bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mouth Shape Detection Based on Template Matching and Optical Flow for Machine Lip Reading
Authors: Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Toyoshiro , Ishii Naohiro
Published: July 2013

The authors describe an improved method for detecting distinctive mouth shapes in Japanese utterance image sequences. Their previous method uses template matching. Two types of mouth shapes are formed when a Japanese phone is pronounced: one at the beginning of the utterance (the beginning mouth shape, BeMS) and the other at the end (the ending mouth shape, EMS). The authors’ previous method could detect mouth shapes, but it misdetected some shapes because the time period in which the BeMS was formed was short. Therefore, they predicted that a high-speed camera would be able to capture the BeMS with higher accuracy. Experiments showed that the BeMS could be captured; however, the authors faced another problem. Deformed mouth shapes that appeared in the transition from one shape to another were detected as the BeMS. This study describes the use of optical flow to prevent the detection of such mouth shapes. The time period in which the mouth shape is deformed is detected using optical flow, and the mouth shape during this time is ignored. The authors propose an improved method of detecting the BeMS and EMS in Japanese utterance image sequences by using template matching and optical flow.
A cost-benefit analysis of document management strategies used at a financial institution in Zimbabwe: A case study
Authors: David Rodreck , Ngulube Patrick , Dube Adock
Published: July 2013

Background: Choosing a cost-effective document management approach has become a priority to many organisations, especially in view of the rapidly changing technological environment in which information is being created and managed. A literature survey indicated that document management strategies have the potential to provide some substantial cost-saving benefits if they are used judiciously.Objectives: This study investigated a commercial bank’s document management approaches in a bid to ascertain the costs and benefits of each strategy and related issues.Method: A quantitative research approach was employed through a case study which was used to gather data from a sampled population in the bank.Results: The document management approaches used were not coordinated to improve operational efficiency. There were regulations governing documents management. The skills and competences of staff on both document management and cost analysis are limited. That is partly due to limited training opportunities availed to them. That means that economies are not achieved in the management of records. That has a negative impact on the overall efficiency, effectiveness and legal compliance of the banking institution.Conclusion: The financial institutions should create regulations enabling periodical cost-benefit analysis of document management regimes used by the bank at least at quarterly intervals as recommended by the National Archives of Australia. A hybrid approach in managing records is recommended for adoption by the financial institution. There should be on-the-job staff training complimented by attendance at relevant workshops and seminars to improve the staff’s understanding of both the cost-benefit analysis concept and document management.
Two Cases of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Netherlands without Recent Travel to a Malaria-Endemic Country
Authors: Arends Joop E. , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , Kraaij-Dirkzwager Marleen M. , Kaan Jan A. , Fanoy Ewout B. , Haas Pieter-Jan , Scholte Ernst-Jan , Kortbeek Laetitia M. , Sankatsing Sanjay U. C.
Published: July 2013

