bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making sense of innovations: A comparison of personal computers and mobile phones
Authors: Dilaver Ozge
Published: September 2013

Despite revolutionary expectations about information and communication technologies (ICT), the academic understanding of what exactly these technologies bring to individual lives remains incomplete. We know very little about how individuals perceive the value of ICT products, and even less about the process by which these value perspectives are built. This paper contributes to addressing these gaps. It presents an empirical study comparing the perceived use-value of personal computers and mobile phones. The findings show that the day-to-day value of innovations is deeply embedded in the existing and newly emerging social contexts. Thus, societal transformations, such as becoming an information society, cannot be reduced to matters of technological possibilities. The paper also builds a construct for the sense-making process that clarifies that compared to mobile phones, computers are more difficult to position in mind, purchase and use, require more support from social contacts and are only meaningful in selective contexts.
An experimental method for studying Young’s modulus of single crystal silicon at high temperature
Authors: Yao Shaokang , Xu Dehui , Xiong Bin , Wang Yuelin
Published: September 2013

This article reports a novel indirect experimental method to measure Young’s modulus of single crystal silicon at high temperature. Young’s modulus at high temperature is estimated by measuring the elastic deformation of single crystal silicon microstructure at room temperature and high temperature. Since it is difficult to measure the elastic deformation directly at high temperature, a novel indirect method is presented in this study. In order to prevent plastic deformation at high temperature, the Von Mises yield criterion is applied to predict the onset of plastic deformation. The resulting Young’s modulus of single crystal silicon is about 110 ± 17 GPa at 900 °C in the <100> direction from the present experiment.
Acute infections of the hand
Authors: Warbrick-Smith James , Smith James
Published: September 2013

Hand infections are a common presentation to primary and secondary care. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can often produce good functional outcomes, whereas delayed or inappropriate therapy risks permanent disability, amputation and in extreme cases mortality. It can be challenging to know which patients can be treated in the primary care setting and which require referral to a local hand surgery service, plastic surgery or orthopaedics as dictated by local availability. There are two main aims for this article. The first is to provide a framework for the assessment of hand infections and common principles of management. The second is to describe the most common acute infections and clearly indicate which should be referred to secondary care and how urgently this should occur. We deliberately do not describe the intricacies of surgical techniques.
Headache and comorbidity in children and adolescents
Authors: Bellini Benedetta , Arruda Marco , Cescut Alessandra , Saulle Cosetta , Persico Antonello , Carotenuto Marco , Gatta Michela , Nacinovich Renata , Piazza Fausta Paola , Termine Cristiano , Tozzi Elisabetta , Lucchese Franco , Guidetti Vincenzo
Published: September 2013

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptom reported in childhood and adolescence, leading to high levels of school absences and being associated with several comorbid conditions, particularly in neurological, psychiatric and cardiovascular systems. Neurological and psychiatric disorders, that are associated with migraine, are mainly depression, anxiety disorders, epilepsy and sleep disorders, ADHD and Tourette syndrome. It also has been shown an association with atopic disease and cardiovascular disease, especially ischemic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Maximum parsimony xor haplotyping by sparse dictionary selection
Authors: Elmas Abdulkadir , Jajamovich Guido H , Wang Xiaodong
Published: September 2013

Background

Xor-genotype is a cost-effective alternative to the genotype sequence of an individual. Recent methods developed for haplotype inference have aimed at finding the solution based on xor-genotype data. Given the xor-genotypes of a group of unrelated individuals, it is possible to infer the haplotype pairs for each individual with the aid of a small number of regular genotypes.

Results

We propose a framework of maximum parsimony inference of haplotypes based on the search of a sparse dictionary, and we present a greedy method that can effectively infer the haplotype pairs given a set of xor-genotypes augmented by a small number of regular genotypes. We test the performance of the proposed approach on synthetic data sets with different number of individuals and SNPs, and compare the performances with the state-of-the-art xor-haplotyping methods PPXH and XOR-HAPLOGEN.

Conclusions

Experimental results show good inference qualities for the proposed method under all circumstances, especially on large data sets. Results on a real database, CFTR, also demonstrate significantly better performance. The proposed algorithm is also capable of finding accurate solutions with missing data and/or typing errors.
Computational prediction of associations between long non-coding RNAs and proteins
Authors: Lu Qiongshi , Ren Sijin , Lu Ming , Zhang Yong , Zhu Dahai , Zhang Xuegong , Li Tingting
Published: September 2013

Background

Though most of the transcripts are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), little is known about their functions. lncRNAs usually function through interactions with proteins, which implies the importance of identifying the binding proteins of lncRNAs in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of lncRNAs. Only a few approaches are available for predicting interactions between lncRNAs and proteins. In this study, we introduce a new method lncPro.

