bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining Kea++ automatic keyphrase assignment
Authors: Irfan Rabia , Khan Sharifullah , Qamar Ali Mustafa , Bloodsworth Peter Charles
Published: April 2014

Keyphrases facilitate finding the right information in digital sources. Keyphrase assignment is the alignment of documents or text with keyphrases of any standard taxonomy/classification system. Kea++ is an automatic keyphrase assignment tool using a machine learning-based technique. However, it does not effectively exploit the hierarchical relations that exist in its input taxonomy and returns noise in its results. The refinement methodology was designed as a top layer of Kea++ in order to fine tune its results. It was an initial step and focused on a single Computing domain. It was neither validated on multiple domains nor evaluated to determine whether the improvement in the results is significant or not. The aim of this task was to solidify the refinement methodology. The main contributions of this work are (a) to extend the methodology for multiple domains and (b) to statistically verify that the improvement in the Kea++ results is significant.
Impact of a novel online learning module on specialist palliative care nurses’ pain assessment competencies and patients’ reports of pain: Results from a quasi-experimental pilot study
Authors: Phillips Jane L , Heneka Nicole , Hickman Louise , Lam Lawrence , Shaw Tim
Published: April 2014

Background:

Pain is a complex multidimensional phenomenon moderated by consumer, provider and health system factors. Effective pain management cuts across professional boundaries, with failure to screen and assess contributing to the burden of unrelieved pain.

Aim:

To test the impact of an online pain assessment learning module on specialist palliative care nurses’ pain assessment competencies, and to determine whether this education impacted positively on palliative care patients’ reported pain ratings.

Design:

A quasi-experimental pain assessment education pilot study utilising ‘Qstream©’, an online methodology to deliver 11 case-based pain assessment learning scenarios, developed by an interdisciplinary expert panel and delivered to participants’ work emails over a 28-day period in mid-2012. The ‘Self-Perceived Pain Assessment Competencies’ survey and chart audit data, including patient-reported pain intensity ratings, were collected pre-intervention (T1) and post-intervention (T2) and analysed using inferential statistics to determine key outcomes.

Setting/participants:

Nurses working at two Australian inpatient specialist palliative care services in 2012.

Results:

The results reported conform to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Guidelines. Participants who completed the education intervention ( n = 34) increased their pain assessment knowledge, assessment tool knowledge and confidence to undertake a pain assessment ( p < 0.001). Participants were more likely to document pain intensity scores in patients’ medical records than non-participants (95% confidence interval = 7.3%–22.7%, p = 0.021). There was also a significant reduction in the mean patient-reported pain ratings between the admission and audit date at post-test of 1.5 (95% confidence interval = 0.7–2.3) units in pain score.

Conclusion:

This pilot confers confidence of the education interventions capacity to improve specialist palliative care nurses’ pain assessment practices and to reduce patient-rated pain intensity scores.
Survivin and Related Proteins in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Bongiovanni L. , Romanucci M. , Malatesta D. , D’Andrea A. , Ciccarelli A. , Della Salda L.
Published: April 2014

Survivin is reexpressed in most human breast cancers, where its expression has been associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and poor response to therapy. Survivin expression was evaluated in 41 malignant canine mammary tumors (CMTs) by immunohistochemistry, in relation to histological grade and stage, and correlated with that of some related molecules (β-catenin, caspase 3, heat shock proteins) to understand their possible role in canine mammary tumorigenesis. An increase in nuclear survivin expression, compared with healthy mammary glands, was observed in CMTs, where nuclear immunolabeling was related to the presence of necrosis. No statistically significant relation was found between the expression of the investigated molecules and the histological grade or stage. The present study may suggest an important involvement of survivin in CMT tumorigenesis. Its overexpression in most of the cases evaluated might suggest that targeting survivin in CMTs may be a valid anticancer therapy.
Conceptualizing international education
Authors: Madge Clare , Raghuram Parvati , Noxolo Pat
Published: April 2014

In a rapidly changing transnational eduscape, it is timely to consider how best to conceptualize international education. Here we argue for a conceptual relocation from international student to international study as a means to bridge the diverse literatures on international education. International study also enables recognition of the multiple contributions (and resistances) of international students as agents of knowledge formation; it facilitates consideration of the mobility of students in terms of circulations of knowledge; and it is a means to acknowledge the complex spatialities of international education, in which students and educators are emotionally and politically networked together through knowledge contributions.
Evaluating Rigor in Qualitative Methodology and Research Dissemination
Authors: Trainor Audrey A. , Graue Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