Recently, two patients of African origin were given a diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria without recent travel to a malaria-endemic country. This observation highlights the importance for clinicians to consider tropical malaria in patients with fever. Possible transmission routes of P. falciparum to these patients will be discussed. From a public health perspective, international collaboration is crucial when potential cases of European autochthonous P. falciparum malaria in Europe re considered.
Evaluating the potential of large scale simulations to predict carbon fluxes of terrestrial ecosystems over a European Eddy Covariance network
Authors: Balzarolo M. , Boussetta S. , Balsamo G. , Beljaars A. , Maignan F. , Calvet J.-C. , Lafont S. , Barbu A. , Poulter B. , Chevallier F. , Szczypta C. , Papale D.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Understanding and simulating land biosphere processes happening at the interface between plants and atmosphere are important research activities with operational applications for monitoring and predicting seasonal and inter-annual variability of terrestrial carbon fluxes in connection to a changing climate. This paper reports a comparison between three different Land Surface Models (LSMs), ORCHIDEE, ISBA-A-gs and CTESSEL used in the Copernicus-Land project precursor, forced with the same meteorological data, and compared with the carbon fluxes measured at 32 Eddy Covariance (EC) flux tower sites in Europe. The results show that the three models have the best performance for forest sites and the poorest performance for cropland and grassland sites. In addition, the three models have difficulties capturing the seasonality of Mediterranean and Sub-tropical biomes, characterized by dry summers. This reduced simulation performance is also reflected in deficiencies in diagnosed Light Use Efficiency (LUE) and Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) dependencies compared to observations. Shortcomings in the forcing data may also play a role. These results indicate that more research is needed on the LUE and VPD functions for Mediterranean and Sub-tropical biomes. Finally, this study highlights the importance well representing phenology (i.e. Leaf Area evolution) and management (i.e. rotation/irrigation for cropland, and grazing/harvesting for grassland) to simulate the carbon dynamics of European ecosystems and the importance of ecosystem level observation in models development and validation.
Past freeze and thaw cycling in the margin of the El'gygytgyn Crater deduced from a 141 m long permafrost record
Authors: Schwamborn G. , Meyer H. , Schirrmeister L. , Fedorov G.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Past permafrost thaw and freeze has destabilised the basin slopes of Lake El'gygytgyn in the northeastern Eurasian Arctic. This has probably promoted the release of mass movements from the lake edge to the deeper basin as known from frequently occurring turbidite layers in the lake sediment column. The continuous sediment record from the Arctic spans the last 3.6 Ma and for much of this time permafrost dynamics and lake level changes likely have played a crucial role for sediment delivery to the lake. Changes in the ground ice hydrochemical composition (pH, δ18O, δD, electrical conductivity, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO4−) of a 141 m long permafrost record from the western crater plain are examined to reconstruct repeated freeze and thaw cycles at the lake edge. Stable water isotope and major ion records of ground ice in the permafrost reflect both a synsedimentary palaeo-precipitation signal preserved in the near-surface permafrost (0.0 m to 9.1 m core depth) and a postdepositional record of talik thawing and refreezing in deeper layers of the core (9.1 to 141.0 m core depth). The lake marginal permafrost dynamics were controlled by lake level changes that episodically flooded the surfaces and induced thaw in the underlying frozen ground. At least three cycles of freeze and thaw during marine isotope stage (MIS) 7, possibly MIS 5, and the Allerød (AD) are identified and the hydrochemical data point to a vertical and horizontal talik refreezing through time.
Petrophysical constraints on the seismic properties of the Kaapvaal craton mantle root
Authors: Baptiste V. , Tommasi A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. We calculated the seismic properties of 47 mantle xenoliths from 9 kimberlitic pipes in the Kaapvaal craton based on their modal composition, the crystal preferred orientations (CPO) of olivine, ortho- and clinopyroxene, and garnet, the Fe content of olivine, and the pressures and temperatures at which the rocks were equilibrated. These data allow constraining the variation of seismic anisotropy and velocities with depth. The fastest P wave and fast split shear wave (S1) polarization direction is always close to olivine [100] maximum. Changes in olivine CPO symmetry result in minor variations in the seismic anisotropy patterns. Seismic anisotropy is higher for high olivine contents and stronger CPO. Maximum P waves azimuthal anisotropy (AVp) ranges between 2.5 and 10.2% and S waves polarization anisotropy (AVs) between 2.7 and 8%. Seismic properties averaged in 20 km thick intervals depth are, however, very homogeneous. Based on these data, we predict the anisotropy that would be measured by SKS, Rayleigh (SV) and Love (SH) waves for 5 end-member orientations of the foliation and lineation. Comparison to seismic anisotropy data in the Kaapvaal shows that the coherent fast directions, but low delay times imaged by SKS studies and the low azimuthal anisotropy and SH faster than SV measured using surface waves may only be consistently explained by dipping foliations and lineations. The strong compositional heterogeneity of the Kaapvaal peridotite xenoliths results in up to 3% variation in density and in up to 2.3% of variation Vp, Vs and the Vp/Vs ratio. Fe depletion by melt extraction increases Vp and Vs, but decreases the Vp/Vs ratio and density. Orthopyroxene enrichment decreases the density and Vp, but increases Vs, strongly reducing the Vp/Vs ratio. Garnet enrichment increases the density, and in a lesser manner Vp and the Vp/Vs ratio, but it has little to no effect on Vs. These compositionally-induced variations are slightly higher than the velocity perturbations imaged by body-wave tomography, but cannot explain the strong velocity anomalies reported by surface wave studies. Comparison of density and seismic velocity profiles calculated using the xenoliths' compositions and equilibrium conditions to seismological data in the Kaapvaal highlights that: (i) the thickness of the craton is underestimated in some seismic studies and reaches at least 180 km, (ii) the deep sheared peridotites represent very local modifications caused and oversampled by kimberlites, and (iii) seismological models probably underestimate the compositional heterogeneity in the Kaapvaal mantle root, which occurs at a scale much smaller than the one that may be sampled seismologically.
Socio-Structural Barriers, Protective Factors, and HIV Risk Among Central-Asian Female Migrants in Moscow
Authors: Zabrocki Christopher , Weine Stevan , Chen Stephanie , Brajkovic Ivana , Bahromov Mahbat , Loue Sana , Jonbekov Jonbek , Shoakova Farzona
Published: July 2013

