Delayed Haematological recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation is associated with favourable outcome in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is applied to consolidate first remission in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, outcome after ASCT widely varies among AML patients. We analyzed the prognostic significance of haematological recovery for neutrophils [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1·0 × 10(9) /l] and platelets (platelet count >20·0 × 10(9) /l), stratifying at day 20 after ASCT in 88 consecutive and homogeneously treated AML patients in first remission. We observed that patients with delayed recovery had better overall survival (OS; ANC: P < 0·0001 and platelets: P = 0·0062) and time to progression (TTP; ANC: P = 0·0003 and platelets: P = 0·0125). Delayed recovery was an independent marker for better OS and TTP in a multivariate analysis including age, gender, number of transfused CD34+ cells, cytogenetics, FLT3-internal tandem duplication and NPM1 mutation. Our results suggest that delayed neutrophil and platelet recovery is associated with longer OS and TTP in AML patients consolidated with ASCT in first remission.

CD34+ selected versus unselected autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with advanced-stage mantle cell and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Novel strategies aiming to increase survival rates in patients with advanced-stage mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and relapsing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are a clinical need. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has improved progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in MCL and relapsed DLBCL. However, the role of CD34+ cell selection before ASCT in MCL and DLBCL is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 62 consecutive patients with advanced-stage MCL or relapsed DLBCL undergoing ASCT with (n=31) or without (n=31) prior CD34+ selection. All patients had stage III or IV disease, with 47% having DLBCL and 53% MCL. The median duration for neutrophil and platelet recovery was 12 and 16 days in CD34+ selected patients, and 11 (P<.001) and 14 days (P=.012) in the group without selection, respectively. No differences in toxicities were observed. The 5-year PFS for CD34+ selected versus not selected patients was 67% and 39% (P=.016), and the 5-year OS was 86% and 54% (P=.007). Our data suggest that using CD34+ selected autografts for ASCT in advanced stage MCL and DLBCL is associated with longer PFS and OS without increased toxicity.

Drought stress and carbon assimilation in a warming climate: Reversible and irreversible impacts

Abstract Global change is characterized by increased {CO2} concentration in the atmosphere, increasing average temperature and more frequent extreme events including drought periods, heat waves and flooding. Especially the impacts of drought and of elevated temperature on carbon assimilation are considered in this review. Effects of extreme events on the subcellular level as well as on the whole plant level may be reversible, partially reversible or irreversible. The photosynthetically active biomass depends on the number and the size of mature leaves and the photosynthetic activity in this biomass during stress and subsequent recovery phases. The total area of active leaves is determined by leaf expansion and senescence, while net photosynthesis per leaf area is primarily influenced by stomatal opening (stomatal conductance), mesophyll conductance, activity of the photosynthetic apparatus (light absorption and electron transport, activity of the Calvin cycle) and {CO2} release by decarboxylation reactions (photorespiration, dark respiration). Water status, stomatal opening and leaf temperature represent a "magic triangle" of three strongly interacting parameters. The response of stomata to altered environmental conditions is important for stomatal limitations. Rubisco protein is quite thermotolerant, but the enzyme becomes at elevated temperature more rapidly inactivated (decarbamylation, reversible effect) and must be reactivated by Rubisco activase (carbamylation of a lysine residue). Rubisco activase is present under two forms (encoded by separate genes or products of alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA from one gene) and is very thermosensitive. Rubisco activase was identified as a key protein for photosynthesis at elevated temperature (non-stomatal limitation). During a moderate heat stress Rubisco activase is reversibly inactivated, but during a more severe stress (higher temperature and/or longer exposure) the protein is irreversibly inactivated, insolubilized and finally degraded. On the level of the leaf, this loss of photosynthetic activity may still be reversible when new Rubisco activase is produced by protein synthesis. Rubisco activase as well as enzymes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species or in osmoregulation are considered as important targets for breeding crop plants which are still productive under drought and/or at elevated leaf temperature in a changing climate.