Despite previous and successful attempts to outline general criteria for rigor, researchers in special education have debated the application of rigor criteria, the significance or importance of small n research, the purpose of interpretivist approaches, and the generalizability of qualitative empirical results. Adding to these complications, the breadth of qualitative research methods makes a single set of universally applicable criteria difficult to identify and use. Based on input from qualitative researchers across the social sciences, we augment and expand the oft-cited criteria for rigor established in special education, thus broadening the potential application and contribution of qualitative research in the areas of disability and education. We identify exemplars from special education research and use these to illustrate ways qualitative research can push the field to strengthen the theoretical foundations of empirical work, as well as to acknowledge more forthrightly the roles of the researcher in the research endeavor.
How Do People Participate in Social Network Sites After Crises? A Self-Determination Perspective
Authors: Wang Xuequn
Published: April 2014

People increasingly rely on social network sites (SNSs) to find out timely information about crises. Thus, emergency managers are interested in how people participate and how to promote their participation in SNSs after crises. Based on self-determination theory, this study develops a theoretical model to examine the mechanisms through which different types of motivation contribute to various participating behaviors in SNSs after crises. Survey data were collected after the Ya’an earthquake, which occurred in China on April 20, 2013. Our results show that while autonomous motivation is positively related to posting new content about the earthquake, controlled motivation is positively related to commenting on others’ content about the earthquake. Furthermore, perceived autonomy and perceived relatedness are positively related to autonomous motivation. We suggest that emergency managers may want to promote different types of motivations, depending on the specific participating behavior preferred after crises.
Networking Interest and Networked Structure
Authors: Choi Sujin , Park Han Woo
Published: April 2014

This study examines the relationship between individuals’ networking interests and a group’s networked structure. The data set includes 25,651 members and 12,638 mentions from Twitter-mediated communities in South Korea. Using social network and web impact analyses, we investigated the micro- and macro linkage between individuals’ interests and groups’ structure, the meso-level analysis of individual-to-individual relationships, and the hyperlinked content shared in each community. Findings suggest that different interests of individuals in joining online communities were associated with variations in those communities’ network structures: Communities with sociopolitical goals had a denser network structure and communities for interpersonal interests had a more reciprocated network. Communities for information access exhibited greater dependence on a single member, contrary to the communities for information sharing. Types of content shared in the communities also varied by interests. These findings led us to compose a network topology with visual representation, based on sociopolitical, informational, and interpersonal interests.
Propylene Glycol–Related Delirium After Esmolol Infusion
Authors: Kapitein Berber , Biesmans Renee C. G. , van der Sijs Heleen I. , de Wildt Saskia N.
Published: April 2014

Objective: Excipients used in oral or intravenous preparations may cause serious adverse events. Case Summary: We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the pediatric intensive care unit, he received high doses of continuous intravenous esmolol (range = 20-400 µg/kg/min) for cardiac rhythm control. After a few days he developed a delirium not responding to high doses of antipsychotics or discontinuation of benzodiazepines. We eventually realized that the IV esmolol formulation contained high doses of propylene glycol and ethanol, which may accumulate after prolonged infusion and cause intoxication. Intoxication with propylene glycolcan cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. The boy’s propylene glycol plasma concentration was approximately 4 g/L, whereas clinical symptoms arise at concentrations above 1 to 1.44 g/L. Application of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale suggested a probable relationship (score 6) between the propylene glycol infusion and the delirium. After discontinuation of esmolol, the delirium disappeared spontaneously. Discussion: This is the first case describing excipient toxicity of esmolol, with an objective causality assessment revealing a probable relationship for the adverse event—namely, delirium—and esmolol. Conclusion: Although excipient toxicity is a well-known adverse drug reaction, this case stresses the importance for easily available information for and education of physicians.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Graft Survival in the Infarcted Heart
Authors: Naumova Anna V. , Balu Niranjan , Yarnykh Vasily L. , Reinecke Hans , Murry Charles E. , Yuan Chun
Published: April 2014

The main objective of cell therapy is the regeneration of damaged tissues. To distinguish graft from host tissue by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a paramagnetic label must be introduced to cells prior to transplantation. The paramagnetic label can be either exogenous iron oxide nanoparticles or a genetic overexpression of ferritin, an endogenous iron storage protein. The purpose of this work was to compare the efficacy of these 2 methods for MRI evaluation of engrafted cell survival in the infarcted mouse heart. Mouse skeletal myoblasts were labeled either by cocultivation with iron oxide particles or by engineering them to overexpress ferritin. Along with live cell transplantation, 2 other groups of mice were injected with dead-labeled cells. Both particle-labeled and ferritin-tagged grafts were detected as areas of MRI signal hypointensity in the left ventricle of the mouse heart using T2*-weighted sequences, although the signal attenuation decreased with ferritin tagging. Importantly, live cells could not be distinguished from dead cells when labeled with iron oxide particles, whereas the ferritin tagging was detected only in live grafts, thereby allowing identification of viable grafts using MRI. Thus, iron oxide particles can provide information about initial cell injection success but cannot assess graft viability. On the other hand, genetically based cell tagging, such as ferritin overexpression, despite having lower signal intensity in comparison with iron oxide particles, is able to identify live transplanted cells.
Composing multiple StarPU applications over heterogeneous machines: A supervised approach
Authors: Hugo Andra , Guermouche Abdou , Wacrenier Pierre-André , Namyst Raymond
Published: April 2014

Enabling HPC applications to perform efficiently when invoking multiple parallel libraries simultaneously is a great challenge. Even if a uniform runtime system is used underneath, scheduling tasks or threads coming from different libraries over the same set of hardware resources introduces many issues, such as resource oversubscription, undesirable cache flushes and memory bus contention.