Objective: This study aimed to build formative knowledge on socio-structural barriers, protective factors, and HIV sexual risk amongst Central-Asian female migrants in Moscow.Methods: Data collection included ethnographic interviews in Moscow with a purposive sample of 30 unmarried female migrants, 15 from Kyrgyzstan and 15 from Tajikistan.Results: Study participants reported difficulties with acquiring documents for legal status, financial insecurity, discrimination, sexual harassment, and lack of support. Based on analysis of the cases, one pathway linked lack of legal documentation and instrumental support with elevated sexual risk. Another pathways linked traditional cultural attitudes with both no and moderate sexual risk.Conclusion: Future HIV prevention efforts with Central Asian female migrants in Moscow should be multilevel and include: increasing HIV and prevention knowledge and skills, promoting condom use with regular partners, identifying and supporting cultural attitudes that protect against HIV sexual risk behaviors, facilitating legal status, building community support, and increasing economic options.
Hybridity and Authenticity in US Day of the Dead Celebrations
Authors: Marchi Regina
Published: July 2013

In the 1970s, secular Day of the Dead celebrations were initiated in the United States as a way to communicate messages of Chicano identity. As the US Latino community became more ethnically diverse in the 1980s and 1990s, new Latino populations participated in these public festivities, creating pan-Latino celebrations. At the same time, non-Latinos began to embrace Day of the Dead as an alternative way to remember the departed. The observance of the holiday in new ways and by new groups of people has sparked negotiations around ownership and meaning, illustrating that hybridity and authenticity are complexly related rather than oppositional concepts.
The Spatial Extent of Lesser Rights in Land: Development Agreements, Site Plans and Restrictive Covenants as Modern “Easements”
Authors: de Rijcke Izaak
Published: July 2013

The interpretation and use of information relating to the spatial extent of land ownership (fee simple title) has traditionally been the subject of products which professional land surveyors in Canada have provided. The primary source of such information has been the circumstances noted “on the ground” and the title record that is available for review. These service products have been generally referred to as “Real Property Report” and “Plan of Survey”. Most jurisdictions in Canada require surveyors to mention or show lesser interests in land on a Report or Survey Plan and specifically mention easements and rights of way as the type of interests to be indicated. In this paper, the types of lesser interests in land which have a spatial extent component are considered in terms of modern usage. By relating instances in which the courts have had to deal with clarification and the imposition of a remedy, the traditional treatment of showing only easements and rights of way appears to be no longer sufficient. This paper uses examples of development agreements, site plans and restrictive covenants in establishing the need to revisit the definition of lesser rights in land that must be shown on a Report or Survey Plan. Although some lesser interests have a spatial extent that is the same as that of the fee simple parcel, this is often not the case. The need to understand the broader range and nature of lesser rights in land—as well as new ways of interpreting and communicating their spatial extent to clients—are clear opportunities for the enhancement of professional surveyors’ products and services.
Structure-based discovery of fiber-binding compounds that reduce the cytotoxicity of amyloid beta
Authors: Jiang Lin , Liu Cong , Leibly David , Landau Meytal , Zhao Minglei , Hughes Michael P , Eisenberg David S
Published: July 2013

