bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ubiquity of Divinity According to Iamblichus and Syrianus
Authors: Dillon John
Published: August 2013

Abstract

In two passages in particular of his Commentary on the Timaeus, Proclus attributes to his master Syrianus a series of arguments in favour of not confining gods or daemons to any particular level of the universe, either hypercosmic or encosmic, as had been the more or less universal practice of earlier Platonists, but asserting the ubiquity of all classes of ‘higher being’ at every level, and criticising earlier doctrine as in effect cutting the gods off from contact with man, thus undermining the power of theurgy. This interesting development was in fact initiated (as in so many other details of Syrianus’ doctrine) by his Syrian forerunner Iamblichus of Chalkis, and it is this doctrine that this essay seeks to explore.
Study on the genus Morulina (Collembola: Neanuridae) with description of a new species from Northwest China
Authors: PALACIOS-VARGAS JOSÉ G. , GAO YAN
Published: August 2013

A new species of Morulina from China is described and illustrated. It is close to M. orientis Tanaka from Japan and M. himalayana Cassagnau from Nepal. There are 12 tubercles on the head of all three species, but they can be separated by a number of chaetotaxic characters. A key for identification of all the species in the genus is given.
The advertisement call of the toad Rhinella humboldti (Bufonidae)
Authors: TORRES-SUÁREZ OLGA LUCÍA , VARGAS-SALINAS FERNANDO
Published: August 2013

Despite important advances in understanding phylogenetic relationships among anurans (Frost et al. 2006; Pyron & Wiens, 2011), many uncertainties persist regarding phylogenetic affinities and taxonomic limits. The male advertisement call offers numerous opportunities to find diagnostic characters and is therefore useful for anuran species delimitation (Gerhardt & Huber, 2002; Grant et al. 2006). Thirteen species are recognized within the Rhinella granulosa group (Narvaes & Rodrigues, 2009; Sanabria et al. 2010) although it is possible that R. dorbignyi and R. fernandezae being conspecifics (Guerra et al. 2011, page 36). The advertisement call has been described for nine species of the granulosa group: Rhinella granulosa, R. bergi, R. major, R. azarai, R. fernandezae, R. dorbignyi, R. merianae, R. centralis and R. pygmaea (Köhler et al. 1997; Guerra et al. 2011; São-Pedro et al. 2011; Ribeiro de Carvalho et al. 2013). Some information regarding call features are available for R. humboldti from populations of Guyana (Lescure & Marty, 2000); however, there are no associated data of male body size, sample size, and call traits such as pulse number per notes, note duration, etc. Here we provide a formal description of the advertisement call of R. humboldti using call recordings obtained in a population in Colombia, South America.
Two new species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 from razilian limestone caves (Spirostreptida: seudonannolenidae): synotopy of a troglophilic and a troglobiotic species
Authors: INIESTA LUIZ FELIPE MORETTI , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: August 2013

Pseudonannolene ambuatinga n. sp. and Pseudonannolene saguassu n. sp. are described from individuals collected in limestone caves in the municipality of Pains, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which comprises a scenario of great conflict between speleological preservation and limestone extraction. The two species differ in their gonopod morphology and in size and color. Pseudonannolene ambuatinga n. sp. is regarded as the second troglobite species known for the family. This is the first report for Brazil of syntopy in two congeneric species in the same cave.
Warm Conveyor Belts in the ERA-Interim Dataset (1979–2010). Part I: Climatology and Potential Vorticity Evolution
Authors: Madonna Erica , Wernli Heini , Joos Hanna , Martius Olivia
Published: August 2013

A global climatology of warm conveyor belts (WCBs) is presented for the years 1979–2010, based on trajectories calculated with Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data. WCB trajectories are identified as strongly ascending air parcels (600 hPa in 2 days) near extratropical cyclones. Corroborating earlier studies, WCBs are more frequent during winter than summer and they ascend preferentially in the western ocean basins between 25° and 50° latitude. Before ascending, WCB trajectories typically approach from the subtropics in summer and from more midlatitude regions in winter. Considering humidity, cloud water, and potential temperature along WCBs confirms that they experience strong condensation and integrated latent heating during the ascent (typically >20 K). Liquid and ice water contents along WCBs peak at about 700 and 550 hPa, respectively. The mean potential vorticity (PV) evolution shows typical tropospheric values near 900 hPa, followed by an increase to almost 1 potential vorticity unit (PVU) at 700 hPa, and a decrease to less than 0.5 PVU at 300 hPa. These low PV values in the upper troposphere constitute significant negative anomalies with amplitudes of 1–3 PVU, which can strongly influence the downstream flow. Considering the low-level diabatic PV production, (i) WCBs starting at low latitudes (<40°) are unlikely to attain high PV (due to weak planetary vorticity) although they exhibit the strongest latent heating, and (ii) for those ascending at higher latitudes, a strong vertical heating gradient and high absolute vorticity are both important. This study therefore provides climatological insight into the cloud diabatic formation of significant positive and negative PV anomalies in the extratropical lower and upper troposphere, respectively.
Long-Term Observations of Turbulent Reynolds Stresses over the Inner Continental Shelf
Authors: Kirincich Anthony R.
Published: August 2013

