bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A middle–late Ediacaran volcano‐sedimentary record from the eastern Arabian‐Nubian shield
Authors: Nettle David , Halverson Galen P. , Cox Grant M. , Collins Alan S. , Schmitz Mark , Gehling James , Johnson Peter R. , Kadi Khalid 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Ediacaran Jibalah Group comprises volcano‐sedimentary successions that filled small fault‐bound basins along the NW–SE‐trending Najd fault system in the eastern Arabian‐Nubian Shield. Like several other Jibalah basins, the Antaq basin contains exquisitely preserved sedimentary structures and felsic tuffs, and hence is an excellent candidate for calibrating late Ediacaran Earth history. Shallow‐marine strata from the upper Jibalah Group (Muraykhah Formation) contain a diversity of load structures and intimately related textured organic (microbial) surfaces, along with a fragment of a structure closely resembling an Ediacaran frond fossil and a possible specimen of Aspidella. Interspersed carbonate beds through the Muraykhah Formation record a positive δ13C shift from −6 to 0‰. U‐Pb zircon geochronology indicates a maximum depositional age of ~570 Ma for the upper Jibalah Group, consistent with previous age estimates. Although this age overlaps with that of the upper Huqf Supergroup in nearby Oman, these sequences were deposited in contrasting tectonic settings on opposite sides of the final suture of the East African Orogen.
Ukrainian LabourMigration and Remittances in theCzechRepublic
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Weyskrabova Blanka 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOur paper analysesUkrainian migration and remittances in theCzechRepublic using the data from aUkrainianMigrationProject (UMP) survey. Due to its advantageous geographical location in the heart ofEurope, theCzechRepublic attracts the considerable part of foreign labour among allCentral andEasternEuropean countries (CEE), withUkrainian workers being the largest group. Our results reveal that the main determinants ofUkrainian labour migration in theCzechRepublic are demographic and economic, while the human capital turns out to be insignificant. We also find that the majority of the remittances earned in theCzechRepublic go to the construction of houses inUkraine. Our findings of determinants and motives of migration and remittances might help policy‐makers on both sides of the migration corridor to formulate proper policies aiming at enhancing theUkrainian remittance transfers fromCEECsand ameliorating the quality of life inUkraine.
Multi‐Scale Qualitative Location: A Topology‐Based Model
Authors: Du Shihong , Feng Chen‐Chieh , Wang Qiao , Guo Luo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractQualitative locations describe spatial objects by relating the spatial objects to a frame of reference (e.g. a regional partition in this study) with qualitative relations. Existing models only formalize spatial objects, frames of reference, and their relations at one scale, thus limiting their applicability in representing location changes of spatial objects across scales. A topology‐based, multi‐scale qualitative location model is proposed to represent the associations of multiple representations of the same objects with respect to the frames of reference at different levels. Multi‐scale regional partitions are first presented to be the frames of reference at multiple levels of scale. Multi‐scale locations are then formalized to relate multiple representations of the same objects to the multiple frames of reference by topological relations. Since spatial objects, frames of reference, and topological relations in qualitative locations are scale dependent, scale transformation approaches are presented to derive possible coarse locations from detailed locations by incorporating polygon merging, polygon‐to‐line and polygon‐to‐point operators.
In Defence of Cornell Realism: a Reply to Elizabeth Tropman
Authors: Long Joseph 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCornell realists claim, among other things, that moral knowledge can be acquired in the same basic way that scientific knowledge is acquired. Recently in this journal Elizabeth Tropman has presented two arguments against this claim. In the present article, I attempt to show that the first argument attacks a straw man and the second mischaracterizes the Cornell realists' epistemology and ends up begging the question. I close by suggesting that, given Tropman's own apparent views, her objections are also probably misplaced.