Results

By encoding RNA and protein sequences into numeric vectors, we used matrix multiplication to score each RNA–protein pair. This score can be used to measure the interactions between an RNA–protein pair. This method effectively discriminates interacting and non-interacting RNA–protein pairs and predicts RNA–protein interactions within a given complex. Applying this method on all human proteins, we found that the long non-coding RNAs we collected tend to interact with nuclear proteins and RNA-binding proteins.

Conclusions

Compared with the existing approaches, our method shortens the time for training matrix and obtains optimal results based on the model being used. The ability of predicting the associations between lncRNAs and proteins has also been enhanced. Our method provides an idea on how to integrate different information into the prediction process.
Different patterns of gene structure divergence following gene duplication in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Tan Xu , Paterson Andrew H
Published: September 2013

Background

Divergence in gene structure following gene duplication is not well understood. Gene duplication can occur via whole-genome duplication (WGD) and single-gene duplications including tandem, proximal and transposed duplications. Different modes of gene duplication may be associated with different types, levels, and patterns of structural divergence.

Results

In Arabidopsis thaliana, we denote levels of structural divergence between duplicated genes by differences in coding-region lengths and average exon lengths, and the number of insertions/deletions (indels) and maximum indel length in their protein sequence alignment. Among recent duplicates of different modes, transposed duplicates diverge most dramatically in gene structure. In transposed duplications, parental loci tend to have longer coding-regions and exons, and smaller numbers of indels and maximum indel lengths than transposed loci, reflecting biased structural changes in transposed duplications. Structural divergence increases with evolutionary time for WGDs, but not transposed duplications, possibly because of biased gene losses following transposed duplications. Structural divergence has heterogeneous relationships with nucleotide substitution rates, but is consistently positively correlated with gene expression divergence. The NBS-LRR gene family shows higher-than-average levels of structural divergence.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that structural divergence between duplicated genes is greatly affected by the mechanisms of gene duplication and may be not proportional to evolutionary time, and that certain gene families are under selection on rapid evolution of gene structure.
CAWS administration increases the expression of interferon γ and complement factors that lead to severe vasculitis in DBA/2 mice
Authors: Nagi-Miura Noriko , Okuzaki Daisuke , Torigata Kosuke , Sakurai Minami A , Ito Akihiko , Ohno Naohito , Nojima Hiroshi
Published: September 2013

Background

Candida albicanswater-soluble fraction (CAWS), a mannoprotein-β-glucan complex obtained from the culture supernatant ofC. albicansNBRC1385, causes CAWS-mediated vasculitis (CAWS-vasculitis) in B6 and DBA/2 mice with mild and lethal symptoms, respectively. Why CAWS is lethal only in DBA/2 mice remains unknown.

Results

We performed DNA microarray analyses using mRNA obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of B6 and DBA/2 mice and compared their respective transcriptomes. We found that the mRNA levels of interferon-γ (Ifng) and several genes that regulate the complement system, such as C3, C4, Cfb, Cfh, and Fcna, were increased dramatically only in DBA/2 mice at 4 and 8 weeks after CAWS administration. The dramatic increase was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR). Moreover, mRNA levels of immune-related genes, such as Irf1, Irf7, Irf9, Cebpb, Ccl4, Itgam, Icam1, and IL-12rb1, whose expression levels are known to be increased by Ifng, were also increased, but only in DBA/2 mice. By contrast, the mRNA level of Dectin-2, the critical receptor for the α-mannans of CAWS, was increased slightly and similarly in both B6 and DBA/2 mice after CAWS administration.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that CAWS administration induces Dectin-2 mediated CAWS-vasculitis in both B6 and DBA/2 mice and the expression of Ifng, but only in DBA/2 mice, which led to increased expression of C3, C4, Cfb, Cfh, and Fcna and an associated increase in lethality in these mice. This model may contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of severe human vasculitis.
Meta-analysis of gene coexpression networks in the post-mortem prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia and unaffected controls
Authors: Mistry Meeta , Gillis Jesse , Pavlidis Paul
Published: September 2013

Background

Gene expression profiling of the postmortem human brain is part of the effort to understand the neuropathological underpinnings of schizophrenia. Existing microarray studies have identified a large number of genes as candidates, but efforts to generate an integrated view of molecular and cellular changes underlying the illness are few. Here, we have applied a novel approach to combining coexpression data across seven postmortem human brain studies of schizophrenia.

Results

We generated separate coexpression networks for the control and schizophrenia prefrontal cortex and found that differences in global network properties were small. We analyzed gene coexpression relationships of previously identified differentially expressed ‘schizophrenia genes’. Evaluation of network properties revealed differences for the up- and down-regulated ‘schizophrenia genes’, with clustering coefficient displaying particularly interesting trends. We identified modules of coexpressed genes in each network and characterized them according to disease association and cell type specificity. Functional enrichment analysis of modules in each network revealed that genes with altered expression in schizophrenia associate with modules representing biological processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, myelination, synaptic transmission and immune function. Although a immune-function enriched module was found in both networks, many of the genes in the modules were different. Specifically, a decrease in clustering of immune activation genes in the schizophrenia network was coupled with the loss of various astrocyte marker genes and the schizophrenia candidate genes.