Satellite-Measured Chlorophyll and Temperature Variability Off Northern Chile During the 1996-1998 La Niña and El Niño

Time series of satellite measurements are used to describe patterns of surface temperature and chlorophyll associated with the 1996 cold La Nina phase and the 1997-1998 warm El Nino phase of the El Nino - Southern Oscillation cycle in the upwelling region off northern Chile. Surface temperature data are available through the entire study period. Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) data first became available in September 1997 during a relaxation in El Nino conditions identified by in situ hydrographic data. Over the time period of coincident satellite data, chlorophyll patterns closely track surface temperature patterns. Increases both in nearshore chlorophyll concentration and in cross-shelf extension of elevated concentrations are associated with decreased coastal temperatures during both the relaxation in El Nino conditions in September-November 1997 and the recovery from EI Nino conditions after March 1998. Between these two periods during austral summer (December 1997 to March 1998) and maximum El Nino temperature anomalies, temperature patterns normally associated with upwelling were absent and chlorophyll concentrations were minimal. Cross-shelf chlorophyll distributions appear to be modulated by surface temperature frontal zones and are positively correlated with a satellite-derived upwelling index. Frontal zone patterns and the upwelling index in 1996 imply an austral summer nearshore chlorophyll maximum, consistent with SeaWiFS data from I 1998-1999, after the El Nino. SeaWiFS retrievals in the data set used here are higher than in situ measurements by a factor of 2-4; however, consistency in the offset suggests relative patterns are valid.

Perspective transformation: Women in long-term recovery from alcohol abuse

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the meaning of personal transformation for twenty women in long term, stable recovery from alcohol abuse; to identify themes or patterns of this recovery, and; to determine the extent to which they experienced the phenomenon of perspective transformation. ^ Method. Volunteers were recruited by advertisement, word of mouth, and through a closed circuit web based broadcast. A descriptive, exploratory study, which analyzed perspective transformation from the standpoint of five action phases, was conducted. Data was collected using in-depth personal interviews and questionnaires. Subjects' responses were analyzed by qualitative methods. Triangulation was performed on the grouped data comparing the interviews to the data produced by the questionnaires. Quantitative analysis of questionnaire items explored behavioral changes experienced before and after alcoholism recovery. ^ Results. Five phases of recovery were identified. Phase I which involved recognition that alcohol was a problem and change might be possible took several years during which 3 major transitions occurred: (1) from often being alienated to having relationships with family and friends; (2) from daily upheavals to eventually a more peaceful existence, and; (3) from denial that alcohol was a problem to acceptance and willingness to change. Recovery was often seen in a spiritual context, which also required ongoing support. During Phase II there was an assessment of self, others, and the environment which revealed a pattern of intense unhappiness and negative feelings toward self and others with a disregard for cultural norms. Phase III revealed a period of desperation as life became unmanageable, but gradual willingness to accept support and guidance and a desire to improve self and help others. This led to improvement of existing role performance and the willingness to try out new roles. In Phase IV there was a pattern of personal growth which included: the establishment of boundaries, setting priorities, a willingness to place others' needs above their own, acceptance of responsibility, and learning to cope without alcohol, often with the use of tools learned in AA. During Phase V, many experienced knowledge of frailties but growing respect for self and others, with an improved ability to function in giving relationships. Implications for Prevention and Recovery: Early education concerning addiction and recovery may play a crucial role in prevention and early recovery, as it did for children of women in this study. Recovery requires persistent effort and organized support. ^