Microbial screening of unrelated cord blood units in a Chinese cord blood bank
Authors: Zhu L. , Lv H. , Wang Y. , Yang J. , Ni B. , Meng Z. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundGiven limited sample volume available for sterility testing, optimal testing methods and algorithms of cord blood (CB) have not been established according to standards.Study Design and MethodsThe volume of CB unit was reduced to 20 mL in a closed system. Hetastarch and cryopreservation solution was added to the processed CB unit in Class 100 environment. In the routine sterility testing, 20 mL of red blood cells (RBC) sample was cultured in aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles. In verification post‐thaw culture of the final product, some of the discarded final product units were also sampled and cultured after thaw. All the culture bottles were incubated in the BacT/ALERT 3D system.ResultsIn the routine sterility testing, 139 of 7032 CB units (1·98%) were contaminated with microorganism. In 84 of these 139 units (60·4%) only the anaerobic bottle was positive. Lactobacillus spp. were the most prevalent contaminant. Sixty‐two discarded CB stem cell units were recultured after thaw. Of these, 10 of 48 units with a positive culturing of RBC sample were negative in the post‐thaw reculture. One of 14 units with negative culturing of RBC sample was contaminated with Bifidobacterium breve in special verification test.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the predominant organisms implicated in CB microbial contamination were part of the human intestinal and vaginal flora. The larger sample volume and anaerobic culture would significantly increase the detection rate of microbial contaminated CB. We also found that potential transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection risk still existed in final product although microbial screening was performed.
Determinants of moderate‐to‐severe anaemia among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: analysis of data from the 2010 Tanzania demographic and health survey
Authors: Wilunda Calistus , Massawe Siriel , Jackson Caroline 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo identify determinants of moderate‐to‐severe anaemia among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.MethodsWe included participants from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey, which collected data on socio‐demographic and maternal health and determined haemoglobin levels from blood samples. We performed logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios for associations between socio‐demographic, contextual, reproductive and lifestyle factors, and moderate‐to‐severe anaemia and investigated interactions between certain risk factors.ResultsOf 9477 women, 20.1% were anaemic. Pregnancy was significantly associated with anaemia (adjusted OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.43–2.15), but the effect varied significantly by urban/rural residence, wealth and education. The effect of pregnancy was stronger in women without education and those who were in lower wealth groups, with significant interactions observed for each of these factors. Education was associated with a lower anaemia risk, particularly in the poorest group (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43–0.80), and in pregnant women. The risk of anaemia fell with rising iron supplementation coverage. Lack of toilet facilities increased anaemia risk (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00–1.60), whereas using hormonal contraception reduced it. There was no association with age, urban/rural residence, wealth or type of cooking fuel in adjusted analysis.ConclusionPregnant women in Tanzania are particularly at risk of moderate‐to‐severe anaemia, with the effect modified by urban/rural residence, education and wealth. Prevention interventions should target women with lower education or without proper sanitation facilities, and women who are pregnant, particularly if they are uneducated or in lower wealth groups.
Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers in Shenzhen, China: an observational study (2009–2012)
Authors: Cai R. , Tan J. G. , Chen L. , Richardus J. H. , de Vlas S. J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate prevalence and risk factors of syphilis infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Shenzhen, China.MethodsObservational study among (2009–2012) 1653 FSWs recruited by venue‐based sampling using questionnaire‐based interviews for socio‐demographics, behaviours and syphilis testing results. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors of syphilis infection.ResultsThe overall syphilis prevalence was 4.7%, showing a slightly decreasing trend. Factors significantly associated with syphilis infection were inconsistent condom use (OR = 1.87, P = 0.015), illicit drug use (OR = 5.45, P < 0.001) and older age in years (OR = 1.08, P < 0.001). Venues where FSWs were recruited and duration of commercial sex work were not significantly associated with syphilis infection (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSyphilis is still common among FSWs in Shenzhen, China. Current comprehensive prevention programmes (e.g. condom promotion and peer education) should be continued to maintain and increase safe sexual practices and to reduce illicit drug use among FSWs. Expanding point‐of‐care syphilis screening programmes may be an important strategy for early diagnosis. We recommend timely and effective treatment programmes to be linked to such screening programmes.