Conclusion

Our novel network-based approach for evaluating gene coexpression provides results that converge with existing evidence from genetic and genomic studies to support an immunological link to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Prediction of 7-year psychopathology from mother-infant joint attention behaviours: a nested case–control study
Authors: Allely Clare S , Johnson Paul CD , Marwick Helen , Lidstone Emma , Kočovská Eva , Puckering Christine , McConnachie Alex , Golding Jean , Gillberg Christopher , Wilson Philip
Published: September 2013

Background

To investigate whether later diagnosis of psychiatric disorder can be predicted from analysis of mother-infant joint attention (JA) behaviours in social-communicative interaction at 12 months.

Method

Using data from a large contemporary birth cohort, we examined 159 videos of a mother-infant interaction for joint attention behaviour when children were aged one year, sampled from within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Fifty-three of the videos involved infants who were later considered to have a psychiatric disorder at seven years and 106 were same aged controls. Psychopathologies included in the case group were disruptive behaviour disorders, oppositional-conduct disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, pervasive development disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained using the Development and Wellbeing Assessment when the children were seven years old.

Results

None of the three JA behaviours (shared look rate, shared attention rate and shared attention intensity) showed a significant association with the primary outcome of case–control status. Only shared look rate predicted any of the exploratory sub-diagnosis outcomes and was found to be positively associated with later oppositional-conduct disorders (OR [95% CI]: 1.5 [1.0, 2.3]; p = 0.041).

Conclusions

JA behaviours did not, in general, predict later psychopathology. However, shared look was positively associated with later oppositional-conduct disorders. This suggests that some features of JA may be early markers of later psychopathology. Further investigation will be required to determine whether any JA behaviours can be used to screen for families in need of intervention.
Adherence to osteoporosis regimens among men and analysis of risk factors of poor compliance: a 2-year analytical review
Authors: Chiu Chun-Kai , Kuo Ming-Chun , Yu Shan-Fu , Su Ben Yu-Jih , Cheng Tien-Tsai
Published: September 2013

Background

To investigate adherence and patient-specific factors associated with poor compliance with osteoporosis regimens among men.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review study, we collected data on male patients with osteoporosis treated in accordance with therapeutic recommendations. Adherence was determined by the compliance and persistence of those patients who had been dispensed an osteoporosis regimen after an index prescription. All osteoporosis regimens were considered equivalent for the purpose of investigating adherence.

Results

The prescriptions of 333 males met the inclusion criteria for data collection. The mean age was 68.6 ± 10.4 years. The median medication possession ratio (MPR, %) at years 1 and 2 was 90.1% (interquartile range (IQR) 19–100) and 53.7% (IQR 10.4-100), respectively; 52.3% of male patients at year 1 and 37.5% at year 2 had good compliance (defined as a MPR≧80%). The 1- and 2-year persistence rates were 45.9% and 30.0%, respectively. Patient-specific factors associated with poor compliance (MPR < 80%) during year 1 were first prescriptions given by orthopedists (odds ratio (OR) = 2.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.58-4.53; adjusted OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.26-4.22, p = 0.007). Male patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.06-0.78, adjusted OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.81, p = 0.025) and baseline bone mineral density (BMD) measurements (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.85; adjusted OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.28-0.93, p = 0.029) were less likely to have poor compliance.

Conclusions

Adherence to osteoporosis regimens in males was suboptimal in our study. Poor compliance was more likely in prescription of the first anti-osteoporotic regimen by an orthopedist. Men with RA and BMD measurements before therapy had a lower risk of non-adherence. Healthcare professionals need to target patients with specific factors to improve adherence to osteoporotic regimens.
Effect of gamma radiation and accelerated aging on the mechanical and thermal behavior of HDPE/HA nano-composites for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Alothman Othman Y , Almajhdi Fahad N , Fouad H
Published: September 2013

Background

The replacement of hard tissues demands biocompatible and sometimes bioactive materials with properties similar to those of bone. Nano-composites made of biocompatible polymers and bioactive inorganic nano particles such as HDPE/HA have attracted attention as permanent bone substitutes due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Method

The HDPE/HA nano-composite is prepared using melt blending at different HA loading ratios. For evaluation of the degradation by radiation, gamma rays of 35 kGy, and 70 kGy were used to irradiate the samples at room temperature in vacuum. The effects of accelerated ageing after gamma irradiation on morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of HDPE/HA nano-composites were measured.

Results

In Vitro test results showed that the HDPE and all HDPE/HA nano-composites do not exhibit any cytotoxicity to WISH cell line. The results also indicated that the tensile properties of HDPE/HA nano-composite increased with increasing the HA content except fracture strain decreased. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the storage and loss moduli increased with increasing the HA ratio and the testing frequency. Finally, it is remarked that all properties of HDPE/HA is dependent on the irradiation dose and accelerated aging.