In situ observations of turbulent momentum flux, or Reynolds stresses, were estimated from a 10-yr acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) record of inner-shelf velocities at the Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Observatory (MVCO) using recently developed analysis techniques that account for wave-induced biases. These observations were used to examine the vertical structure of stress and turbulent mixing in the coastal ocean during tidal-, wave-, and wind-driven circulation by conditionally averaging the dataset by the level of forcing or stratification present. Bottom-intensified stresses were found during tidally driven flow, having estimated eddy viscosities as high as 1 × 10−2 m−2 s−1 during slack water. An assessment of the mean, low-wave, low-wind stress results quantified the magnitude of an unmeasured body force responsible for the mean circulation present in the absence of wind and wave forcing. During weak stratification and isolated wind forcing, downwind stresses matched the observed wind stress near the surface and generally decreased with depth linearly for both along- and across-shelf wind forcing. While consistent with simple models of circulation during across-shelf wind forcing, the linear slope of the stress profile present during along-shelf wind forcing requires the existence of an along-shelf pressure gradient that scales with the wind forcing. At increased levels of stratification, the observed downwind stresses generally weakened and shifted to the across-wind direction during across-shelf and mixed-direction (i.e., onshore and along shelf) wind forcing consistent with Ekman spiral modification, but were more variable during along-shelf wind forcing. No measurable stresses were found due to wave-forced conditions, confirming previous theoretical results.
Driving indicators in teens with attention deficit hyperactivity and/or autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Monahan Miriam , Brown Kiah E. , Hernandez Stephanie
Published: August 2013

Background.

Motor vehicle crashes are leading causes of death among teens. Those teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or a dual diagnosis of ADHD/ASD have defining characteristics placing them at a greater risk for crashes.

Purpose.

This study examined the between-group demographic, clinical, and simulated driving differences in teens, representing three diagnostic groups, compared to healthy controls (HCs).

Method.

In this prospective observational study, we used a convenience sample of teens recruited from a variety of community settings.

Findings.

Compared to the 22 HCs (mean age = 14.32, SD = ±.72), teen drivers representing the diagnostic groups (ADHD/ASD, n = 6, mean age = 15.00, SD = ±.63; ADHD, n = 9, mean age = 15.00, SD = ±1.00; ASD, n = 7, mean age = 15.14, SD = ±.1.22) performed poorer on visual function, visual-motor integration, cognition, and motor performance and made more errors on the driving simulator.

Implications.

Teens from diagnostic groups have more deficits driving on a driving simulator and may require a comprehensive driving evaluation.
Bedside Ultrasound Is a Practical and Reliable Measurement Tool for Assessing Quadriceps Muscle Layer Thickness
Authors: Tillquist Maggie , Kutsogiannis Demetrios J. , Wischmeyer Paul E. , Kummerlen Christine , Leung Roger , Stollery Daniel , Karvellas Constantine J. , Preiser Jean‐Charles , Bird Nora , Kozar Rosemary , Heyland Daren K.
Published: August 2013

Background: Critically ill patients commonly experience skeletal muscle wasting that may predict clinical outcome. Ultrasound is a noninvasive method that can measure muscle quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) and subsequently lean body mass (LBM) at the bedside. However, currently the reliability of these measurements are unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the intra‐ and interreliability of measuring QMLT using bedside ultrasound. Methods: Ultrasound measurements of QMLT were conducted at 7 centers on healthy volunteers. Trainers were instructed to perform measurements twice on each patient, and then a second trainee repeated the measurement. Intrarater reliability measured how consistently the same person measured the subject according to intraclass correlation (ICC). Interrater reliability measured how consistently trainer and trainee agreed when measuring the same subject according to the ICC. Results: We collected 42 pairs of within operator measurements with an ICC of .98 and 78 pairs of trainer‐to‐trainee measurements with an ICC of .95. There were no statistically significant differences between the trainer and trainee results (trainer and trainee mean = −0.028 cm, 95% CI = −0.067 to −0.011, P = .1607). Conclusions: Excellent intra‐ and interrater reliability for ultrasound measurements of QMLT in healthy volunteers was observed when performed by a range of providers with no prior ultrasound experience, including dietitians, nurses, physicians, and research assistants. This technique shows promise as a method to evaluate LBM status in ICU or hospital settings and as a method to assess the effects of nutrition and exercise‐based interventions on muscle wasting.
Celebrating 20 Years of the International Cochrane Collaboration
Authors: Bellorini Jenny , Schilder Anne G. M. , Burton Martin J.
Published: August 2013

In 2013 the international Cochrane Collaboration is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its foundation with a series of events, publications, and videos. The “Cochrane Corner” has been a regular feature of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery for several years, but for those unfamiliar with the work of Cochrane we provide some background about our organization.
Practice Examples Reflecting the Standards of Practice and Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Rosenzweig Lester , Wittenbrook Wendy
Published: August 2013

The Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has developed Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) of Registered Dietitians in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). These guidelines are recommended for use by dietitians in developing and advancing their professional practice in serving individuals with IDD in various settings and circumstances. Two examples of how some of these specific standards are followed in real-life settings are presented. The first example is Carol, a young woman with a learning disability who has recently been diagnosed with celiac disease and is now following a gluten-free diet. Targeted interventions to Carol, her group home, program, and supportive staff, as well as family members and educators are described in addition to other activities related to selected standards to ensure diet understanding and compliance. The second example is about Laura, a 12-year-old girl with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and scoliosis. Laura will have surgical correction of her scoliosis in 6 months. The registered dietitian will work with Laura, her mom, and the medical team to help Laura optimize her nutritional intake in preparation for the surgery, with activities related to selected standards.
The integrin coactivator Kindlin-3 is not required for lymphocyte diapedesis
Authors: Cohen Shmuel J. , Gurevich Irina , Feigelson Sara W. , Petrovich Ekaterina , Moser Markus , Shakhar Guy , Fassler Reinhard , Alon Ronen
Published: August 2013

Key Points

The integrin-activating adaptor Kindlin-3 promotes firm lymphocyte adhesion to inflamed blood vessels. However, Kindlin-3 is not required for leukocyte extravasation through these inflamed blood vessels.
HBV reactivation in an occult HBV infection patient treated with prednisone for nephrotic syndrome: case report and literature review
Authors: Du Wenjun , Zheng Zhaomin , Han Shaolei , Ma Shumin , Chen Shijun
Published: August 2013

Background

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), characterized by increased levels of serum HBV DNA, abnormal liver function and hepatic failure, is a frequent complication of immunosuppressive therapy and chemotherapy in patients with HBV infection. However, reactivation of occult HBV infection with immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy is rare.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and IgM nephropathy with unclear pathogenesis. Liver function was normal, HBV-related serum markers were negative and HBV DNA titer was below the upper limits of normal. Two months following the start of prednisone therapy for his nephrotic syndrome, laboratory tests revealed a substantial increase in serum transaminase levels (ALT: 490 IU/L; AST: 149 IU/L) and an elevation of HBV DNA level (3.42×106 copies/ml). We tested stored kidney tissue for HBsAg and HBcAg using immunohistochemistry and found the sample to be HBcAg positive, allowing us to confirm the etiology of nephropathy as an occult HBV infection. The cause of the hepatitis was thought to be HBV reactivation, so we immediately administered lamivudine. One month after the initiation of daily lamivudine treatment, laboratory tests revealed that serum levels of transaminases had improved (ALT: 35 IU/L; AST: 17 IU/L). Patient examination one year later showed that HBeAg had decreased with a concomitant increase of HBeAb, the quantity of HBV DNA was undetectable, and liver function and renal function had stabilized.

Conclusion

This is the first report describing HBV reactivation in an occult HBV infection patient treated with oral prednisone for nephrotic syndrome. HBV-associated antigen should be regularly tested for in patients with unknown etiological glomerulonephritis in areas with high HBV viral popular and even in those with no clinical evidence for diagnosis of HBV.
Relationships among serum C-reactive protein, receptor for advanced glycation products, metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive impairments
Authors: Ge Xia , Xu Xiao-yun , Feng Chun-hua , Wang Yue , Li Yuan-ling , Feng Bo
Published: August 2013

Background

We examined the clinical value of two serum markers of low-grade inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and receptor of advanced glycation products (RAGE), as prognostic indices for cognitive decline.

Methods

Patients with cognitive impairment (n = 377) and controls (n = 66) were examined by blood biochemistry tests, including ELISAs of serum CRP and RAGE, the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and STEAM 1H-MRS of the left hippocampus and thalamus.

Results

Compared to the control group, the cognitive impairment group was older (63.10 ± 9.70 years vs. 55.09 ± 10.77 years, P = 0.000) and had fewer years of formal education (9.01 ± 4.01 vs. 12.94 ± 3.0, P = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the frequencies of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia between groups. Serum CRP and RAGE were higher in the cognitive impairment group (CRP: 2.08 mg/L, range 1.07 − 3.36 mg/L vs. 0.21 mg/L, range 0.18 − 0.42 mg/L; RAGE: 4.01, range 2.49 − 5.71, vs. 2.28, range 1.84 − 3.03; P < 0.05 for both). In patients with cognitive impairment, there were negative correlations between cognitive function (as measured by MMSE and MoCA) and both CRP and RAGE levels (P < 0.05). Patients over 55 years exhibited a positive correlation between CRP and myo-inositol peak area in the left hippocampus (P < 0.05), while there was no relationship between RAGE and any metabolite (P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed that CRP was influenced by hypertension (P = 0.026) and cognitive impairment (P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Chronic low-grade inflammation is present in patients with cognitive impairment. Serum CRP, RAGE, and left hippocampal myo-inositol may provide prognostic information on cognitive decline.
Anti-erythropoietin antibody levels and its association with anaemia in different strains of semi-immune mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA
Authors: Helegbe Gideon Kofi , Huy Nguyen Tien , Yanagi Tetsuo , Shuaibu Mohammed Nasir , Kikuchi Mihoko , Cherif Mahamoud Sama , Hirayama Kenji
Published: August 2013

Background

Malaria anaemia is still a major public health problem and its pathogenesis still unclear. Interestingly, the progression of anaemia is at relatively low parasitaemia with some mortality in the semi-immune individuals in the endemic areas despite adequate erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis. A recent study has shown that treatment with exogenous anti-erythropoietin (anti-EPO) antibodies (Ab) of infected mice gives protection against malaria infection, suggesting an important role for anti-EPO Ab in malaria. The objective of the study was to evaluate anti-EPO antibody levels in anaemic condition of different strains of semi-immune mice with malaria.

