing of an aerated MeCN solution of (M)-1c after the addition of CF3CO2H because the elongated C9–C10 bond was also cleaved by oxidative protonolysis to give (Rax)-2c2+.
Quantification of Integrated HIV DNA by Repetitive-Sampling Alu-HIV PCR on the Basis of Poisson Statistics
Authors: De Spiegelaere Ward , Malatinkova Eva , Lynch Lindsay , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Messiaen Peter , O'Doherty Una , Vandekerckhove Linos 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Quantification of integrated proviral HIV DNA by repetitive-sampling Alu-HIV PCR is a candidate virological tool to monitor the HIV reservoir in patients. However, the experimental procedures and data analysis of the assay are complex and hinder its widespread use. Here, we provide an improved and simplified data analysis method by adopting binomial and Poisson statistics.

METHODS
A modified analysis method on the basis of Poisson statistics was used to analyze the binomial data of positive and negative reactions from a 42-replicate Alu-HIV PCR by use of dilutions of an integration standard and on samples of 57 HIV-infected patients. Results were compared with the quantitative output of the previously described Alu-HIV PCR method.

RESULTS
Poisson-based quantification of the Alu-HIV PCR was linearly correlated with the standard dilution series, indicating that absolute quantification with the Poisson method is a valid alternative for data analysis of repetitive-sampling Alu-HIV PCR data. Quantitative outputs of patient samples assessed by the Poisson method correlated with the previously described Alu-HIV PCR analysis, indicating that this method is a valid alternative for quantifying integrated HIV DNA.

CONCLUSIONS
Poisson-based analysis of the Alu-HIV PCR data enables absolute quantification without the need of a standard dilution curve. Implementation of the CI estimation permits improved qualitative analysis of the data and provides a statistical basis for the required minimal number of technical replicates.
‘Live fast, die young and leave a good-looking conspiracy’: Celebrity death conspiracies
Authors: Ballinger Dean 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Conspiracy theories surrounding the death of celebrities have become an integral facet of the millennial western culturescape, particularly in relation to iconic celebrity figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Princess Diana Spencer. This article delineates these ‘celebrity death conspiracies’ as distinct forms of conspiracy theory that function to assert and develop processes of spectacle and attention integral to the concept of celebrity and the operations of celebrity culture. Such conspiracy theories also serve as a means for publicizing normally marginalized conspiracist world-views within the contexts of popular culture. The article concludes by discussing two contemporary trends associated with celebrity death conspiracies: the deliberate elaboration of such theories by celebrities for publicity purposes, and the rise of ‘New Age Illuminism’ as a conspiracist world-view in which celebrity plays a major role, as illustrated by the celebrity death conspiracies that have developed around the late singer Michael Jackson.
The Fannish Parergon: Aca–Fandom and the Decentred Canon
Authors: Brennan Joseph 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Aca–fandom, as popularized by Jenkins, forefronts reciprocity and dialogue between researcher and subject and has become the method of choice for many fan studies scholars. This article critiques the centrality of canon in the aca–fan tradition, using Derrida’s work on the parergon. I raise various issues for consideration, such as aca–fandom’s emphasis on identity, and the potential implications of a researcher presuming commonalities with fan communities. These issues are discussed with regard to my own practice-led research approach. I examine the aca–fan position in relation to ‘reflexive’ and ‘native anthropology’, the latter of which highlights advocacy dimensions of the position. I also make a case for the importance of managing responsibilities to academy and community (public or fannish) and distinctions between autonomous and public or political intellectualism. My discussion of the various implications of the aca–fan position leads to my central argument, which is that the aca–fan researcher in the textual tradition would do well to avoid the temptation to fixate on canon at the expense of the fan works themselves.
Drive-By Programming Niche Marketing to the Channel Surfer on TNT, MTV, and CNN
Authors: Malin Brent 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This article explores a fairly recent trend in cable programming: “drive-by programming.” In response to the proliferation of channels and the potential for channel surfing that has accompanied the narrowcasting of contemporary cable television, some networks have regularly employed a programming scheme that directly targets the roving viewer. Looking at MTV, TNT, and CNN, this article examines the ways in which this new programming scheme has impacted both programming choices and program content, including MTV’s movement to reality television and the repetitive story-telling practices of both TNT and CNN. These case studies demonstrate the consequences of drive-by programming for the contemporary media environment, illustrating the particularly detrimental effects of CNN’s drive-by practices on the kinds of news stories the network tells.
Validation of CE/SE Scheme in Low Mach Number Direct Aeroacoustic Simulation
Authors: Lam Garret C. Y. , Leung Randolph C. K. , Seid K. H. , Tang S. K. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) scheme has caught many attention in aeroacoustic research community as an alternative numerical strategy for direct aeroacoustic simulation (DAS). As a result of its strict conversation of flow flux in both space and time, the low-order CE/SE scheme possesses excellent non-dissipative characteristics, expedient in calculating low Mach number DAS which requires uniform numerical accuracy to resolve the widely disparate flow and acoustic scales of the problem. In this paper, an attempt of validating a simplified Courant Number Insensitive CE/SE scheme using carefully selected aeroacoustic benchmark problems is reported. Excellent agreement with the benchmark results obtained firmly establishes that CE/SE scheme is a viable scheme for resolving the nonlinear physics of low Mach number aeroacoustic problems.
“I just wanted to give a partly answer”: capturing and exploring word class variation in ELF data
Authors: Osimk-Teasdale Ruth 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
English as a lingua franca is generally viewed as a user language in which the formal characteristics are adapted to meet the communicative needs of its speakers, inherently resulting in linguistic innovation and variation. In the part-of-speech (POS) tagging of the Vienna-Oxford International Corpus of English (VOICE), many cases were encountered whereby ELF users go beyond the commonly assumed boundaries of word class categories in Standard English by the process defined as word class change. Word class change is understood as a change of word class category, or syntagmatic function, without alternation of the morphological form. In this paper, it is demonstrated how forms which were used in a non-codified function were dealt with in the tagging procedure. Reviewing concepts commonly used to explain word class change, namely conversion and multifunctionality, it is argued that a number of presumptions inherent in these concepts cause difficulties when applied to ELF data. In a case study, the most frequent types of word class shifts or variation (terms which are considered more suitable for ELF data) in VOICE are exemplified, analysed, and discussed with regard to the forms which are shifted, the directionality of these shifts, as well as the environment in which the shifts occur. It is shown that word class shifts in ELF interactions follow clear tendencies and thus a reconceptualization of the concepts of conversion and multifunctionality with regard to ELF is proposed. Finally, it is argued that if tagging practices attempt to display, rather than disguise, initial “problems” arising in the tagging process, this can help to gain useful insights into the nature of the data.
Dialogue between ELF and the field of language policy and planning
Authors: Lo Bianco Joseph 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper explores the relevance of concepts and methods of language planning and policy for ELF researchers and teachers. As the global communication environment consolidates through globalisation of systems, such as publishing and education credentialing, the topics chosen for research and even some practices in teaching can be seen as forms of intervention which influence form, usage, and status of languages and language varieties. The escalating role of English in the public life of more and more countries raises questions of the overall language ecology (how English interacts with other languages in existing and future communication environments). By fostering dialogue with the conceptual categories and methods of language planning, ELF scholars and practitioners can sharpen their focus on how institutional and publishing gatekeepers operate and foster an expanded sense of what English as an international language can mean, in the interests of encouraging a more democratised global communication order.
First-trimester fetal growth discordance and development of preeclampsia in dichorionic twin pregnancies
Authors: Maric Tanya , Singh Natasha , Duncan Keith , Thorpe-Beeston Guy J. , Savvidou Makrina D. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relation between first-trimester fetal growth discrepancy, as assessed by crown-rump length (CRL) at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation, and subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE) in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies. The association between inter-twin CRL and birth weight (BW) discrepancy was also investigated.