Amyloid protein aggregates are associated with dozens of devastating diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and diabetes type 2. While structure-based discovery of compounds has been effective in combating numerous infectious and metabolic diseases, ignorance of amyloid structure has hindered similar approaches to amyloid disease. Here we show that knowledge of the atomic structure of one of the adhesive, steric-zipper segments of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein of Alzheimer’s disease, when coupled with computational methods, identifies eight diverse but mainly flat compounds and three compound derivatives that reduce Aβ cytotoxicity against mammalian cells by up to 90%. Although these compounds bind to Aβ fibers, they do not reduce fiber formation of Aβ. Structure-activity relationship studies of the fiber-binding compounds and their derivatives suggest that compound binding increases fiber stability and decreases fiber toxicity, perhaps by shifting the equilibrium of Aβ from oligomers to fibers.
Immune response is a personal matter
Authors: Ferreira Pedro G , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T
Published: July 2013

Changes in gene expression could be used to predict whether individuals will respond successfully to the influenza vaccine.
Lifting the veil on amyloid drug design
Authors: Tiller Kathryn E , Tessier Peter M
Published: July 2013

High resolution structures and computational methods have been used to identify compounds that prevent amyloid fibrils associated with Alzheimer’s disease from dissociating into toxic species.
A recipe for mediocrity and disaster, in five axioms
Authors: Bourne Henry R
Published: July 2013

Biomedical research in the US will become unsustainable unless scientists and research institutions start to question certain assumptions they have long taken for granted.
Treatment and Technical Intervention Time Analysis of a Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy System
Authors: Crop F. , Lacornerie T. , Szymczak H. , Felin A. , Bailleux C. , Mirabel X. , Lartigau E.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study is to obtain a better operational knowledge of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) treatments with CyberKnife®. An analysis of both In-room Times (IRT) and technical interventions of 5 years of treatments was performed, during which more than 1600 patients were treated for various indications, including liver (21%), lung (29%), intracranial (13%), head and neck (11%) and prostate (7%). Technical interventions were recorded along with the time of the failure, time to the intervention, and the complexity and duration of the repair. Analyses of Time Between Failures (TBF) and Service Disrupting TBF(disr) were performed. Treatment time data and variability per indication and following different system upgrades were evaluated. Large variations of IRTs were found between indications, but also large variations for each indication. The combination of the time reduction Tool (using Iris®) and Improved Stop Handling was of major impact to shortening of treatment times. The first implementation of the Iris collimator alone did not lead to significantly shorter IRTs for us except during prostate treatments. This was mostly due to the addition at the same time of larger rotational compensation for prostate treatments (5° instead of 1.5°). Significant differences of duration between the first fraction and following fractions of a treatment, representing the necessity of defining imaging parameters and explanation to patients, were found for liver (12 min) and lung treatments using Xsight® Spine (5 min). Liver and lung treatments represent the longest IRT's and involve the largest variability's in IRT. The malfunction rate of the system followed a Weibull distribution with the shape and scale parameters of 0.8 and 39.7. Mean TBF(disr) was 68 work hours. 60 to 80% of the service disrupting interventions were resolved within 30–60 min, 5% required external intervention and 30% occurred in the morning. The presented results can be applied in the evaluation of the required machine time in order to implement robotic radiosurgery for different indications. The analytical distributions of IRTs and technical interruptions can be used for simulations.
The Value of Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry at the Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiang Feng , Zhou Xiang-Yu , Huang Jing
Published: July 2013