Methodology

Semi-immune status was attained in four mice strains (Balb/c, B6, CBA and NZW) by repeated infections with 104
Plasmodium berghei ANKA, and treatment with chloroquine/pyrimethamine. ELISA was used to measure anti-EPO Ab, transferrin and EPO while inflammatory cytokines measurement was done using bead-based multiplex assay kit.

Results

The mean anti-EPO Ab levels in the mice strains [Optical Density (OD) values at 450 nm: Balb/c (2.1); B6 (1.3); CBA (1.4) and NZW (1.7)] differed (p = 0.045), and were significantly higher when compared with uninfected controls, p < 0.0001, and mean anti-EPO Ab levels in the mice strains at recovery [OD values at 450 nm: Balb/c (1.8); B6 (1.1); CBA (1.5) and NZW (1.0) also differed (p = 0.0004). Interestingly, EPO levels were significantly high in NZW and low in Balb/c mice (p < 0.05), with those of B6 and CBA of intermediary values. Again, NZW were highly parasitaemic (20.7%) and the other strains (Balb/c, B6 and CBA) ranged between 2.2-2.8% (p = 0.015). Anti-EPO Ab correlated positively with extent of Hb loss (r = 0.5861; p = 0.003). Correlation of anti-EPO antibody with EPO was significant only in Balb/c mice (r = −0.83; p = 0.01). Significant levels of IL6 and IFNγ (p < 0.0001), both known to be associated with erythropoiesis suppression were observed in the Balb/c. Transferrin was significantly lower in Balb/c (p < 0.0001) when compared with the other mice strains (B6, CBA and NZW).

Conclusion

This is the first ever report in estimating endogenous anti-EPO antibodies in malaria anaemia. The data presented here suggest that anti-EPO Ab is produced at infection and is associated with Hb loss. Host factors appear to influence anti-EPO antibody levels in the different strains of mice.
Optimization of magnetic flux density for fast MREIT conductivity imaging using multi-echo interleaved partial fourier acquisitions
Authors: Chauhan Munish , Jeong Woo Chul , Kim Hyung Joong , Kwon Oh In , Woo Eung Je
Published: August 2013

Background

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) has been introduced as a non-invasive method for visualizing the internal conductivity and/or current density of an electrically conductive object by externally injected currents. The injected current through a pair of surface electrodes induces a magnetic flux density distribution inside the imaging object, which results in additional magnetic flux density. To measure the magnetic flux density signal in MREIT, the phase difference approach in an interleaved encoding scheme cancels out the systematic artifacts accumulated in phase signals and also reduces the random noise effect by doubling the measured magnetic flux density signal. For practical applications of in vivo MREIT, it is essential to reduce the scan duration maintaining spatial-resolution and sufficient contrast. In this paper, we optimize the magnetic flux density by using a fast gradient multi-echo MR pulse sequence. To recover the one component of magnetic flux density B

z
, we use a coupled partial Fourier acquisitions in the interleaved sense.

Methods

To prove the proposed algorithm, we performed numerical simulations using a two-dimensional finite-element model. For a real experiment, we designed a phantom filled with a calibrated saline solution and located a rubber balloon inside the phantom. The rubber balloon was inflated by injecting the same saline solution during the MREIT imaging. We used the multi-echo fast low angle shot (FLASH) MR pulse sequence for MRI scan, which allows the reduction of measuring time without a substantial loss in image quality.

Results

Under the assumption of a priori phase artifact map from a reference scan, we rigorously investigated the convergence ratio of the proposed method, which was closely related with the number of measured phase encode set and the frequency range of the background field inhomogeneity. In the phantom experiment with a partial Fourier acquisition, the total scan time was less than 6 seconds to measure the magnetic flux density B

z
data with 128×128 spacial matrix size, where it required 10.24 seconds to fill the complete k-space region.

Conclusion

Numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method reduces the scanning time and provides the recovered B

z
data comparable to what we obtained by measuring complete k-space data.
Transplantation of human cord blood mononuclear cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in autism
Authors: Lv Yong-Tao , Zhang Yun , Liu Min , Qiuwaxi Jia-na-ti , Ashwood Paul , Cho Sungho Charles , Huan Ying , Ge Ru-Cun , Chen Xing-Wang , Wang Zhao-Jing , Kim Byung-Jo , Hu Xiang
Published: August 2013

Background

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder. At present there are no defined mechanisms of pathogenesis and therapy is mostly limited to behavioral interventions. Stem cell transplantation may offer a unique treatment strategy for autism due to immune and neural dysregulation observed in this disease. This non-randomized, open-label, single center phase I/II trial investigated the safety and efficacy of combined transplantation of human cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) in treating children with autism.