Conclusion

Based on the experimental results, it is found that the addition of 10%, 20% and 30% HA increases the HDPE stiffness by 23%, 44 and 59% respectively. At the same time, the G’ increased from 2.25E11 MPa for neat HDPE to 4.7E11 MPa when 30% HA was added to the polymer matrix. Also, significant improvements in these properties have been observed due to irradiation. Finally, the overall properties of HDPE and its nano-composite properties significantly decreased due to aging and should be taken into consideration in the design of bone substitutes. It is attributed that the developed HDPE/HA nano-composites could be a good alternative material for bone tissue regeneration due to their acceptable properties.
Dysregulation of the complement cascade in the hSOD1G93Atransgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lee John D , Kamaruzaman Nur A , Fung Jenny NT , Taylor Stephen M , Turner Bradley J , Atkin Julie D , Woodruff Trent M , Noakes Peter G
Published: September 2013

Background

Components of the innate immune complement system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, a comprehensive examination of complement expression in this disease has not been performed. This study therefore aimed to determine the expression of complement components (C1qB, C4, factor B, C3/C3b, C5 and CD88) and regulators (CD55 and CD59a) in the lumbar spinal cord of hSOD1G93A mice during defined disease stages.

Methods

hSOD1G93A and wild-type mice were examined at four different ages of disease progression. mRNA and protein expression of complement components and regulators were examined using quantitative PCR, western blotting and ELISA. Localisation of complement components within lumbar spinal cord was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Statistical differences between hSOD1G93A and wild-type mice were analysed using a two-tailed t-test at each stage of disease progression.

Results

We found several early complement factors increased as disease progressed, whilst complement regulators decreased; suggesting overall increased complement activation through the classical or alternative pathways in hSOD1G93A mice. CD88 was also increased during disease progression, with immunolocalisation demonstrating expression on motor neurons and increasing expression on microglia surrounding the regions of motor neuron death.

Conclusions

These results indicate that local complement activation and increased expression of CD88 may contribute to motor neuron death and ALS pathology in the hSOD1G93A mouse. Hence, reducing complement-induced inflammation could be an important therapeutic strategy to treat ALS.
Assessment of exposure to piroplasms in sheep grazing in communal mountain pastures by using a multiplex DNA bead-based suspension array
Authors: Ros-García Amaia , Barandika Jesús F , García-Pérez Ana L , Juste Ramón A , Hurtado Ana
Published: September 2013

Background

Piroplasms are tick-borne hemoprotozoans with a major impact on extensive management systems. Detection of sub-clinical low-level carriers, which can act as source of infection for vector ticks, is key to protect livestock trade and facilitate preventive control programs. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the detection of ovine piroplasms and to use it in a field study aimed at investigating piroplasms infection in semi-extensive production systems in the Basque Country (northern Spain).

Methods

A DNA bead-based suspension array using the Luminex® xMAP technology that included a generic Theileria-Babesia control probe, 6 species-specific probes, and an internal control probe was developed to detect and identify piroplasms that infect sheep. To monitor piroplasm infection in clinically healthy sheep from 4 flocks that share communal mountain pastures, blood samples were collected during 2 grazing seasons.

Results

Piroplasms were detected in 48% (214/446) of blood samples, nearly half of them (49.1%, 105/214) as mixed infections. Five different piroplasms were identified: Theileria sp. OT3 in 34.8% of the samples, Theileria ovis in 20.9%, and at lower prevalences Babesia motasi (12.3%), Theileria luwenshuni/OT1 (10.5%) and Babesia ovis (6.3%). Despite differences among flocks associated to differences in management, an increasing trend in the incidence of piroplasm infection with increasing age of animals after increased tick exposure was observed. This increment could be attributed to continued re-infection associated with re-exposure to ticks at grazing. Ticks were collected from animals (4 species) and vegetation (8 species), and associations between tick abundance seasonality and risk of infection with the different piroplasms were established.

Conclusion

The multiplex Luminex® xMAP procedure is a rapid and high throughput technique that provided highly specific and sensitive identification of single and mixed piroplasm infections in blood of sheep carriers. This study confirmed a situation of endemic stability for piroplasm infection in the region, where infection is present in the absence of clinical signs, and mountain grazing allows for sufficient inoculation rates to maintain such situation.
Activation tagging in Salvia miltiorrhiza can cause increased leaf size and accumulation of tanshinone I and IIA in its roots
Authors: Ho Hsin-Shueh , Vishwakarma Rishi Kishore , Chen Emily Chin-Fun , Tsay Hsin-Sheng
Published: September 2013

Background

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. One of the major bioactive constituents of Danshen, diterpenoid tanshinone, has been proved with pharmacological properties and have the potential to be a new drug candidate against various diseases. In our previous study, we have established an activation tagging mutagenesis (ATM) population of callus lines of S. miltiorrhiza Bunge by Agrobacterium- mediated transformation.