A focused ethnographic study of women in recovery from alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse and its related problems are among the most pervasive health and social concerns in the United States (U.S.) today. Women are especially vulnerable to the physical and social devastation of alcohol abuse. Yet, although there is extensive research about alcohol drinking patterns, treatment strategies, and early recovery, there is little information about the factors that facilitate successfully sustained abstinence in women. The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the common factors to successful recovery from alcohol abuse among women and to place these factors within both the context of their social networks and the larger social environment. This study draws from the population of New Mexico, where alcohol-related deaths are the highest of any state in the U.S. and the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 65 years. The study was a focused ethnography of women who had successfully maintained long-term recovery from alcohol abuse. As an ethnographic study, data collection included participant observation, in-depth interviews with 21 women, and the collection of historical and current culturally relevant data. A purposive sampling plan was used to maximize the selection of participants who had used traditional and non-traditional approaches to recovery. As such, the analysis of the success narratives revealed two distinct findings: the first that women used several different trajectories to achieve long-term recovery. Three trajectory typologies were identified from the success narratives and labeled, A.A. as ceremony, A.A. as grounding, and Recovery as self-management. ^ However, within each of these trajectories, variations in successful recovery were seen. The second major finding was that all women articulated an overarching theme of connections as an indispensable aspect of sustained recovery. The success narratives demonstrated the powerful role that connections played in their long-term recovery and the analysis distinguished two unifying concepts of connections—those that focused beyond self (spirituality, social support, and pets) and those that focused toward self (self-nurturance, agency, and identity). This discussion will focus on the implications for clinical practice related to both women who are still actively abusing alcohol and for those who are successfully maintaining long-term recovery. ^

Late Neogene carbonate sedimentation and stable isotope record of ODP Site 121-758

The evolution of oceanic and climatic conditions the northeast Indian Ocean during the last 7 m.y. is revealed in the sediments from Site 758. We present detailed and continuous records of d18O and d13C from planktonic foraminifers, weight percent calcium carbonate, weight percent coarse fraction, magnetic susceptibility, and geomagnetic reversals. Sample spacing of the records ranges from 3 to 10 cm and is equivalent to an average time interval of 2000 to 6000 yr. Despite the fact that core recovery ranged between 100% and 105%, recovery gaps as large as 2.7 m occurred at nearly every break between advanced hydraulic piston cores. Approximately 12% of the late Neogene sequence was not recovered in each of the two holes drilled at Site 758. To circumvent the discontinuity introduced by the gaps, a composite depth section was constructed from multiple cores taken from offset holes at Site 758. The resulting composite depth section extends continuously from 0 to 116 mbsf, from the Holocene to the upper Miocene. A detailed chronostratigraphy is based on geomagnetic reversals which extend from the Brunhes Chron to Chron 6, and on d18O stages 1 through 105, which span from 0 to 2.5 Ma. The d18O record is dominated by a ~40-k.y. cycle in the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene, and is followed by a change to a ~100-k.y. cycle in the late Pleistocene. The mid-Pleistocene transition between these two modes of variability occurs between d18O stages 25 and 22 (between 860 and 800 Ka). Thirteen major volcanic ash horizons from the Indonesian arc are observed throughout the sedimentary section and are dated by their relative position within the geomagnetic reversals and the d18O chronostratigraphy. Since 5 Ma, there has been a long-term decline in weight percent CaCO3 and CaCO3 mass accumulation rates, and an associated rise in non-CaCO3 mass accumulation rates. We attribute these changes to a decrease in CaCO3 productivity and an increase in terrigenous sedimentation through enhanced riverine input. Such input may be linked to rapid tectonic uplift of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau via mechanisms such as the intensification of the monsoonal rains, increased fluvial erosion, and regional glaciation. The long-term increase in percent coarse fraction since 5 Ma suggests a gradual increase in CaCO3 preservation. Higher frequency fluctuations in CaCO3 preservation are superimposed on the long-term trend and are related to climate fluctuations. The abrupt drop (-50%) in CaCO3 accumulation at 3.4 Ma signals a dramatic decrease in CaCO3 production that occurred over much of the Indian Ocean.