Methods

37 subjects diagnosed with autism were enrolled into this study and divided into three groups: CBMNC group (14 subjects, received CBMNC transplantation and rehabilitation therapy), Combination group (9 subjects, received both CBMNC and UCMSC transplantation and rehabilitation therapy), and Control group (14 subjects, received only rehabilitation therapy). Transplantations included four stem cell infusions through intravenous and intrathecal injections once a week. Treatment safety was evaluated with laboratory examinations and clinical assessment of adverse effects. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) were adopted to assess the therapeutic efficacy at baseline (pre-treatment) and following treatment.

Results

There were no significant safety issues related to the treatment and no observed severe adverse effects. Statistically significant differences were shown on CARS, ABC scores and CGI evaluation in the two treatment groups compared to the control at 24 weeks post-treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Transplantation of CBMNCs demonstrated efficacy compared to the control group; however, the combination of CBMNCs and UCMSCs showed larger therapeutic effects than the CBMNC transplantation alone. There were no safety issues noted during infusion and the whole monitoring period.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01343511, Title “Safety and Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy in Patients with Autism”.
Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label Study of Oxaliplatin Plus Fluorouracil/Leucovorin Versus Doxorubicin As Palliative Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Asia
Authors: Qin Shukui , Bai Yuxian , Lim Ho Yeong , Thongprasert Sumitra , Chao Yee , Fan Jia , Yang Tsai-Shen , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa , Kang Won Ki , Zhou Yu , Lee Jee Hyun , Sun Yan
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To determine whether FOLFOX4 (infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) administered as palliative chemotherapy to patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provides a survival benefit and efficacy versus doxorubicin.

Patients and Methods

This multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III study in mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand involved 371 patients age 18 to 75 years who had locally advanced or metastatic HCC and were ineligible for curative resection or local treatment. They were randomly assigned at a ratio of one to one to receive either FOLFOX4 (n = 184) or doxorubicin (n = 187). The primary end point was overall survival (OS); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR) by RECIST (version 1.0), and safety.

Results

At the prespecified final analysis, median OS was 6.40 months with FOLFOX4 (95% CI, 5.30 to 7.03) and 4.97 months with doxorubicin (95% CI, 4.23 to 6.03; P = .07; hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.02). Median PFS was 2.93 months with FOLFOX4 (95% CI, 2.43 to 3.53), and 1.77 months with doxorubicin (95% CI, 1.63 to 2.30; P < .001; HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.79). RR was 8.15% with FOLFOX4 and 2.67% with doxorubicin (P = .02). On continued follow-up, the trend toward increased OS with FOLFOX4 was maintained (P = .04; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.99). Toxicity was consistent with previous experiences with FOLFOX4; proportions of grade 3 to 4 adverse events were similar between treatments.

Conclusion

Although the study did not meet its primary end point, the trend toward improved OS with FOLFOX4, along with increased PFS and RR, suggests that this regimen may confer some benefit to Asian patients, but an OS benefit cannot be concluded from these data.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Remission: Comparison of Intravenous Busulfan Plus Cyclophosphamide (Cy) Versus Total-Body Irradiation Plus Cy As Conditioning Regimen—A Report From the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Nagler Arnon , Rocha Vanderson , Labopin Myriam , Unal Ali , Ben Othman Tarek , Campos Antonio , Volin Liisa , Poire Xavier , Aljurf Mahmoud , Masszi Tamás , Socie Gerard , Sengelov Henrik , Michallet Mauricette , Passweg Jakob , Veelken Hendrik , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Shimoni Avichai , Mohty Mohamad
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Cyclophosphamide (Cy) combined with total-body irradiation (TBI) or with busulfan (Bu) are currently the most common myeloablative regimens used in allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT) in adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Intravenous (IV) Bu has more predictable bioavailability and a safer toxicity profile than the oral formulation. Comparative studies of outcomes have been performed between oral Bu/Cy and Cy/TBI, but there have been no comparative trials in the era of IV Bu.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective registry-based study comparing outcomes of patients with AML in first or second remission after alloSCT from sibling donors who underwent IV Bu/Cy (n = 795) or Cy/TBI (n = 864) conditioning.

Results

Engraftment rate was 98% and 99% after IV Bu/Cy and Cy/TBI, respectively. Grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was significantly lower in the IV Bu/Cy compared with Cy/TBI group (P < .001). Similarly, chronic GVHD was significantly lower in the IV Bu/Cy compared with Cy/TBI group (P = .003). Cumulative incidence of 2-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM; ± standard deviation [SD]) was 12% ± 1% in the IV Bu/Cy group and 15% ± 2% in the Cy/TBI group (P = .14), and 2-year relapse incidence (RI; ± SD) was 26% ± 3% and 21% ± 1%, respectively (P = .012). Leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate (± SD) was 61% ± 2% after IV Bu/Cy and 64% ± 2% after Cy/TBI (P = .27). In multivariable analysis, adjusting for differences between both groups, patients who received IV Bu/Cy had lower acute and chronic GVHD, higher RI, and a trend toward lower NRM. LFS was not statistically different between the two conditioning regimens.