This paper presents an extension of StarPU, a runtime system specifically designed for heterogeneous architectures, that allows multiple parallel codes to run concurrently with minimal interference. Such parallel codes run within scheduling contexts that provide confined execution environments which can be used to partition computing resources. Scheduling contexts can be dynamically resized to optimize the allocation of computing resources among concurrently running libraries. We introduce a hypervisor that automatically expands or shrinks contexts using feedback from the runtime system (e.g. resource utilization). We demonstrate the relevance of our approach using benchmarks invoking multiple high performance linear algebra kernels simultaneously on top of heterogeneous multicore machines. We show that our mechanism can dramatically improve the overall application run time (− 34%), most notably by reducing the average cache miss ratio (− 50%).
Longitudinal evaluation of cognitive functioning in pediatric multiple sclerosis: report from the US Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Network
Authors: Charvet LE , O’Donnell EH , Belman AL , Chitnis T , Ness JM , Parrish J , Patterson M , Rodriguez M , Waubant E , Weinstock-Guttman B , Krupp LB ,   on behalf of the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: April 2014

Background:

Approximately one-third of those with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive impairment. Less is known concerning their change in cognitive functioning over time.

Objective:

Changes in cognitive function over time were measured in the largest pediatric cohort to date through the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers.

Methods:

A total of 67 individuals with pediatric MS ( n=62) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, n=5), ranging from 8–17 years of age (mean age±standard deviation (SD)=14.37±2.02) completed initial and follow-up neuropsychological testing after an average of 1.64±0.63 years apart. The nine tests administered measure general intellect, attention and working memory, verbal memory, visuomotor integration, language, and executive functioning.

Results:

Rate of impairment (having one-third or more scores in the impaired range) was 37% at baseline and 33% at follow-up. Tests commonly impaired were measures of visuomotor integration, speeded processing, and attention. Most tested did not decline over two years. There was no clear pattern of change on any specific measure.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that, over short timeframes, stable or even improved performances on measures of cognitive ability can occur. Pediatric MS may instead prevent expected age-related cognitive gains.
The onset location of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder predicts the location of subsequent relapses
Authors: Zandoná Manuella Edler , Kim Su-Hyun , Hyun Jae-Won , Park Boram , Joo Jungnam , Kim Ho Jin
Published: April 2014

We evaluated whether the location of the initial attack predicted the locations of subsequent events in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). In the retrospective analysis from 164 patients with NMOSD, increased odds of a second attack occurring in the initial event location were seen in all locations (odds ratio [OR] brain: 16.00; brainstem: 4.42; optic nerve: 4.08; and spinal cord: 4.59), as was a positive linear trend when evaluating the number of previous events in the same location as the third event location (OR brain: 62.52; brainstem: 44.55; optic nerve: 6.48; and spinal cord: 2.98). This study suggests early clinical events of NMOSD tend to recur in the same anatomical location within the central nervous system (CNS).
Ethnic groups and a dynamic of boundary making among co-ethnics: An experience from Croatian Istria
Authors: Valenta Marko , Gregurović Snježana
Published: April 2014

In this article, we explore ethnic group boundaries within a context of contemporary Istria. It is maintained that the local population of Istria has a strong regional identity and that boundaries between the members of local Croat majority and the researched minority and immigrant groups are characterised by blurred group boundaries. It is argued that these people are engaged in multiple forms of boundary making which challenge the ethno-national understanding of entitlement to the in-group membership in a local imagined community. Among other things, it is indicated in the article that ethnic minority groups, such as Italians in Istria, who make a large effort in boundary making to maintain their cultural heritage, are preferred by the ethnic majority as full-fledged members of the local community than certain groups of co-ethnics. The study is based on extensive qualitative data material gathered in Croatia in the period 2009–2013. The ethnographic material comprises 45 interviews with domicile ethnic Croats, domicile members of the Italian minority and Bosnian–Herzegovinian migrants residing in Croatia and Istria.
Subtalar Joint Stress Imaging With Tomosynthesis
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Watanabe Kota , Takashima Hiroyuki , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to perform stress imaging of hindfoot inversion and eversion using tomosynthesis and to assess the subtalar joint range of motion (ROM) of healthy subjects. The subjects were 15 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 29.1 years. Coronal tomosynthesis stress imaging of the subtalar joint was performed in a total of 30 left and right ankles. A Telos stress device was used for the stress load, and the load was 150 N for both inversion and eversion. Tomographic images in which the posterior talocalcaneal joint could be confirmed on the neutral position images were used in measurements. The angle of the intersection formed by a line through the lateral articular facet of the posterior talocalcaneal joint and a line through the surface of the trochlea of the talus was measured. The mean change in the angle of the calcaneus with respect to the talus was 10.3 ± 4.8° with inversion stress and 5.0 ± 3.8° with eversion stress from the neutral position. The result was a clearer depiction of the subtalar joint, and inversion and eversion ROM of the subtalar joint was shown to be about 15° in healthy subjects.

Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV
Iodine Doping Studies on Nonannealed Perylene 3,4,9,10-Tetra Carboxylic Dianhydride/Cobalt Phthalocyanine Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Hoskeri Priya A. , A. G. Gayathri , N. H. Ayachit , C. M. Joseph
Published: April 2014

Perylene 3,4,9,10-tetra carboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) thin films find a lot of optoelectronic applications. In this work, thin films of PTCDA were deposited using vacuum evaporation technique onto clean glass substrates and the variation in conductivity, optical bandgap and percentage transmission due to iodine doping for different time intervals are discussed. To study the doping effects on devices, organic solar cells based on cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)/PTCDA as active layers on indium tin oxide–coated glass substrates were fabricated and characterized to evaluate the solar cell parameters. It was found that doping with iodine considerably increases the power conversion efficiency of the solar cells.
A Green Approach
Authors: Madeti Madhavi , Lande Sharad V. , G Kalpana , Mewada R. K. , Jasra R. V.
Published: April 2014

We have attempted a green alternative to reuse the spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst that is used in petroleum refining industry for the upgradation and purification of various petroleum streams and residues. The spent FCC zeolite–based catalyst modified by enhancing the acidic properties by incorporating Zn and In metals in the matrix. The various prepared catalysts were systematically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET; adsorption isotherm) surface area. The acidity of the materials was studied by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD). The well-characterized catalysts were applied for liquid phase benzylation of o-xylene using benzyl chloride.
In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Dalbergia rostrata Stem Bark
Authors: Muniyappan N. , Nagarajan N. S.
Published: April 2014

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized are utilized in drugs because of their pharmacological and biomedical applications and also due to their ecofriendly properties. In the present study, stable AgNPs have been synthesized from the aqueous extract of Dalbergia rostrata stem bark (DRSB), which is used both as a reducing and as a stabilizing agent. The AgNPs synthesized by ultrasonication at 25°C for 10 min were found to be stable in aqueous solution at room temperature over a period of 3 months. The quantitatively stable AgNPs formed by treating the aqueous solution of AgNO3 with the aqueous extract of the plant by reduction of Ag+ ions when monitored by UV–visible spectroscopic study revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 425 nm. According to transmission electron micrography, the NPs were spherical and in the size range of 14 ± 4 nm. When evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity by in vitro methods, AgNPs showed considerably enhanced activity compared to DRSB aqueous extract.
Green Nanotechnology from Brassicaceae
Authors: Khoobchandani Menka , Zambre Ajit , Katti Kavita , Lin Chung-Ho , Katti Kattesh V.
Published: April 2014

The interaction of cocktail of phytochemicals from broccoli with gold salt results in dual reduction and surface capping to produce well-defined stable and biocompatible gold nanoparticles (B-AuNPs). Broccoli phytochemicals–coated gold nanoparticles (B-AuNPs) have been fully characterized. Detailed in vitro stability in various biological fluids and affinity and selectivity for tumor cells have been investigated. The B-AuNPs showed significant in vitro cytotoxic effects against various cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, PC-3, U266, SkBr3, and T47D) as confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry apoptosis assays. Surface encapsulation of cocktail of broccoli phytochemicals on AuNPs facilitates the cellular internalization, thereby validating the in vitro therapeutic effects of these nanoparticles. Detailed analyses performed by combination of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS) have confirmed the presence of biologically active phytochemicals including glucoraphanin, phenethyl glucosinolates, quercetin, folic acid, vitamin C, allyl isothiocyanates, 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanates, and sulforaphane. The unique synergistic cocktail effects of B-AuNPs will provide new opportunities for generating biocompatible AuNPs for molecular imaging and therapeutic applications.
Enhanced Recovery for Fractured Neck of Femur
Authors: Keehan Robert , Rees David , Kendrick Emily , Bradshaw Charlotte , Flavell Esther , Deglurkar Mukund
Published: April 2014