Compressional and shear wave velocities and elastic constants at DSDP Leg 59 Holes

Prior to the Deep Sea Drilling Project the composition of the oceanic crust could only be inferred from seismic-refraction and gravity data and the recovery of a wide variety of dredged rocks. Through the success of the Deep Sea Drilling Project, it is now clear that the top of oceanic Layer 2 usually consists of basalt. Several laboratory studies (e.g., Fox et al., 1972; Christensen and Shaw, 1970; Hyndman and Drury, 1976) have demonstrated that the seismic velocities of oceanic basalt are similar to velocities reported from refraction studies of Layer 2 and that the variability in Layer 2 velocities has many causes, the most important being fracturing and sea-floor alteration produced by the interaction of basalt and sea water (Christensen and Salisbury, 1973). To date, most reported measurements of velocities in oceanic basalts are from samples obtained from the main ocean basins. With the exception of an earlier study of velocities and related elastic properties of a suite of rocks from DSDP Sites 292, 293, 294, and 296 located in the Philippine Sea (Christensen et al., 1975; Fountain et al., 1975), elastic properties have not been determined for oceanic rocks from marginal basins. In this chapter compressional- and shear-wave velocities and elastic constants are reported at elevated confining pressures for basalt and volcanic breccias from Holes 447A, 448, and 448A.

An integrated biostratigraphy (conodonts and foraminifers) and chronostratigraphy (paleomagnetic reversals, magnetic susceptibility, elemental chemistry, carbon isotopes and geochronology) for the Permian-Triassic strata of Guandao section

The chronostratigraphy of Guandao section has served as the foundation for numerous studies of the end-Permian extinction and biotic recovery in south China. Guandao section is continuous from the Permian-Triassic boundary to the Upper Triassic.Conodonts enable broad delineation of stage and substage boundaries and calibration of foraminifer biostratigraphy as follows. Changhsingian- Griesbachian: first Hindeodus parvus, and first appearance of foraminifers Postcladella kalhori and Earlandia sp. Griesbachian-Dienerian: first Neospathodus dieneri, and last appearance of foraminifer P. grandis. Dienerian-Smithian: first Novispathodus waageni and late Dienerian first appearance of foraminifer Hoyenella ex gr. sinensis. Smithian-Spathian: first Nv? crassatus and last appearance of foraminifers Arenovidalina n. sp. and Glomospirella cf. vulgaris. Spathian-Aegean: first Chiosella timorensis and first appearance of foraminifer Meandrospira dinarica. Aegean-Bithynian: first Nicoraella germanica and first appearance of foraminifer Pilammina densa. Bithynian-Pelsonian: after last Neogondolella regalis, prior to first Paragondolella bulgarica and first appearance of foraminifer Aulotortus eotriasicus. Pelsonian-Illyrian: first Pg. excelsa and last appearance of foraminifers Meandrospira ? deformata and Pilamminella grandis. Illyrian-Fassanian: first Budurovignathus truempyi, and first appearance of foraminifers Abriolina mediterranea and Paleolituonella meridionalis. Fassanian-Longobardian: first Bv. mungoensis and last appearance of foraminifer A. mediterranea. Longobardian-Cordevolian: first Quadralella polygnathiformis and last appearance of foraminifers Turriglomina mesotriasica and Endotriadella wirzi. The section contains primary magnetic signature with frequent reversals occurring around the Permian-Triassic, Olenekian-Anisian, and Anisian-Ladinian boundaries. Predominantly normal polarity occurs in the lower Smithian, Bithynian, and Longobardian-Cordevolian. Predominantly reversed polarity occurs in the upper Griesbachian, Induan-Olenekian, Pelsonian and lower Illyrian. Reversals match well with the GPTS. Large amplitude carbon isotope excursions, attaining values as low as -2.9 per mil d13C and high as +5.7 per mil d13C, characterize the Lower Triassic and basal Anisian. Values stabilize around +2 per mil d13C through the Anisian to Carnian. Similar signatures have been reported globally. Magnetic susceptibility and synthetic gamma ray logs show large fluctuations in the Lower Triassic and an overall decline in magnitude of fluctuation through the Middle and Upper Triassic. The largest spikes in magnetic susceptibility and gamma ray, indicating greater terrestrial lithogenic flux, correspond to positive d13C excursions. Several volcanic ash horizons occur in the Lower Triassic and Olenekian-Anisian boundary. High resolution U-Pb analysis of zircons provide a robust age of 247.2 Ma for the Olenekian-Anisian boundary.