Conclusion

This retrospective study shows that final outcomes after myeloablative conditioning using IV Bu/Cy were not statistically different from those after Cy/TBI.
Gefitinib Versus Placebo in Completely Resected Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of the NCIC CTG BR19 Study
Authors: Goss Glenwood D. , O'Callaghan Chris , Lorimer Ian , Tsao Ming-Sound , Masters Gregory A. , Jett James , Edelman Martin J. , Lilenbaum Rogerio , Choy Hak , Khuri Fadlo , Pisters Katherine , Gandara David , Kernstine Kemp , Butts Charles , Noble Jonathan , Hensing Thomas A. , Rowland Kendrith , Schiller Joan , Ding Keyue , Shepherd Frances A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Survival of patients with completely resected non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unsatisfactory, and in 2002, the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was not established. This phase III study assessed the impact of postoperative adjuvant gefitinib on overall survival (OS).

Patients and Methods

Patients with completely resected (stage IB, II, or IIIA) NSCLC stratified by stage, histology, sex, postoperative radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive gefitinib 250 mg per day or placebo for 2 years. Study end points were OS, disease-free survival (DFS), and toxicity.

Results

As a result of early closure, 503 of 1,242 planned patients were randomly assigned (251 to gefitinib and 252 to placebo). Baseline factors were balanced between the arms. With a median of 4.7 years of follow-up (range, 0.1 to 6.3 years), there was no difference in OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.64; P = .14) or DFS (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.61; P = .15) between the arms. Exploratory analyses demonstrated no DFS (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.76; P = .14) or OS benefit (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.71; P = .18) from gefitinib for 344 patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type tumors. Similarly, there was no DFS (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.44 to 7.73; P = .395) or OS benefit (HR, 3.16; 95% CI, 0.61 to 16.45; P = .15) from gefitinib for the 15 patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumors. Adverse events were those expected with an EGFR inhibitor. Serious adverse events occurred in ≤ 5% of patients, except infection, fatigue, and pain. One patient in each arm had fatal pneumonitis.

Conclusion

Although the trial closed prematurely and definitive statements regarding the efficacy of adjuvant gefitinib cannot be made, these results indicate that it is unlikely to be of benefit.
Molecular Screening for a Personalized Treatment Approach in Advanced Adrenocortical Cancer
Authors: De Martino Maria Cristina , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Aubert Sebastien , Assié Guillaume , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Libè Rossella , Nozières Cécile , Lombès Marc , Pattou François , Borson-Chazot Francoise , Hescot Ségolène , Mazoyer Clement , Young Jacques , Borget Isabelle , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Soria Jean-Charles , Bertherat Jerome , Schlumberger Martin , Lacroix Ludovic , Baudin Eric
Published: August 2013

Context:

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis and scant treatment options. In ACC, no personalized approach has emerged but no extensive molecular screening has been performed to date.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of a large number of potentially targetable molecular events in a large cohort of advanced ACC.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

We used hot spot gene sequencing (Ion Torrent, 40 patients) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH; 28 patients; a subset of the entire cohort) in adult stage III-IV ACC samples to screen for mutations and copy number abnormalities of potential interest for therapeutic use in 46 and 130 genes, respectively.

Results:

At least one copy number alteration or mutation was found in 19 patients (47.5%). The most frequent mutations were detected on TP53, ATM, and CTNNB1 [6 of 40 (15%), 5 of 40 (12.5%), and 4 of 40 (10%), respectively]. The most frequent copy number alterations identified were: amplification of the CDK4 oncogene (5 of 28; 17.9%) and deletion of the CDKN2A (4 of 28; 14.3%) and CDKN2B (3 of 28; 10.7%) tumor suppressor genes. Amplifications of FGFR1, FGF9, or FRS2 were discovered in three subjects (10.7%). Associated alterations were: deletions of CDKN2A, CDKN2B with ATM mutations, and TP53 mutations with CTNNB1 mutations.

Conclusions:

No simple targetable molecular event emerged. Drugs targeting the cell cycle could be the most relevant new therapeutic approach for patients with advanced ACC. Inhibitors of the fibroblast growth factor receptor pathway could also be a therapeutic option in a subset of patients, whereas other targeted therapies should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cohesin in development and disease
Authors: Remeseiro Silvia , Cuadrado Ana , Losada Ana
Published: August 2013

Cohesin is a ring-shaped complex, conserved from yeast to human, that was named for its ability to mediate sister chromatid cohesion. This function is essential for chromosome segregation in both mitosis and meiosis, and also for DNA repair. In addition, more recent studies have shown that cohesin influences gene expression during development through mechanisms that likely involve DNA looping and interactions with several transcriptional regulators. Here, we provide an overview of how cohesin functions, highlighting its role both in development and in disease.
Synthesis and Properties of Diruthenium Tetrahydrides Supported by Less-substituted, Sterically Demanding Poly-tert-butylated Cyclopentadienyls
Authors: Yanagi Takako , Suzuki Hiroharu , Oishi Masataka
Published: August 2013