Functional, structural and phylogenetic analysis of domains underlying the Al sensitivity of the aluminum‐activated malate/anion transporter, TaALMT1
Authors: Ligaba Ayalew , Dreyer Ingo , Margaryan Armine , Schneider David J. , Kochian Leon , Piñeros Miguel 
Published: October 2013

SummaryTriticum aestivum aluminum‐activated malate transporter (TaALMT1) is the founding member of a unique gene family of anion transporters (ALMTs) that mediate the efflux of organic acids. A small sub‐group of root‐localized ALMTs, including TaALMT1, is physiologically associated with in planta aluminum (Al) resistance. TaALMT1 exhibits significant enhancement of transport activity in response to extracellular Al. In this study, we integrated structure–function analyses of structurally altered TaALMT1 proteins expressed in Xenopus oocytes with phylogenic analyses of the ALMT family. Our aim is to re‐examine the role of protein domains in terms of their potential involvement in the Al‐dependent enhancement (i.e. Al‐responsiveness) of TaALMT1 transport activity, as well as the roles of all its 43 negatively charged amino acid residues. Our results indicate that the N‐domain, which is predicted to form the conductive pathway, mediates ion transport even in the absence of the C‐domain. However, segments in both domains are involved in Al3+ sensing. We identified two regions, one at the N‐terminus and a hydrophobic region at the C‐terminus, that jointly contribute to the Al‐response phenotype. Interestingly, the characteristic motif at the N‐terminus appears to be specific for Al‐responsive ALMTs. Our study highlights the need to include a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis when drawing inferences from structure–function analyses, as a significant proportion of the functional changes observed for TaALMT1 are most likely the result of alterations in the overall structural integrity of ALMT family proteins rather than modifications of specific sites involved in Al3+ sensing.
Light‐dependent, plastome‐wide association of the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase with chloroplast DNA
Authors: Finster Sabrina , Eggert Erik , Zoschke Reimo , Weihe Andreas , Schmitz‐Linneweber Christian 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPlastid genes are transcribed by two types of RNA polymerases: a plastid‐encoded eubacterial‐type RNA polymerase (PEP) and nuclear‐encoded phage‐type RNA polymerases (NEPs). To investigate the spatio‐temporal expression of PEP, we tagged its α–subunit with a hemagglutinin epitope (HA). Transplastomic tobacco plants were generated and analyzed for the distribution of the tagged polymerase in plastid sub‐fractions, and associated genes were identified under various light conditions. RpoA:HA was detected as early as the 3rd day after imbibition, and was constitutively expressed in green tissue over 60 days of plant development. We found that the tagged polymerase subunit preferentially associated with the plastid membranes, and was less abundant in the soluble stroma fraction. Attachment of RpoA:HA to the membrane fraction during early seedling development was independent of DNA, but at later stages of development, DNA appears to facilitate attachment of the polymerase to membranes. To survey PEP‐dependent transcription units, we probed for nucleic acids enriched in RpoA:HA precipitates using a tobacco chloroplast whole‐genome tiling array. The most strongly co‐enriched DNA fragments represent photosynthesis genes (e.g. psbA, psbC, psbD and rbcL), whose expression is known to be driven by PEP promoters, while NEP‐dependent genes were less abundant in RpoA:HA precipitates. Additionally, we demonstrate that the association of PEP with photosynthesis‐related genes was reduced during the dark period, indicating that plastome‐wide PEP–DNA association is a light‐dependent process.
Increased leaf mesophyll porosity following transient retinoblastoma‐related protein silencing is revealed by microcomputed tomography imaging and leads to a system‐level physiological response to the altered cell division pattern
Authors: Dorca‐Fornell Carmen , Pajor Radoslaw , Lehmeier Christoph , Pérez‐Bueno Marísa , Bauch Marion , Sloan Jen , Osborne Colin , Rolfe Stephen , Sturrock Craig , Mooney Sacha , Fleming Andrew 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe causal relationship between cell division and growth in plants is complex. Although altered expression of cell‐cycle genes frequently leads to altered organ growth, there are many examples where manipulation of the division machinery leads to a limited outcome at the level of organ form, despite changes in constituent cell size. One possibility, which has been under‐explored, is that altered division patterns resulting from manipulation of cell‐cycle gene expression alter the physiology of the organ, and that this has an effect on growth. We performed a series of experiments on retinoblastoma‐related protein (RBR), a well characterized regulator of the cell cycle, to investigate the outcome of altered cell division on leaf physiology. Our approach involved combination of high‐resolution microCT imaging and physiological analysis with a transient gene induction system, providing a powerful approach for the study of developmental physiology. Our investigation identifies a new role for RBR in mesophyll differentiation that affects tissue porosity and the distribution of air space within the leaf. The data demonstrate the importance of RBR in early leaf development and the extent to which physiology adapts to modified cellular architecture resulting from altered cell‐cycle gene expression.