Numbers of studies used surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) to find novel serum biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is arguable whether the SELDI technique has its value of diagnostic accuracy for NSCLC. The purpose of our study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of SELDI-TOF-MS for diagnosing NSCLC. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Pub Med, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China Academic Journals Full-text Database, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database were searched systematically for potential studies. Reference lists of included studies and review articles were also reviewed. All studies that reported data on patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC and that compared the measurement of SELDI-TOF-MS with pathology standard were considered for inclusion. 11 studies were included in the systematic review. The ranges of the diagnostic value of SELDI-TOF-MS for NSCLC were as follows: sensitivity (SEN) was 0.70~1.00; specificity (SPE) was 0.68~1.00; positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 2.23~23.14; negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.04~0.43; and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 5.17~621.0, respectively. SELDI-TOF-MS showed high accuracy in identifying NSCLC, and could be a potential screening tool for diagnosing NSCLC patients.
Acceptance and Commissioning of a Treatment Planning System Based on Monte Carlo Calculations
Authors: López-Tarjuelo J. , García-Mollá R. , Juan-Senabre X. J. , Quirós-Higueras J. D. , Santos-Serra A. , de Marco-Blancas N. , Calzada-Feliu S.
Published: July 2013

The Monaco Treatment Planning System (TPS), based on a virtual energy fluence model of the photon beam head components of the linac and a dose computation engine made with Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm X-Ray Voxel MC (XVMC), has been tested before being put into clinical use. An Elekta Synergy with 6 MV was characterized using routine equipment. After the machine's model was installed, a set of functionality, geometric, dosimetric and data transfer tests were performed. The dosimetric tests included dose calculations in water, heterogeneous phantoms and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) verifications. Data transfer tests were run for every imaging device, TPS and the electronic medical record linked to Monaco. Functionality and geometric tests were run properly. Dose calculations in water were in accordance with measurements so that, in 95% of cases, differences were up to 1.9%. Dose calculation in heterogeneous media showed expected results found in the literature. IMRT verification results with an ionization chamber led to dose differences lower than 2.5% for points inside a standard gradient. When an 2-D array was used, all the fields passed the γ (3%, 3 mm) test with a percentage of succeeding points between 90% and 95%, of which the majority of the mentioned fields had a percentage of succeeding points between 95% and 100%. Data transfer caused problems that had to be solved by means of changing our workflow. In general, tests led to satisfactory results. Monaco performance complied with published international recommendations and scored highly in the dosimetric ambit. However, the problems detected when the TPS was put to work together with our current equipment showed that this kind of product must be completely commissioned, without neglecting data workflow, before treating the first patient.
Pengembangan Model Consignment Stock pada Sistem Rantai Pasok Dua Eselon dengan Permintaan Berfluktuasi dan Perubahan Order Awal
Authors: Wangsa Ivan D. , P. Iskandar Bermawi
Published: July 2013

Scheduling changes on the production floor are common in practice to meet the consumer demand and these cause the nervousness. The nervousness in turn will result in increased costs and reduced service level. This research deals with  production batch size and buffer stock taking into account changes in a preliminary order. Change in the demand for a given day is announced one day before and this is viewed as it occurs randomly. This research was considered in two echelon supply chain system with a single supplier and single manufacturer. The development of model is transactional relationship and consignment stock contract relationship. This study also considers the backorder and production capacity according to the real condition. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the models. From the numerical results, it appears that coefficient variation (CV) of the demand affects the results obtained using method of SM and LUC.
Employee’s Job Performance: The Effect of Attitude toward Works, Organizational Commitment, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Susanty Aries , Miradipta Rizqi
Published: July 2013

Job satisfaction is a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job and job experiences. The happier the individual, the higher is level of job satisfaction. It is assumed that positive attitude towards work and greater organizational commit­ment increases job satisfaction which in return enhances performance of the individual. Based on this phenomenon, this study is aimed to explain and empirically test the effect of attitude toward work, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment to the employee’s job performance at PT. Intech Anugrah Indonesia (PT. Intech). Data used in this study was primary data which were collected through closed questionnaires with 1-5 Likert scale. A sample of this study was 200 managerial and non-managerial staff of PT. Intech. Research carried out by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) which was run by AMOS 20.0 program. The results of this study showed that attitude towards work have positive but not significant effect to job satis­faction and employee performance. Different with attitude towards work, the organization's commitment has positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and employee performance at PT. Intech. It means every improvement in organization’s commitment has a positive effect toward job satisfaction and employee performance at PT. Intech.
Dampak Kompetensi Key user ERP terhadap Kinerja Inovasi dan Kinerja Kualitas Guna Meningkatkan Kinerja Organisasi
Authors: Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada , Basana Sautma Roni
Published: July 2013