Enhanced recovery is now a standard model of care in most UK elective surgical units. For hip and knee arthroplasty this approach typically includes opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA), local infiltration analgesia (LIA), and day of surgery mobilization. There is evidence that these interventions shorten hospital stay and improve outcomes, without increasing complications or readmissions. These interventions may also benefit patients undergoing surgery for femoral neck (hip) fractures. This group of patients are frail and elderly, and are at high risk from surgery, anesthesia, and opioid and bed rest-related complications. Hip fractures are also a major public health concern. They are common, expensive to treat, and associated with poor outcomes. Despite this there are no published descriptions of the use of OSA and LIA to enable day of surgery mobilization in patients with hip fractures. We present 3 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery according to an enhanced recovery protocol that incorporated all 3 interventions. In each case day of surgery mobilization was achieved safely and comfortably, without requirement for strong opioids postoperatively. The cases demonstrate that these interventions can be well tolerated by patients with hip fracture, including those with impaired mobility or cognitive function. The protocol is compatible with all common operations for hip fracture, and with spinal or general anesthesia. It is inexpensive and requires minimal expertise. It may have the potential to improve care and shorten hospital stay, while reducing cost. Further investigation is required.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Hemiarthroplasty in the Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Thorsness Robert , Iannuzzi James , Noyes Katia , Kates Stephen , Voloshin Ilya
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to use a nationally representative database to determine the differences in 30-day outcomes based on procedure type for management of proximal humerus fractures including complications, readmission, operative time, and length of stay. Further, we sought to determine patient characteristics and perioperative factors associated with poor outcomes.

Design/Setting:

This was a retrospective study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The NSQIP comprises a clinical database with systematic patient tracking at multiple hospitals across the United States.

Patients:

A total of 413 patients with proximal humerus fractures managed surgically were included.

Intervention:

Of 413 patients, 330 underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 83 underwent hemiarthroplasty.

Main Outcomes/Measurements:

The primary end points included major and minor complications, operative time, rate of return to the operating room, and length of stay.

Results:

Compared to the hemiarthroplasty cohort, patients in the ORIF cohort were significantly younger (64.2; 17-90 and 69.3; 20-90, respectively, P = .007) and were significantly less likely to be of functionally dependent status (17.5% and 27.7%, P = .036). Compared to the hemiarthroplasty cohort, the ORIF cohort demonstrated fewer postoperative bleeding complications (2.4% and 8.4%, respectively, P = .016) and shorter operative times (115 vs 131 minutes, P = .017). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to complications, reoperation rates, or length of hospital stay. On multivariable analysis, hemiarthroplasty demonstrated increased risk of postoperative bleeding compared to ORIF (odds ratio = 7.06, confidence interval: 2.06-24.24; P = .002) as well as increased operative time ( P = .01).

Conclusions:

Patients who undergo hemiarthroplasty for management of proximal humerus fractures are significantly older and often functionally dependent. When compared to ORIF, hemiarthroplasty is associated with longer operative times and greater risk of bleeding complications.
A Survey of Player-based and Link-based Allocation Rules for Network Games
Authors: Borkotokey Surajit , Gogoi Loyimee , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: April 2014

In this survey, we present recent developments in the literature on Network games. We briefly cover the literature on Communication situations and the corresponding allocation rules. This is followed by a review on the existing player- and link-based fixed and flexible allocation rules for networks. It is worth mentioning that all the allocation rules hitherto found in the literature are either player- or link-based which means that they give emphasis either on the players or on the links they form, but not both equally.
Prenatal Chromosomal Microarray for the Catholic Physician
Authors: Bringman Jay J.
Published: March 2014

Prenatal chromosomal microarray (CMA) is a test that is used to diagnose certain genetic problems in the fetus. While the test has been used in the pediatric setting for several years, it is now being introduced for use in the prenatal setting. The test offers great hope for detection of certain genetic defects in the fetus so that early intervention can be performed to improve the outcome for that individual. As with many biotechnical advances, CMA comes with certain bioethical issues that need to be addressed prior to its implementation. This paper is intended to provide guidance to all those that provide counseling regarding genetic testing options during pregnancy.
Phase 2 trial of CPX-351, a fixed 5:1 molar ratio of cytarabine/daunorubicin, vs cytarabine/daunorubicin in older adults with untreated AML
Authors: Lancet Jeffrey E. , Cortes Jorge E. , Hogge Donna E. , Tallman Martin S. , Kovacsovics Tibor J. , Damon Lloyd E. , Komrokji Rami , Solomon Scott R. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Cooper Maureen , Yeager Andrew M. , Louie Arthur C. , Feldman Eric J.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

First-line CPX-351 vs 7+3 control in newly diagnosed AML improves 60-day mortality, remission rate, and OS (HR = 0.46, P = .01) in sAML subset.
Patients with myeloid malignancies bearing PDGFRB fusion genes achieve durable long-term remissions with imatinib
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Burbury Kate , Apperley Jane F. , Huguet Francoise , Pitini Vincenzo , Gardembas Martine , Ross David M. , Forrest Donna , Genet Philippe , Rousselot Philippe , Patton Nigel , Smith Graeme , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Ito Sawa , Aguiar Ricardo C. T. , Odenike Olatoyosi , Gimelfarb Alla , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Seymour John F.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

Imatinib achieves deep and durable remissions in patients with myeloid neoplasms bearing PDGFRB. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is no longer indicated for patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm bearing PDGFRB who respond to imatinib.
Overnight orthokeratology is comparable with atropine in controlling myopia
Authors: Lin Hui-Ju , Wan Lei , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Yi-Yu , Chen Liuh-An , Tsai Alicia Lishin , Huang Yu-Chuen
Published: March 2014

Background

Many efforts have been invested in slowing progression of myopia. Among the methods, atropine administration and orthokeratology (OK) are most widely used. This study analyzed the efficacy of atropine and OK lens in controlling myopia progression and elongation of axial length.