Methods: This was a retrospective, case-control study of DCDA twin pregnancies. Inter-twin CRL discrepancy was calculated as 100×(larger CRL–smaller CRL)/larger CRL. BW discordance was calculated as 100×(larger BW–smaller BW)/larger BW.

Results: The study included 299 DCDA pregnancies that remained normotensive and 35 that subsequently developed PE. There was no significant difference in the inter-twin CRL discrepancy between pregnancies complicated by PE and those that were not [3.2%, interquartile range (IQR): 0.5–4.5% vs. 3.3%, IQR: 1.4–5.5%; P=0.17]. There was a positive correlation between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy but only in pregnancies that remained normotensive (P<0.001). In women that subsequently developed PE, there was no association between inter-twin CRL and BW discordance (P=0.54).

Conclusions: In unselected DCDA twins, first-trimester CRL discrepancy is not different between pregnancies that subsequently develop PE and those that remain normotensive. Furthermore, in pregnancies that are complicated by PE, the association between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy appears to be lost.
The IgG avidity value for the prediction of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ebina Yasuhiko , Minematsu Toshio , Sonoyama Ayako , Morioka Ichiro , Inoue Naoki , Tairaku Shinya , Nagamata Satoshi , Tanimura Kenji , Morizane Mayumi , Deguchi Masashi , Yamada Hideto 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes congenital infection with high mortality and morbidity rates in affected neonates.

Objectives: To evaluate the maternal IgG avidity value for the prediction of congenital CMV infection.

Study design: The serum IgG avidity in all mothers was measured, and the urine of their neonates was assessed for CMV DNA in a prospective cohort study.

Results: Of 759 women with a positive test for CMV IgG, 14 had congenital CMV infection. CMV IgG avidity indices in the congenital infection group (median 35.1%) were significantly lower than those in the non-congenital infection group (70.4%). A cutoff value of <40% IgG avidity index with 96.1% specificity and 64.3% sensitivity for congenital infection was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The highest sensitivity (88.9%), 96.2% specificity, 27.6% positive predictive value, 99.8% negative predictive value, and 96.1% accuracy were found when IgG avidity was measured in <28 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion: The IgG avidity measurement with a cutoff value of <40% IgG avidity index might be helpful in predicting congenital CMV infection, especially in <28 weeks of gestation.
Radiolytic stability of di-2-ethylhexyl-dioctyl diglycolamide
Authors: Ravi Jammu , Selvan B. Robert , Venkatesan K. A. , Antony M. P. , Srinivasan T. G. , Vasudeva Rao P. R. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The radiation stability of an unsymmetrical diglycolamide, di-2-ethylhexyl-di-octyl diglycolamide (DEHDODGA) has been evaluated under
various process conditions. The influence of diluent (n-dodecane), phase modifier (N,N-dihexyl octanamide, DHOA), and nitric acid
on the radiolysis of DEHDODGA was investigated. The distribution ratio (D) of Am(III), Eu(III), and Sr(II) in the irradiated solvent
was determined as a function of absorbed dose of γ-radiation. The distribution ratios decreased with increase of absorbed dose,
indicating the radiolytic degradation of DEHDODGA with increase of absorbed dose. The stripping behavior of Am(III) from the degraded
organic phase was studied. Quantitative back extraction of trivalent metal ions from the irradiated organic phase was achieved in
a single contact using the stripping formulation composed of dilute nitric acid and citric acid. Our studies indicated the robust
nature of DEHDODGA with respect to radiolysis, and innocuous nature of degradation products.