Multiple microscopic approaches demonstrate linkage between chromoplast architecture and carotenoid composition in diverse Capsicum annuum fruit
Authors: Kilcrease James , Collins Aaron M. , Richins Richard D. , Timlin Jerilyn A. , O'Connell Mary A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIncreased accumulation of specific carotenoids in plastids through plant breeding or genetic engineering requires an understanding of the limitations that storage sites for these compounds may impose on that accumulation. Here, using Capsicum annuum L. fruit, we demonstrate directly the unique sub‐organellar accumulation sites of specific carotenoids using live cell hyperspectral confocal Raman microscopy. Further, we show that chromoplasts from specific cultivars vary in shape and size, and these structural variations are associated with carotenoid compositional differences. Live‐cell imaging utilizing laser scanning confocal (LSCM) and confocal Raman microscopy, as well as fixed tissue imaging by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), all demonstrated morphological differences with high concordance for the measurements across the multiple imaging modalities. These results reveal additional opportunities for genetic controls on fruit color and carotenoid‐based phenotypes.
Simultaneous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and therapeutic plasma exchange procedures are tolerable in both pediatric and adult patients
Authors: Dyer Mitchell , Neal Matthew D. , Rollins‐Raval Marian A. , Raval Jay S. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in patients with pulmonary and/or cardiac disease. In rare circumstances, some patients may have to undergo simultaneous therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We sought to characterize simultaneous ECMO and TPE procedures at our institution.Study Design and MethodsRetrospective analysis of medical records was performed for patients who underwent simultaneous ECMO and TPE. Patient demographics, diagnoses, TPE indications and variables, procedural complications, blood use, laboratory data, and outcomes were collected.ResultsSeventy‐six patients underwent 293 simultaneous ECMO and TPE procedures; the majority involved pediatric patients, and most patients weighed less than 15 kg. In children, the two most frequent reasons for ECMO were congenital cardiac disease and sepsis; in adults, they were congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy and severe pulmonary disease. In children, the two most frequent indications for TPE while on ECMO were multisystem organ failure and coagulopathy; in adults, they were humoral rejection of cardiac and pulmonary allografts. Blood product utilization during simultaneous ECMO and TPE was substantial in all patients. The complications of simultaneous ECMO and TPE were hypocalcemia (47 and 27.6% in children and adults, respectively) and hypotension (22.1 and 34.2% in children and adults, respectively). Approximately 45% of children and adults had resolutions of their apheresis indications after completing their TPE regimen.ConclusionsDespite the hypocalcemic and hypotensive reactions that occurred during simultaneous ECMO and TPE, apheresis treatment regimens were successfully completed in all patients. With clear communication between ECMO and apheresis teams, along with close patient and instrument monitoring, simultaneous ECMO and TPE is tolerable and can be performed in critically ill children and adults.
Postoperative management of severe acute anemia in a Jehovah's Witness
Authors: de Araújo Azi Liana Maria Tôrres , Lopes Fernando Muniz , Garcia Luis Vicente 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundLow levels of hemoglobin (Hb) are not rare in patients who refuse blood components but this case is unique due to the severity of anemia and the possibility that her previous episode of acute normovolemic hemodilution has influenced her outcome.Case ReportWe report an incident involving acute blood loss after surgery with an extremely low hematocrit. Despite her Hb levels (2.8 g/dL) she remained lucid, expressing her wish not to receive transfusion. When the patient lost consciousness (Hb, 1.4 g/dL) she was promptly sedated, curarized, and put onto mechanical controlled ventilation. Aggressive erythropoietin therapy increased the patient's Hb level by 240% in 10 days, despite a high platelet count. This case demonstrates that critical levels of oxygen delivery may be lower than previously thought possible.ConclusionThis case is an example of the resilience of the human body in an extreme circumstance. It might be the most severe case of anemia that a person has survived without any sequelae.