Methods

This retrospective study included 105 patients (210 eyes) who wore OK lenses and 105 patients (210 eyes) who applied 0.125% atropine every night during the 3 following period. Student t-test, linear regression analysis, repeated measure ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The change in axial length per year was 0.28 ± 0.08 mm, 0.30 ± 0.09 mm, and 0.27 ± 0.10 mm in the OK lens group, and 0.38 ± 0.09 mm, 0.37 ± 0.12 mm, and 0.36 ± 0.08 mm in the atropine group for years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed an increase in myopia of 0.28 D and 0.34 D per year, and an increase in axial length of 0.28 mm and 0.37 mm per year in the OK lens and atropine groups, respectively. Repeated measure ANOVA showed significant differences in myopia (p = 0.001) and axial length (p < 0.001) between the atropine and OK lens groups; in astigmatism, there was no significant difference in these parameters (p = 0.320). Comparison of increases in axial length in relation to baseline myopia showed significant correlations both in the OK lens group (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.259; p < 0.001) and atropine group (r = 0.169; p = 0.014). High myopia patients benefited more from both OK lenses and atropine than did low myopia patients. The correlation of baseline myopia and myopia progression was stronger in the OK lens group then in the atropine group.

Conclusions

OK lens is a useful method for controlling myopia progression even in high myopia patients.
Retention in care, resource utilization, and costs for adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Zambia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Scott Callie A , Iyer Hari S , McCoy Kelly , Moyo Crispin , Long Lawrence , Larson Bruce A , Rosen Sydney
Published: March 2014

Background

Of the estimated 800,000 adults living with HIV in Zambia in 2011, roughly half were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). As treatment scale up continues, information on the care provided to patients after initiating ART can help guide decision-making. We estimated retention in care, the quantity of resources utilized, and costs for a retrospective cohort of adults initiating ART under routine clinical conditions in Zambia.

Methods

Data on resource utilization (antiretroviral [ARV] and non-ARV drugs, laboratory tests, outpatient clinic visits, and fixed resources) and retention in care were extracted from medical records for 846 patients who initiated ART at ≥15 years of age at six treatment sites between July 2007 and October 2008. Unit costs were estimated from the provider’s perspective using site- and country-level data and are reported in 2011 USD.

Results

Patients initiated ART at a median CD4 cell count of 145 cells/μL. Fifty-nine percent of patients initiated on a tenofovir-containing regimen, ranging from 15% to 86% depending on site. One year after ART initiation, 75% of patients were retained in care. The average cost per patient retained in care one year after ART initiation was $243 (95% CI, $194-$293), ranging from $184 (95% CI, $172-$195) to $304 (95% CI, $290-$319) depending on site. Patients retained in care one year after ART initiation received, on average, 11.4 months’ worth of ARV drugs, 1.5 CD4 tests, 1.3 blood chemistry tests, 1.4 full blood count tests, and 6.5 clinic visits with a doctor or clinical officer. At all sites, ARV drugs were the largest cost component, ranging from 38% to 84% of total costs, depending on site.

Conclusions

Patients initiate ART late in the course of disease progression and a large proportion drop out of care after initiation. The quantity of resources utilized and costs vary widely by site, and patients utilize a different mix of resources under routine clinical conditions than if they were receiving fully guideline-concordant care. Improving retention in care and guideline concordance, including increasing the use of tenofovir in first-line ART regimens, may lead to increases in overall treatment costs.
Design characteristics of the CORRONA CERTAIN study: a comparative effectiveness study of biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Pappas Dimitrios A , Kremer Joel M , Reed George , Greenberg Jeffrey D , Curtis Jeffrey R
Published: April 2014

Background

Comparative effectiveness research has recently attracted considerable attention. The C omparative E ffectiveness R egistry to study T herapies for A rthritis and I nflammatory Con ditions (CERTAIN) is an ongoing prospective cohort study of adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Methods/Design

CERTAIN uses the existing Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (CORRONA) network of participating private and academic sites in order to recruit patients fulfilling the 1987 ACR criteria that have at least moderate disease activity. Patients starting or switching biologic agents either anti-TNF therapy or a non anti-TNF biologic are eligible for enrollment, depending on the treatment selected by their physician. Enrollment is expected to be completed by March of 2014, and 2711 patients will participate in the study. As of October 7th 2013, 2234 patients have been enrolled. Patient visits and laboratory blood work are mandated every three months for one year. Safety data is collected through one year and beyond. The primary comparative effectiveness endpoint is attainment of low RA disease activity at one year among patients who have been exposed to at least one prior TNF-α inhibitor agent prior to enrollment. Multiple secondary effectiveness and safety endpoints will be addressed by investigating the entire population enrolled (naïve and biologic experienced).