Results

In the present study, we have identified ATM transgenic Salvia plant (SH41) with different leaf morphology and more tanshinones in its roots. The transgenic background of SH41 was identified by PCR (using hpt II primers) and Southern blots. PCR analysis showed a single band of hpt II gene and Southern blot analysis showed single insertion in SH41. External appearance of ATM transgenic SH41 was observed with broader leaves comparing to non-transformed plants. More healthy trichomes as well as bigger and wobbly guard cells and stomata were observed in SH41 by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative analysis of active compounds in SH41 roots revealed a significant increase in tanshinone I (3.7 fold) and tanshinone IIA (2 fold) contents as compared to the wild plant.

Conclusions

We have generated an activation tagged transgenic Salvia plant (SH41) with different leaf morphology and high diterpenes content in its roots. The increased amount of tanshinones in SH41 will definitely offer a route for maximizing the benefits of this plant in traditional Chinese herbal medicines. The present report may also facilitate the application of ATM for genetic manipulation of other medicinal crops and subsequent improved metabolite contents.
Rituximab in the treatment of refractory or relapsing eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome)
Authors: Thiel Jens , Hässler Fabian , Salzer Ulrich , Voll Reinhard E , Venhoff Nils
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is part of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs)-associated vasculitides. In EGPA small-vessel vasculitis is associated with eosinophilia and asthma. About 40% of EGPA patients are ANCA-positive, suggesting a role for B cells in the pathogenesis of EGPA. B cell-depleting therapy with rituximab (RTX) can be effective in ANCA-positive EGPA, but very few patients have been published to date. The role of RTX in the treatment of ANCA-negative EGPA is unclear.

Methods

We report a single-center cohort of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Of these patients, nine (six ANCA-positive, three ANCA-negative) had been treated with RTX for relapsing or refractory disease on standard immunosuppressive treatment. In a retrospective analysis, data on treatment response, frequency of relapses, adverse events, and peripheral B-cell reconstitution were evaluated. Furthermore, serum immunoglobulin concentrations, ANCA status, and peripheral B cell subpopulations were assessed after RTX treatment.

Results

All patients had high disease activity before RTX treatment. At presentation 3 months after RTX therapy, all ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients had responded to RTX, with one patient being in complete remission, and eight patients being in partial remission. After a mean follow-up of 9 months, C-reactive protein concentrations had normalized, eosinophils had significantly decreased, and prednisone had been tapered in all patients. In all patients, RTX therapy was combined with a standard immunosuppressive therapy. Within the 9-month observation period, no relapse was recorded. Three patients were preemptively retreated with RTX, and during the median follow-up time of 3 years, no relapse occurred in these patients. During the follow-up of 13 patient-years, five minor but no major infections were recorded.

Conclusions

In our analysis on nine patients with EGPA resistant to standard therapy, rituximab proved to be an efficient and safe treatment for ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients. Preemptive retreatment with RTX, combined with standard maintenance immunosuppressants, resulted in a sustained treatment response. Prospective, randomized trials evaluating the use of RTX in EGPA are warranted.
Foundation News
Authors: Forrest Mike , Duncan Peter
Published: September 2013

Trustee Associates represent the financial backbone of the SEG Foundation, allowing us to create new programs and support existing programs. A Trustee Associate (TA) is an individual or family who has donated or pledged to donate at least US $10,000 to the SEG Foundation. Contributions made through the SEG Foundation currently help to support 18 different SEG programs designed to “Advance Geophysics Today” and “Inspire Geoscientists for Tomorrow.” To highlight just a few of these beneficial programs: contributions this year supported 133 scholarship students pursuing studies in geophysics, allowed student participation in 15 field camps offering “hands-on” experiences in applied geophysics, and provided more than 140 travel grants that allowed students from around the world to attend educational and leadership workshops and conferences. SEG continues to demonstrate the importance of our future—now with 282 Student Chapters worldwide!
Comparing the MEMS accelerometer and the analog geophone
Authors: Wei Jidong
Published: September 2013