Synthesis of diruthenium tetrahydrido complexes 1 with substituted cyclopentadienyls from readily available ruthenium η3-allyl complexes 3 has been attained by LiEt3BH-mediated reaction followed by conventional protonolysis. Complexes 1d and 1e having 1,2,4-tri- and 1,3-di-tert-butylated cyclopentadienyls obtained by this protocol have sufficient thermal stability in addition to the significant lability of the Ru–H bonds.
Tightening the Screws: Autonomy, Collective Action, and Violence in Puerto Real During the Second Shipbuilding Restructuring
Authors: Florido David , Roca Beltrán , Molina José Luis
Published: August 2013

In 1982, the Spanish government passed the Shipbuilding Industry Restructuring Act. In the mid-1980s, conflicts occurred at shipyards throughout the Spanish state. This article focuses on workers’ resistance to shipbuilding restructuring in the shipyard of Puerto Real (Cádiz, Spain). We discuss the causes behind the singularity of this episode of workers resistance to restructuring in Puerto Real during the 1980s, which stands out because of the size of the conflict and the radicalism of its collective action. We also explore social perceptions of violence among the parties involved in the protest and analyze the different trade union models involved in the conflict. We conclude that there is a strong relationship between the autonomy of workers’ structures and the radicalism of their methods of collective action.
A Third Type of Distinction in the Treatise
Authors: Hakkarainen Jani
Published: August 2013

In this paper, I resolve a potential contradiction between two of Hume's central tenets: that complex perceptions consist of simple perceptions and that distinct things are separable. The former implies that a complex perception is not separable from its constituent simple perceptions, as a change in its constituents destroys its identity. The latter entails that the complex perception is separable from these simple perceptions, since it is distinct from them. This is a contradiction. I resolve it by appealing to a third kind of distinction in addition to the two kinds Hume mentions: real distinctions and distinctions of reason. This third distinction is a partial distinction. I argue that just as the separability principle does not apply to distinctions of reason, neither does it apply to perceptions that are only partially distinct from other perceptions. Hence, the apparent contradiction is resolved.
Filling the Gaps in Hume's Vacuums
Authors: Boehm Miren
Published: August 2013

The paper addresses two difficulties that arise in Treatise 1.2.5. First, Hume appears to be inconsistent when he denies that we have an idea of a vacuum or empty space yet allows for the idea of an "invisible and intangible distance." My solution to this difficulty is to develop the overlooked possibility that Hume does not take the invisible and intangible distance to be a distance at all. Second, although Hume denies that we have an idea of a vacuum, some texts in Treatise 1.2.5 are taken by interpreters to suggest that Hume nonetheless believes that there are vacuums in nature. I discuss the relevant texts and defend the view that Hume does not in fact countenance belief in vacuums. I conclude by outlining an interpretation of Hume's intention in the Treatise that allows us to understand his discussion of ideas as having implications for the sciences.
Hume's "Malezieu Argument"
Authors: Ryan Todd
Published: August 2013

At T 1.2.2.3 Hume offers an argument against the infinite divisibility of finite extension, which he ascribes to "Mons. Malezieu." Scholars have long been aware that the ultimate source of the argument is the Élémens de Géométrie de Monseigneur le Duc de Bourgogne , first published in 1705. Although the argument has figured prominently in several recent discussions of Hume's metaphysics, there exists as yet no adequate English translation of Malezieu's text. Furthermore, very little is known about Hume's immediate sources for the argument. In this article, I provide the original French text with translation. I then inquire into Hume's knowledge of the text. Drawing on evidence internal to the Treatise passage itself, I consider two plausible sources: a contemporary review of Malezieu's work in the Nouvelles de la République des Lettres and a critical discussion of the argument in Le Gendre's Traité de l'opinion (1735). Based on the available evidence, I suggest that the latter was most likely Hume's source.
An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach in the Development of a Caries Risk Assessment mobile tablet application: My Smile Buddy
Authors: Chinn Courtney H. , Levine June , Matos Sergio , Findley Sally , Edelstein Burton L.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND: Given the rising trend in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and the wide disparities that exist in pediatric oral health, risk assessment for ECC has become increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to describe lessons learned from an Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) approach in the planning, development, and pilot testing of an electronic interactive ECC risk assessment application - My Smile Buddy (MSB). METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted during the assessment and development phases of MSB. Community Health Workers (CHW) then facilitated MSB with 35 mothers from the local community. RESULTS: MSB was well accepted by mothers and scored well in usability and usefulness by CHWs. Lessons learned during MSB development included recognizing CHW understanding of local community attitudes regarding oral health and access to dental care and that power-sharing is required in order to create an intervention that is both engaging and accepted by the community.
Circle of Sisters: Raising Awareness of Native American Women to Breast Cancer
Authors: Chilton Janice A. , Downing Cheryl , Lofton Melissa , Hernandez Mike , Allen Beth W. , Hajek Richard A. , Gor Beverly
Published: August 2013