Implementation EntERPrise Resource Planning (ERP) requires user key to have a reliable competency especially in personnel management. For this study, a survey was conducted using interviews technique and distributing questionnaires to 80 manufacturing industry practitioners, with response rate 88.75%. Additionally, the data analysis was done using PLS with Jawa Web Start program. The findings of the research are: There is no influence between knowledge and skill in quality performance and innovation performance in improving the performance of the company while implementing the technology of ERP. Personality Characteristics affect the increase of quality performance and innovation in the improvement of the company's performance while implementing ERP technology. Demonstrable Performance effect the increase in the quality of performance and innovation in improving the company's performance while implementing ERP technology. Innovation performance and Quality performance together have a direct impact on enhancing the performance of companies while implementing ERP technology.
Pluto's moons named
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2013

In the end, it did not matter that the name Vulcan came in first place by a landslide in a nonbinding public vote to suggest names for the fourth and fifth known moons of Pluto. Despite the independent vote conducted by the SETI Institute in Mountain View, Calif., on behalf of the team that discovered the moons, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) did not select the name for a Plutonian moon. The decision came much to the dismay of actor William Shatner (who played Captain Kirk in Star Trek). Shatner had pushed for the name Vulcan to honor the home planet of Star Trek character Dr. Spock.
Honors
Authors: Anonymous
Published: July 2013

The Geological Society of America's (GSA) new class of medal and award recipients and fellows includes many AGU members. Medal and award recipients are Stephen G. Pollock, University of Southern Maine: GSA Distinguished Service Award; John R. Wheaton, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology: John C. Frye Award; Clifford A. Jacobs, National Science Foundation (NSF): Outstanding Contributions Award, Geoinformatics Division; Peter Bird, University of California, Los Angeles (emeritus): George P. Woollard Award, Geophysics Division; Chunmiao Zheng, University of Alabama: O. E. Meinzer Award, Hydrogeology Division; Gerhard Wörner, Georg August Universität Göttingen: Distinguished Geologic Career Award, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division; Alan D. Howard, University of Virginia: G. K. Gilbert Award, Planetary Geology Division; Michael E. Perkins, University of Utah: Kirk Bryan Award for Research Excellence, Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; and Peter J. Hudleston, University of Minnesota: Career Contribution Award, Structural Geology and Tectonics Division.
In Memoriam
Authors: Anonymous
Published: July 2013

Garniss H. Curtis, 93, 19 December 2012, Volcanology, Geochemistry, 1966
Southern Ocean exports carbon less efficiently than previously thought
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: July 2013

The Southern Ocean is a major source of gas exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean, accounting for almost 20% of global ocean carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake. Phytoplankton fix CO2, converting it to other carbon compounds, and some of this biogenic carbon sinks to the deeper ocean, where it is effectively removed from the atmosphere. Better understanding of the rate of export of carbon particulate matter from the upper ocean is key to improving uncertainties in models that include the Southern Ocean's role in the carbon cycle.
Improvement in Health and Possible Reduction in Disease Activity Using Endurance Exercise in Patients With Established Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial With a 1‐Year Open Extension Followup
Authors: Alemo Munters Li , Dastmalchi Maryam , Andgren Vivianne , Emilson Christina , Bergegård Jenny , Regardt Malin , Johansson Anna , Orefelt Tholander Ingrid , Hanna Balsam , Lidén Maria , Esbjörnsson Mona , Alexanderson Helene
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the effects of a 12‐week endurance exercise program on health, disability, VO2 max, and disease activity in a multicenter randomized controlled trial in patients with established polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), and to evaluate health and disability in a 1‐year open extension study.