Discussion

The unique design features of CERTAIN will inform comparative effectiveness and safety questions for choosing biologic agents for the management of RA.
New nanostructured silica incorporated with isolated Ti material for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to fuels
Authors: Akhter Parveen , Hussain Murid , Saracco Guido , Russo Nunzio
Published: April 2014

In this work, new nanoporous silica (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology-6 (KIT-6)-dried or KIT-6-calcined) incorporated with isolated Ti materials with different Si/Ti ratios (Si/Ti = 200, 100, and 50) has been synthesized and investigated to establish photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in the presence of H2O vapors. The properties of the materials have been characterized through N2 adsorption/desorption, UV-vis, TEM, FT-IR, and XPS analysis techniques. The intermediate amount of the isolated Ti (Si/Ti = 100) has resulted to be more uniformly distributed on the surface and within the three-dimensional pore structure of the KIT-6 material, without its structure collapsing, than the other two ratios (Si/Ti = 200 and 50). However, titania agglomerates have been observed to have formed due to the increased Ti content (Si/Ti = 50). The Ti-KIT-6 (calcined) materials in the reaction showed higher activity than the Ti-KIT-6 (dried) materials, which produced CH4, H2, CO, and CH3OH (vapors) as fuel products. The Ti-KIT-6 (Si/Ti = 100) material also showed more OH groups, which are useful to obtain a higher production rate of the products, particularly methane, which was even higher than the rate of the best commercial TiO2 (Aeroxide P25, Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany) photocatalyst.
Influence on ICU course, outcome and costs for lung transplantation after implementation of the new Swiss transplantation law
Authors: Klinzing Stephanie , Brandi Giovanna , Raptis Dimitri A , Wenger Urs , Weber Denise , Stehberger Paul A , Inci Ilhan , Béchir Markus
Published: April 2014

Background

The Swiss organ allocation system for donor lungs was implemented on 1 July 2007. The effects of this implementation on patient selection, intensive care unit course, outcomes and intensive care costs are unknown.

Methods

The first 37 consecutive lung transplant recipients following the implementation of the new act were compared with the previous 42 lung transplant recipients.

Results

Following implementation of the new law, baseline characteristics and cumulative one-year patient survival were comparable in both groups (88.1% vs 83.8%, P = 0.58). The costs for each case increased by 35,000 euros after adoption of the new law. Stratifying patients after implementation of the law according to urgency status shows that urgent patients required longer mechanical ventilation (P = 0.04), a longer ICU stay (P = 0.045) and a longer hospital stay (P = 0.04) and ICU costs (median 64,050 euros) were higher compared to regular patients.

Conclusion

The new transplantation law has increased ICU costs with the implementation of the Swiss organ allocation system. Patients listed as ‘urgent’ contribute significantly to the increase in ICU costs.
TNF-α and IFN-γ gene variation and genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes and its microangiopathic complications
Authors: Bazzaz Javad Tavakkoly , Amoli Mahsa M , Taheri Zahra , Larijani Bagher , Pravica Vera , Hutchinson Ian V
Published: April 2014

Background

TNF-α has accelerating role in development of type 1 diabetes. Although an immunosupressor function and leading protecting role in T1DM also has been claimed for this pro-inflammatory cytokine. Over-expression of pro-inflammatory and type 1 cytokines (Th1, like IFN-γ) drive insulitis toward the destructive form that leads to type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Among type 1 cytokines only IFN-γ has been detectable in the islet β cells. In deletion studies IFN-γ was also the only Th1 cytokine for which its ablation or blockade caused delayed or decreased incidence of T1DM.

Methods

Functional polymorphisms of TNF-α at position -308*G/A and at position +874*T/A of IFN-γ gene were employed as markers and the comparative distribution of derived genotypes/alleles were assessed in 248 British Caucasian T1DM patients and 118 healthy controls.

Results

There was no significant association between IFN-γ gene polymorphism and T1DM or the diabetic complication triad. There was a marginal association between TNF-α –308*G/A polymorphism in nephropaths (vs healthy controls) (p = 0.06), which its insignificancy may be due to survivor factor. No significant association was evident between the genotype/allele of the applied marker and T1DM or diabetic complication triad.