Biological, physical and chemical characteristics of water and sediment samples from the Volga River delta, northern Caspian

Based on the data of synchronous observations of hydrophysical and biogeochemical parameters in the near-mouth and shallow-water areas of the northern Caspian in 2000-2001, the scale of spatiotemporal variability in the following characteristics of the water-bottom system was estimated (1) flow velocity and direction within vortex structures formed by the combined effect of wind, discharge current, and the presence of higher aquatic plants; (2) dependence of the spatial distribution of the content and composition of suspended particulate matter on the hydrodynamic regime of waters and development of phytoplankton; (3) variations in the grain-size, petrographic, mineralogical, and chemical compositions of the upper layer of bottom sediments at several sites in the northern Caspian related to the particular local combination of dominant natural processes; and (4) limits of variability in the group composition of humus compounds in bottom sediments. The acquired data are helpful in estimating the geochemical consequences of a sea level rise and during the planning of preventive environmental protection measures in view of future oil and gas recovery in this region.

Barium intensities and tie points between holes of Leg 208

The Paleocene - Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) is one of the best known examples of a transient climate perturbation, associated with a brief, but intense, interval of global warming and a massive perturbation of the global carbon cycle from injection of isotopically light carbon into the ocean-atmosphere system. One key to quantifying the mass of carbon released, identifying the source(s), and understanding the ultimate fate of this carbon is to develop high-resolution age models. Two independent strategies have been employed, cycle stratigraphy and analysis of extraterrestrial Helium (HeET), both of which were first tested on Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 690. Both methods are in agreement for the onset of the PETM and initial recovery, or the clay layer ("main body"), but seem to differ in the final recovery phase of the event above the clay layer, where the carbonate contents rise and carbon isotope values return toward background values. Here we present a state-of-the-art age model for the PETM derived from a new orbital chronology developed with cycle stratigraphic records from sites drilled during ODP Leg 208 (Walvis Ridge, Southeastern Atlantic) integrated with published records from Site 690 (Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean, ODP Leg 113). During Leg 208, five Paleocene - Eocene (P-E) boundary sections (Sites 1262 to 1267) were recovered in multiple holes over a depth transect of more than 2200 m at the Walvis Ridge yielding the first stratigraphically complete P-E deep-sea sequence with moderate to relatively high sedimentation rates (1 to 3 cm/kyr). A detailed chronology was developed with non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning records on the scale of precession cycles, with a total duration of the PETM now estimated to be ~ 170 kyr. The revised cycle stratigraphic record confirms original estimates for the duration of the onset and initial recovery, but suggests a new duration for the final recovery that is intermediate to the previous estimates by cycle stratigraphy and HeET.

Calcareous nannofossil stratigraphy, mass accumulation rates and bulk density of sediments from ODP Leg 173 sites