Over the last decade or two, digital micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers have been proposed as a replacement for analog electromagnetic coiled geophones. Although many positive results have been reported in articles and at conferences, other authors have claimed that there are no obvious differences between them. This article compares the analog geophone and MEMS accelerometer and our results show that the MEMS accelerometer has made some improvements on electric specifications. However, these improvements are so slight that identifying the enhanced signals obtained by the MEMS accelerometer is extremely challenging, if not impossible. Whether these improvements can evolve into significant acquisition benefits depends on many other factors involved in a seismic survey and which may contaminate the weak signal and effectively cancel most of the accelerometer's improvement.
High Prognostic Impact of Flow Cytometric Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Data From the HOVON/SAKK AML 42A Study
Authors: Terwijn Monique , van Putten Wim L.J. , Kelder Angèle , van der Velden Vincent H.J. , Brooimans Rik A. , Pabst Thomas , Maertens Johan , Boeckx Nancy , de Greef Georgine E. , Valk Peter J.M. , Preijers Frank W.M.B. , Huijgens Peter C. , Dräger Angelika M. , Schanz Urs , Jongen-Lavrecic Mojca , Biemond Bart J. , Passweg Jakob R. , van Gelder Michel , Wijermans Pierre , Graux Carlos , Bargetzi Mario , Legdeur Marie-Cecile , Kuball Jurgen , de Weerdt Okke , Chalandon Yves , Hess Urs , Verdonck Leo F. , Gratama Jan W. , Oussoren Yvonne J.M. , Scholten Willemijn J. , Slomp Jennita , Snel Alexander N. , Vekemans Marie-Christiane , Löwenberg Bob , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Schuurhuis Gerrit J.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Half the patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve complete remission (CR), ultimately relapse. Residual treatment-surviving leukemia is considered responsible for the outgrowth of AML. In many retrospective studies, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) has been shown to enable identification of these poor-outcome patients by showing its independent prognostic impact. Most studies focus on molecular markers or analyze data in retrospect. This study establishes the value of immunophenotypically assessed MRD in the context of a multicenter clinical trial in adult AML with sample collection and analysis performed in a few specialized centers.

Patients and Methods

In adults (younger than age 60 years) with AML enrolled onto the Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group/Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research Acute Myeloid Leukemia 42A study, MRD was evaluated in bone marrow samples in CR (164 after induction cycle 1, 183 after cycle 2, 124 after consolidation therapy).

Results

After all courses of therapy, low MRD values distinguished patients with relatively favorable outcome from those with high relapse rate and adverse relapse-free and overall survival. In the whole patient group and in the subgroup with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, MRD was an independent prognostic factor. Multivariate analysis after cycle 2, when decisions about consolidation treatment have to be made, confirmed that high MRD values (> 0.1% of WBC) were associated with a higher risk of relapse after adjustment for consolidation treatment time-dependent covariate risk score and early or later CR.

Conclusion

In future treatment studies, risk stratification should be based not only on risk estimation assessed at diagnosis but also on MRD as a therapy-dependent prognostic factor.
Patient-Physician Communication About Health-Related Quality-of-Life Problems: Are Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors Willing to Talk?
Authors: Arora Neeraj K. , Jensen Roxanne E. , Sulayman Nadiyah , Hamilton Ann S. , Potosky Arnold L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To investigate non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors' willingness to discuss health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) problems with their follow-up care physician.

Patients and Methods

Willingness to discuss HRQOL problems (physical, daily, emotional, social, and sexual functioning) was examined among 374 NHL survivors, 2 to 5 years postdiagnosis. Survivors were asked if they would bring up HRQOL problems with their physician and indicate reasons why not. Logistic regression models examined the association of patient sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, follow-up care variables, and current HRQOL scores with willingness to discuss HRQOL problems.

Results

Overall, 94%, 82%, 76%, 43%, and 49% of survivors would initiate discussions of physical, daily, emotional, social, and sexual functioning, respectively. Survivors who indicated their physician “always” spent enough time with them or rated their care as “excellent” were more willing to discuss HRQOL problems (P < .05). Survivors reporting poorer physical health were less willing to discuss their daily functioning problems (P < .001). Men were more willing to discuss sexual problems than women (P < .001). One in three survivors cited “nothing can be done” as a reason for not discussing daily functioning problems, and at least one in four cited “this was not their doctor's job” and a preference to “talk to another clinician” as reasons for not discussing emotional, social, and sexual functioning.

Conclusion

NHL survivors' willingness to raise HRQOL problems with their physician varied by HRQOL domain. For some domains, even when survivors were experiencing problems, they may not discuss them. To deliver cancer care for the whole patient, interventions that facilitate survivor-clinician communication about survivors' HRQOL are needed.
Adherence to CONSORT Adverse Event Reporting Guidelines in Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating Systemic Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Péron Julien , Maillet Denis , Gan Hui K. , Chen Eric X. , You Benoit
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidance was extended in 2004 to provide a set of 10 specific and comprehensive guidelines regarding adverse event (AE) reporting in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Limited data exist regarding adherence to these guidelines in publications of oncology RCTs.

Methods

All phase III RCTs published between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed using a 16-point AE reporting quality score (AERQS) based on the 2004 CONSORT extension. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify features associated with improved reporting quality.

Results

A total of 325 RCTs were reviewed. The mean AERQS was 10.1 on a 16-point scale. The most common items that were poorly reported were the methodology of AE collection (adequately reported in only 10% of studies), the description of AE characteristics leading to withdrawals (15%), and whether AEs are attributed to trial interventions (38%). Even when reported, the methods of AE collection and analysis were highly heterogeneous. The multivariable regression model revealed that industry funding, intercontinental trials, and trials in the metastatic setting were predictors of higher AERQS. The quality of AE reporting did not improve significantly over time and was not better among articles published in journals with a high impact factor.