The Circle of Sisters is a breast cancer education initiative that incorporates free mammography for American Indian women. In two separate but similar initiative-sponsored one-day events, 37 American Indian women underwent screening mammography and experienced a full day of culturally tailored educational activities. Women observed a cooking demonstration, participated in moderate exercise activity, strung beads to learn about the dimensions of breast tumors, and listened to an American Indian breast cancer survivor recount her story of diagnosis and treatment. Significant shifts in opinion included an increase in the understanding that a woman’s chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer increase with age (p=.015) and with never bearing children (p <.001) and that breast cancer can be detected early (p=.043). The percentage of those expressing an intention to get a mammogram every year grew from 81.1% to 94.6%.
Gender, Race, Pain, and Subjective Well-being of Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Saunders Lee L. , Gregory-Bass Rosalind , Krause James S.
Published: August 2013

Objective . Assess the relationship of race and gender with subjective well-being (SWB) and determine if pain severity and pain interference mediated that relationship. Design . Cross-sectional study of 2,416 people with traumatic SCI. Subjective well-being (home life, vocational, and global) was measured by the Life Situation Questionnaire. Results . Pain severity and pain interference were significantly correlated with each SWB domain. Race was initially significantly associated with home life and vocational SWB. Blacks were more likely to report lower scores on home life and vocational SWB than Whites. After accounting for pain severity and pain interference, race was still associated with vocational and home life SWB. Gender differences were seen in relation to vocational SWB, even after controlling for pain severity and interference. Conclusions . Pain severity and pain interference only partially mediated SWB. Gender and race were associated with lower vocational SWB. Future research should assess potential explanations for this disparity.
The Prevalence of Trauma and Childhood Adversity in an Urban, Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program
Authors: Corbin Theodore J. , Purtle Jonathan , Rich Linda J. , Rich John A. , Adams Erica J. , Yee Garrett , Bloom Sandra L.
Published: August 2013

Hospitals represent a promising locus for preventing recurrent interpersonal violence and its psychological sequella. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among victims of interpersonal violence participating in a hospital-based violence intervention program. Participants completed PTSD and ACE screenings four to six weeks after violent injury, and data were exported from a case management database for analysis. Of the 35 program participants who completed the ACE and/or PTSD screenings, 75.0% met full diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with a larger proportion meeting diagnostic criteria for symptom-specific clusters. For the ACE screening, 56.3% reported three or more ACEs, 34.5% reported five or more ACEs, and 18.8% reported seven or more ACEs. The median ACE score was 3.5. These findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed approaches to violence prevention in urban hospitals and have implications for emergency medicine research and policy.
Do Hospitals that Serve a High Percentage of Medicaid Patients Perform Well on Evidence-based Guidelines for Colon Cancer Care?
Authors: Rhoads Kim F. , Ngo Justine V. , Ma Yifei , Huang Lyen , Welton Mark L. , Dudley R. Adams
Published: August 2013

Background . Previous work suggests hospitals serving high percentages of patients with Medicaid are associated with worse colon cancer survival. It is unclear if practice patterns in these settings explain differential outcomes. Hypothesis: High Medicaid hospitals (HMH) have lower compliance with evidence-based care processes (examining 12 or more lymph nodes (LN) during surgical staging and providing appropriate chemo-therapy). Methods . Retrospective analysis of stage I–III colon cancers from California Cancer Registry (1996–2006) linked to discharge abstracts and hospital profiles predicted hospital compliance with guidelines and trends in compliance over time. Results . Cases (N=60,000) in 439 hospitals analyzed. High Medicaid hospital settings had lower odds of compliance with the 12 LN exam (OR HMH 0.91, CI HMH [0.85, 0.98]) and with the delivery of appropriate chemotherapy (OR HMH 0.76, CI HMH [0.67, 0.86]). Conclusions . High Medicaid hospital status is associated with poor performance on evidence-based colon cancer care. Policies to improve the quality of colon cancer care should target these settings.
Serving homeless Veterans in the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network: A needs assessment to inform quality improvement endeavors
Authors: Gabrielian Sonya , Yuan Anita , Rubenstein Lisa , Andersen Ronald M. , Gelberg Lillian
Published: August 2013

This report describes a needs assessment of VA programs for homeless Veterans in Southern California and Nevada, the geographic region with the most homeless Veterans in the nation. The assessment was formulated through key informant interviews. Current service provisions are discussed, along with salient unmet needs for this vulnerable population.
Recruitment of Black and Latina Women to a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Martin Anika , Negron Rennie , Balbierz Amy , Bickell Nina , Howell Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2013

Background . Minority women are often not adequately represented in randomized controlled trials, limiting the generalizability of research trial results. Methods . We implemented a recruitment strategy for a postpartum depression prevention trial that utilized patient feedback to identify and understand the recruitment barriers of Black and Latina postpartum women. Feedback on patients’ reasons for trial refusal informed adaptations to the recruitment process. We calculated weekly recruitment rates and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from patient refusals. Results . Of the 668 women who were approached and completed the consent process, 540 enrolled in the trial and 128 declined participation. Over 52-weeks of recruitment, refusal rates decreased from 40% to 19%. A taxonomy of eight reasons for refusal derived from patient responses identified barriers to recruitment and generated targeted revisions to the recruitment message. Conclusions . A recruitment strategy designed to incorporate and respond to patient feedback improved recruitment of Black and Latina women to a clinical trial.