Partial engraftment following plerixafor rescue after failed sibling donor peripheral blood stem cell harvest
Authors: Eyre Toby A. , King Andrew J. , Peniket Andrew , Rocha Vanderson , Collins Graham P. , Pawson Rachel 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundRarely, healthy donors fail adequate peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization. If the recipient has already received conditioning chemotherapy, this can result in the donor undergoing urgent marrow harvest under general anesthesia. Plerixafor is a novel CXCR4 antagonist, licensed for autologous PBSC harvest (PBSCH) in patients who failed mobilization with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone. Experience using plerixafor in healthy allogeneic donors failing G‐CSF mobilization is scarce.Case ReportA 65‐year‐old patient was referred for a reduced‐intensity conditioning sibling allograft for relapsed follicular lymphoma. She received fludarabine, melphalan, and alemtuzumab conditioning. Her 68‐year‐old brother was fully HLA matched. PBSCH was planned on Day −1 after 4 days of 10 μg/kg G‐CSF. Day 1 PBSCH collected an inadequate number of CD34+ 0.35 × 106/kg cells. Despite increasing G‐CSF (16 μg/kg), Day 2 yielded 0.33 × 106/kg CD34+ cells, giving a suboptimal total dose. He proceeded to a third PBSCH day after plerixafor (0.24 mg/kg) and G‐CSF (16 μg/kg) were given the evening before. A total of 1.79 × 106/kg CD34+ cells were harvested, giving a total dose of 2.46 × 106/kg CD34+ cells. After initial neutrophil engraftment on Day +13, the patient's neutrophils gradually decreased to 0.02 × 109/L by Day +74. A marrow aspirate on Day +81 was markedly hypocellular. Total white blood cell chimerism was near 100% donor on Days +32, +74, and +102. Despite chimeric‐only engraftment, the patient remains platelet and red blood cell transfusion dependent.ConclusionRescue plerixafor to assist PBSCH in healthy allogeneic donors has been effective in terms of CD34+ cell number mobilized. It is unclear whether the partial engraftment seen was coincidental or related to a difference in PBSC quality.
Peripheral blood stem cell yield calculated using preapheresis absolute CD34+ cell count, peripheral blood volume processed, and donor body weight accurately predicts actual yield at multiple centers
Authors: Hosing Chitra , Saliba Rima M. , Hamerschlak Nelson , Kutner Jose Mauro , Sakashita Araci Massami , Kondo Andrea Tiemi , Rodrigues Morgani , Fernande Juliana Folloni , Chiattone Alexandre , Chiattone Viviane C. , Barros Jose C. , Chiattone Carlos S. , Chiattone Ricardo , Popat Uday , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Tang Xiao Wen , Wu Depei , Majilis Alejandro , de Lima Marcos , Anguita Timoleon 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAccurate prediction of stem cell yield is important for planning leukapheresis procedures. A formula has been published (Pierelli et al., Vox Sang 2006;91:126‐34) to estimate the CD34+ dose collected on the first day of leukapheresis that was based on the preapheresis peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ counts, the blood volume processed, and the donor's weight. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of this formula.Study Design and MethodsData were retrospectively collected on 1126 consecutive PB stem cell harvests conducted at five institutions. Information on age, sex, diagnosis, weight, preapheresis absolute peripheral CD34+ count, total blood volume processed, and CD34+ cells harvested per kilogram of body weight on the first day of apheresis was collected.ResultsAmong donors at least 18 years old, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) between actual yield (AY) and predicted yield (PY) was 0.76. To characterize this correlation, AY and PY were classified as being within the conventionally acceptable CD34+ doses (>2 × 106‐5 × 106 cells/kg), below this range (≤2 × 106 cells/kg), or above it (>5 × 106 cells/kg). The positive predictive value (PPV) of PY was estimated considering the distribution of AY as the “gold standard.” PPV was relatively high for PY of more than 5 × 106 cells/kg (85%), moderate for PY of not more than 2 × 106 cells/kg (72%), and low for PY more than 2 × 106 to 5 × 106 cells/kg (56%). A consistent pattern was observed within institutions.ConclusionThe formula of Pierelli et al. is associated with a PPV that is high, moderate, and relatively low for the corresponding predicted CD34+ doses.