Conclusion

Our findings show that some methodologic aspects of AE collection and analysis were poorly reported. Given the importance of AEs in evaluating new treatments, authors should be encouraged to adhere to the 2004 CONSORT guidelines regarding AE reporting.
Evaluation of PIK3CA Mutation As a Predictor of Benefit From Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Domingo Enric , Church David N. , Sieber Oliver , Ramamoorthy Rajarajan , Yanagisawa Yoko , Johnstone Elaine , Davidson Brian , Kerr David J. , Tomlinson Ian P.M. , Midgley Rachel
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) protect against colorectal cancer (CRC) and are associated with reduced disease recurrence and improved outcome after primary treatment. However, toxicities of NSAIDs have limited their use as antineoplastic therapy. Recent data have suggested that the benefit of aspirin after CRC diagnosis is limited to patients with PIK3CA-mutant cancers. We sought to determine the predictive utility of PIK3CA mutation for benefit from both cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and aspirin.

Methods

We performed molecular analysis of tumors from 896 participants in the Vioxx in Colorectal Cancer Therapy: Definition of Optimal Regime (VICTOR) trial, a large randomized trial comparing rofecoxib with placebo after primary CRC resection. We compared relapse-free survival and overall survival between rofecoxib therapy and placebo and between the use and nonuse of low-dose aspirin, according to tumor PIK3CA mutation status.

Results

We found no evidence of a greater benefit from rofecoxib treatment compared with placebo in patients whose tumors had PIK3CA mutations (multivariate adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% CI, 0.53 to 2.72; P = .66; PINTERACTION = .47) compared with patients with PIK3CA wild-type cancers (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.16; P = .34). In contrast, regular aspirin use after CRC diagnosis was associated with a reduced rate of CRC recurrence in patients with PIK3CA-mutant cancers (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.832; P = .027; PINTERACTION = .024) but not in patients lacking tumor PIK3CA mutation (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.42; P = .71).

Conclusion

Although tumor PIK3CA mutation does not predict benefit from rofecoxib treatment, it merits further evaluation as a predictive biomarker for aspirin therapy. Our findings are concordant with recent data and support the prospective investigation of adjuvant aspirin in PIK3CA-mutant CRC.
Clonal Heterogeneity As Detected by Metaphase Karyotyping Is an Indicator of Poor Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bochtler Tilmann , Stölzel Friedrich , Heilig Christoph E. , Kunz Christina , Mohr Brigitte , Jauch Anna , Janssen Johannes W.G. , Kramer Michael , Benner Axel , Bornhäuser Martin , Ho Anthony D. , Ehninger Gerhard , Schaich Markus , Krämer Alwin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), studies based on whole-genome sequencing have shown genomic diversity within leukemic clones. The aim of this study was to address clonal heterogeneity in AML based on metaphase cytogenetics.

Patients and Methods

This analysis included all patients enrolled onto two consecutive, prospective, randomized multicenter trials of the Study Alliance Leukemia. Patients were newly diagnosed with non-M3 AML and were fit for intensive chemotherapy.

Results

Cytogenetic subclones were detected in 418 (15.8%) of 2,639 patients from the whole study population and in 418 (32.8%) of 1,274 patients with aberrant karyotypes. Among those, 252 karyotypes (60.3%) displayed a defined number of distinct subclones, and 166 (39.7%) were classified as composite karyotypes. Subclone formation was particularly frequent in the cytogenetically adverse group, with subclone formation in 69.0%, 67.1%, and 64.8% of patients with complex aberrant, monosomal, and abnl(17p) karyotypes (P < .001 each). Two-subclone patterns typically followed a mother-daughter evolution, whereas for ≥ three subclones, a branched pattern prevailed. In non–core binding factor AML, subclone formation was associated with inferior event-free and overall survival and was confirmed as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in multivariate analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that subclone formation adds prognostic information particularly in the cytogenetic adverse-risk group. Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation improved the prognosis of patients with subclone karyotypes as shown in landmark analyses.