Drilling on the Iberia Abyssal Plain during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 173 allowed us to recover Upper Cretaceous through Paleocene sediments at Sites 1068 and 1069 and only upper Paleocene sediments at Site 1067, which expands considerably the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene record for this region. Of these three sites, Site 1068 recovered uppermost Cretaceous sediments as well as the most complete Paleocene record, whereas Site 1067 yielded only uppermost Paleocene sediments (Zone CP8). Site 1069 provided a rather complete upper Campanian through Maastrichtian section but a discontinuous Paleocene record. After a detailed calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy was documented in distribution charts, we calculated mass accumulation rates for Holes 1068A and 1069A. Sediments in Hole 1068A apparently record the final stages of burial of a high basement block by turbidity flows. Accumulation rates through the Upper Cretaceous indicate relatively high rates, 0.95 g/cm**2/k.y., but may be unreliable because of the lack of datum points and/or possible hiatuses. Accumulation rates in the Paleocene section of Hole 1068A fluctuated every few million years from lower (~0.35 g/cm**2/k.y.) to higher rates (~0.85 g/cm**2/k.y.) until the latest Paleocene, when rates increased to an average of ~2.0 g/cm**2/k.y. Mass accumulation rates for the Upper Cretaceous in Hole 1069A indicate a steady rate of ~0.60 g/cm**2/k.y. from 75 to 72 Ma. There may have been one or more hiatuses between 72 and 68 Ma (combined Zone CC24 through Subzone CC25b), as indicated by the very low accumulation rate of 0.15 g/cm**2/k.y. The Paleocene section of Hole 1069A does not show the same continuous record, which may result from fluctuations in the carbonate compensation depth and poor recovery (average = 40%). Zones CP4 and CP5 are missing within a barren interval; this and numerous other barren intervals affect the precision of the nannofossil zonation and calculation of mass accumulation rates. However, in spite of these missing zones, mass accumulation rates do not seem to indicate the presence of hiatuses as the rates for this barren interval average ~1.0 g/cm**2/k.y. This study set out to test the hypothesis that a reliable biostratigraphic record could be constructed from sediments derived from turbidity flows deposited below the carbonate compensation depth. As illustrated here, not only could a reliable biostratigraphic record be determined from these sediments, but sedimentation and mass accumulation rates could also be determined, allowing inferences to be drawn concerning the sedimentary history of this passive margin. The reliability of this record is confirmed by independent verification by the establishment of a magnetostratigraphy for the same cores.

Tab.1: Total estimated muskox numbers and quotas in management zones of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut

In view of the drastic growth in the Canadian Inuit population, the rising costs of living, the missing job and income alternatives and the high unemployment rate in the arctic, efforts are being made to make use of the muskox populations in order to provide additional sources of food and/or revenue. The present paper attempts to review the course of muskox utilization in the Canadian Arctic and to tentatively assess its present as weIl as its future economic importance. Starting with the pre-European status of muskoxen in Canada, the drastic reduction in numbers resulting from the combined efforts of hide traders, whalers and expedition parties in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the impact of the legal protection and the recovery since 1917 are being described. Establishing muskox farms with semi-domesticated herds failed in Canada in the 1970's. Since 1969, though, increasing numbers of animals have been allotted to many Inuit communities, and despite the fact that most of the animals were primarily used for subsistence purposes, some communities could reserve part of their quotas for trophy (sport) hunters. While controlled sustainable subsistence and trophy hunts may eventually be carried out over the whole muskox range, including recently colonized northern Quebec, commercial harvesting for meat, hides and wool, introduced in 1981, will at least for some time be restricted to Banks and Victoria islands which at present show 78 % of the Canadian muskox population and 94 % of the overall quota.

Transactional failure recovery for a distributed key-value store

With the advent of cloud computing, many applications have embraced the ensuing paradigm shift towards modern distributed key-value data stores, like HBase, in order to benefit from the elastic scalability on offer. However, many applications still hesitate to make the leap from the traditional relational database model simply because they cannot compromise on the standard transactional guarantees of atomicity, isolation, and durability. To get the best of both worlds, one option is to integrate an independent transaction management component with a distributed key-value store. In this paper, we discuss the implications of this approach for durability. In particular, if the transaction manager provides durability (e.g., through logging), then we can relax durability constraints in the key-value store. However, if a component fails (e.g., a client or a key-value server), then we need a coordinated recovery procedure to ensure that commits are persisted correctly. In our research, we integrate an independent transaction manager with HBase. Our main contribution is a failure recovery middleware for the integrated system, which tracks the progress of each commit as it is flushed down by the client and persisted within HBase, so that we can recover reliably from failures. During recovery, commits that were interrupted by the failure are replayed from the transaction management log. Importantly, the recovery process does not interrupt transaction processing on the available servers. Using a benchmark, we evaluate the impact of component failure, and subsequent recovery, on application performance.