Conclusion

Our results are in contrast with previous reports suggesting that these polymorphisms are not related to T1DM. This study also underlines the importance of replication of association studies to confirm the previous interpretation.
DNA methylome profiling of human tissues identifies global and tissue-specific methylation patterns
Authors: Lokk Kaie , Modhukur Vijayachitra , Rajashekar Balaji , Märtens Kaspar , Mägi Reedik , Kolde Raivo , Koltšina Marina , Nilsson Torbjörn K , Vilo Jaak , Salumets Andres , Tõnisson Neeme
Published: April 2014

Background

DNA epigenetic modifications, such as methylation, are important regulators of tissue differentiation, contributing to processes of both development and cancer. Profiling the tissue-specific DNA methylome patterns will provide novel insights into normal and pathogenic mechanisms, as well as help in future epigenetic therapies. In this study, 17 somatic tissues from four autopsied humans were subjected to functional genome analysis using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, covering 486 428 CpG sites.

Results

Only 2% of the CpGs analyzed are hypermethylated in all 17 tissue specimens; these permanently methylated CpG sites are located predominantly in gene-body regions. In contrast, 15% of the CpGs are hypomethylated in all specimens and are primarily located in regions proximal to transcription start sites. A vast number of tissue-specific differentially methylated regions are identified and considered likely mediators of tissue-specific gene regulatory mechanisms since the hypomethylated regions are closely related to known functions of the corresponding tissue. Finally, a clear inverse correlation is observed between promoter methylation within CpG islands and gene expression data obtained from publicly available databases.

Conclusions

This genome-wide methylation profiling study identified tissue-specific differentially methylated regions in 17 human somatic tissues. Many of the genes corresponding to these differentially methylated regions contribute to tissue-specific functions. Future studies may use these data as a reference to identify markers of perturbed differentiation and disease-related pathogenic mechanisms.
Timber! Felling the loblolly pine genome
Authors: Hamilton John P , Buell C Robin
Published: March 2014

Conventional short read sequences derived from haploid DNA were extended into long super-reads enabling assembly of the massive 22 Gbp loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, genome.

See related research http://genomebiology.com/2014/15/3/R59
Method development for simultaneous detection of ferulic acid and vanillin using high-performance thin layer chromatography
Authors: Hingse Swarali S , Digole Shraddha B , Annapure Uday S
Published: March 2014

Background

A simple, accurate, and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for separation and detection of ferulic acid and vanillin.

Methods

Separation of ferulic acid and vanillin was carried out on 20 × 10 cm thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates using mobile phase containing toluene/1, 4-dioxan/acetic acid in the ratio 9:2.5:0.4 (v/v). The FA and vanillin were scanned at 320 and 312 nm, respectively. Method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and specificity.

Results

Retention factor (Rf) obtained for ferulic acid and vanillin was 0.48 and 0.56, respectively. The correlation coefficients, 0.9975 and 0.9991 with an average recovery of 98.77% and 98.45% obtained for ferulic acid and vanillin respectively by this method were satisfactory.

Conclusion

The optimized method was found to be efficient, precise, accurate, specific, and economic. Therefore, the method would be useful for both qualitative and quantitative routine analysis in pharmaceutical, food industry, and research laboratories.
Comparison of methods for extracting ADCIGs from RTM
Authors: Jin Hu , McMechan George A. , Guan Huimin
Published: April 2014

Methods for extracting angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) during 2D reverse-time migration fall into three main categories; direction-vector-based methods, local-plane-wave decomposition methods, and local-shift imaging condition methods. The direction-vector-based methods, which use either amplitude gradients or phase gradients, cannot handle overlapping events because of an assumption of one propagation direction per imaging point per imaging time; however, the ADCIGs from the direction-vector-based methods have the highest angle resolution. A new direction-vector-based method using instantaneous phase gradients in space and time gives the same propagation directions and ADCIGs as those obtained by the Poynting vector or polarization vector based methods, where amplitudes are large. Angles calculated by the phase gradients have larger uncertainties at smaller amplitudes, but they do not significantly degrade the ADCIGs because they contribute only small amplitudes. The local-plane-wave decomposition and local-shift imaging condition methods, implemented either by a Fourier transform or by a slant stack transform, can handle overlapping events, and produce very similar angle gathers. ADCIGs from both methods depend on the local window size in which the transforms are done. In small local windows, both methods produce ADCIGs with low noise, but also with low angle resolution; in large windows, they have high angle resolution, but contain smeared artifacts.
An introduction to this special section: Offshore technology/OTC
Authors: Dev Ashwani
Published: April 2014

The special section of this April issue focuses on offshore geophysical work. Publication of this issue is aligned with the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), which has been held in early May in Houston since 1969. The OTC is one of the most popular and well-attended conferences, largely focused on drilling and drilling equipment. During the years, OTC and SEG partnership has grown through cross-organization support and sponsorship. SEG is one of the sponsoring societies for OTC events.
3D Seismic Symposium: 20/20 Vision
Authors: Jensen Steven
Published: April 2014

The 20th Annual 3D Seismic Symposium was held 13 February 2014, in Denver, Colorado. The theme was “20/20 3D Vision.” The 3D Symposium is jointly sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and the Denver Geophysical Society.