Conclusion

Cytogenetic subclones are frequent in AML and permit tracing of clonal evolution and architecture. They bear prognostic significance with clonal heterogeneity as an independent adverse prognostic marker in cytogenetically adverse-risk AML.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Authentication of Seafood
Authors: O'Brien Nada , Hulse Charles A. , Pfeifer Frank , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: September 2013

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic investigations of whole fish and fish fillets with a miniaturised, hand-held instrument were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of discriminating high-quality, expensive from lower-quality, less expensive, substitutes and responding to the increasing concerns regarding fraud and deception in seafood marketing. Generally, such problems can occur due to the mislabelling of products in the harvesting and processing system or species substitution at the restaurant level. To test the possibility of distinguishing superior from lower quality fish species, NIR spectra were measured in diffuse reflection from the skin and meat of the investigated fish. Subsequently, the spectra were evaluated by principal component analysis and further classified by soft independent modelling of class analogies. In the present communication, the results obtained with respect to the authentication of two different species of mullet, cod and trout, respectively, will be discussed in some detail.
Understanding China's Urban Pollution Dynamics
Authors: Zheng Siqi , Kahn Matthew E
Published: September 2013

China's ongoing urban economic growth has sharply increased the population's per capita income, lowered the count of people living below the poverty line, and caused major environmental problems. We survey the growing literature investigating the causes and consequences of China's urban pollution challenges. We begin by studying how urban population and industrial growth impacts local pollution levels and greenhouse gas production. As the urban population grows richer, its demand for private transportation and electricity sharply increases. Such privately beneficial activity exacerbates urban pollution externalities. Facing these severe environmental challenges, China's urbanites increasingly demand quality of life progress. We survey the emerging literature investigating the demand for environmental progress in China. Progress in mitigating externalities hinges on whether the powerful central and local governments choose to address these issues. We analyze the political economy of whether government officials have strong incentives to tackle lingering urban externalities. We conclude by discussing future research opportunities at the intersection of environmental and urban economics. (JEL O18, P25, P28, Q53, R23, R41, R58)
The Structure of Economic Modeling of the Potential Impacts of Climate Change: Grafting Gross Underestimation of Risk onto Already Narrow Science Models
Authors: Stern Nicholas
Published: September 2013

Scientists describe the scale of the risks from unmanaged climate change as potentially immense. However, the scientific models, because they omit key factors that are hard to capture precisely, appear to substantially underestimate these risks. Many economic models add further gross underassessment of risk because the assumptions built into the economic modeling on growth, damages and risks, come close to assuming directly that the impacts and costs will be modest and close to excluding the possibility of catastrophic outcomes. A new generation of models is needed in all three of climate science, impact and economics with a still stronger focus on lives and livelihoods, including the risks of large-scale migration and conflicts. (JEL C51, Q54, Q58)
Climate Change Policy: What Do the Models Tell Us?
Authors: Pindyck Robert S
Published: September 2013

Very little. A plethora of integrated assessment models (IAMs) have been constructed and used to estimate the social cost of carbon (SCC) and evaluate alternative abatement policies. These models have crucial flaws that make them close to useless as tools for policy analysis: certain inputs (e.g., the discount rate) are arbitrary, but have huge effects on the SCC estimates the models produce; the models' descriptions of the impact of climate change are completely ad hoc, with no theoretical or empirical foundation; and the models can tell us nothing about the most important driver of the SCC, the possibility of a catastrophic climate outcome. IAM-based analyses of climate policy create a perception of knowledge and precision, but that perception is illusory and misleading. (JEL C51, Q54, Q58)
Tail-Hedge Discounting and the Social Cost of Carbon
Authors: Weitzman Martin L
Published: September 2013

The choice of an overall discount rate for climate change investments depends critically on how different components of investment payoffs are discounted at differing rates reflecting their underlying risk characteristics. Such underlying rates can vary enormously, from ≈ 1 percent for idiosyncratic diversifiable risk to ≈ 7 percent for systematic nondiversifiable risk. Which risk-adjusted rate is chosen can have a huge impact on cost-benefit analysis. In this expository paper, I attempt to set forth in accessible language with a simple linear model what I think are some of the basic issues involved in discounting climate risks. The paper introduces a new concept that may be relevant for climate-change discounting: the degree to which an investment hedges against the bad tail of catastrophic damages by insuring positive expected payoffs even under the worst circumstances. The prototype application is calculating the social cost of carbon. (JEL C51, Q54, Q58)
A rare aggravation of severe mucositis post chemotherapy in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Inati Adlette , Akouri Grace , Abbas Hussein A
Published: September 2013

Oral mucositis is a debilitating manifestation in children undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Children with mucositis should be properly managed in order to prevent further exacerbation and adverse complications. We hereby present the first report of a severe chemotherapy-induced mucositis, plausibly aggravated by improper dental hygiene leading to shedding of the ventral part of the tongue in a child with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient steadily and gradually recovered her oral maneuvers and ability to speak several months later. Her tongue underwent hypertrophy as a compensatory mechanism. We recommend that critical and regular assessment of the oral mucosa and proper dental care and oral hygiene be emphasized in all pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy. Families of affected children need to be educated about the benefits and modes of optimal oral hygiene for their children and the need to seek immediate care for mouth pain and or lesions. Optimal treatment for mucositis needs to be instituted without delay in this high risk pediatric population. Such a preventive and therapeutic approach may prevent associated life threatening oral and systemic complications, promote rapid and complete mucosal healing, alleviate pain and improve quality of life in children with cancer.