Methods

Patients were randomized into a 12‐week endurance exercise program group (EG; n = 11) or a control group (CG; n = 10). Assessments of health (Short Form 36 [SF‐36]), muscle performance (5 voluntary repetition maximum [5 VRM]), activities of daily living (ADL), patient preference (McMaster Toronto Arthritis Patient Preference Disability Questionnaire), VO2 max, and disease activity (International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies criteria of improvement of the 6‐item core set) were performed at 0 and 12 weeks. Disability assessments were performed again at 52 weeks in an open extension period. All assessments were performed by blinded observers.

Results

The EG improved compared to the CG in SF‐36 physical function and vitality (P = 0.010 and P = 0.046, respectively), ADL score (P = 0.035), 5 VRM (P = 0.026), and VO2 max (P = 0.010). More patients in the EG (7 of 11) were responders with reduced disease activity compared to none in the CG (P = 0.002). Correlations between VO2 max and SF‐36 physical function were 0.90 and 0.91 at 0 and 12 weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). The EG improvement in 5 VRM was sustained up to 52 weeks compared to baseline (5.7 kg; P < 0.001), but not in ADL score or SF‐36.

Conclusions

Endurance exercise improves health and may reduce disease activity in patients with established PM/DM. This potentially could be mediated through improved aerobic fitness. The results also indicate sustained muscle strength up to 1 year after a supervised program.
Illness Perceptions and Fatigue in Systemic Vasculitis
Authors: Grayson Peter C. , Amudala Naomi A. , Mcalear Carol A. , Leduc Renée L. , Shereff Denise , Richesson Rachel , Fraenkel Liana , Merkel Peter A.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare illness perceptions among patients with different forms of vasculitis, identify risk factors for negative illness perceptions, and determine the association between illness perceptions and fatigue.

Methods

Participants were recruited from an online vasculitis registry to complete the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R). The mean scores on each IPQ‐R dimension were compared across different types of vasculitis. Cluster analysis and stepwise regression identified predictors of negative illness perception. Fatigue was measured using the general subscale of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‐20). Patient‐reported measures of disease activity and IPQ‐R dimensions were assessed in relation to MFI‐20 scores using linear regression in sequential, additive models with model‐fit comparisons.

Results

In total, 692 participants with 9 types of vasculitis completed the IPQ‐R. For 6 of the 8 IPQ‐R dimensions, there were no significant differences in mean scores between the different vasculitides. Scores in the identity and cyclical dimensions were significantly higher in Behçet's disease compared with other types of vasculitis (13.5 versus 10.7 for identity and 4.0 versus 3.2 for cyclical [P < 0.05]). Younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–1.06), depression (OR 4.94, 95% CI 2.90–8.41), active disease status (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.27–3.29), and poor overall health (OR 3.92, 95% CI 0.88–17.56) were associated with negative illness perceptions. The sequential models demonstrated that the IPQ‐R dimensions explained an equivalent proportion of variability in fatigue scores compared with measures of disease activity.

Conclusion

Illness perceptions are similar across different types of vasculitis, and younger age is a risk factor for negative illness perceptions. Illness perceptions explain differences in fatigue scores beyond what can be explained by measures of disease activity.
Golimumab, a Human Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Monoclonal Antibody, Injected Subcutaneously Every 4 Weeks in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Had Never Taken Methotrexate: 1‐Year and 2‐Year Clinical, Radiologic, and Physical Function Findings of a Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Emery Paul , Fleischmann Roy M. , Doyle Mittie K. , Strusberg Ingrid , Durez Patrick , Nash Peter , Amante Eric , Churchill Melvin , Park Won , Pons‐Estel Bernardo , Xu Weichun , Xu Stephen , Wu Zhong , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess 2‐year golimumab efficacy/safety in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had never taken methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

RA patients who had never taken MTX (n = 637) were randomized (1:1:1:1) to placebo + MTX (group 1), golimumab 100 mg + placebo (group 2), golimumab 50 mg + MTX (group 3), or golimumab 100 mg + MTX (group 4) every 4 weeks. Nonresponders based on week 28 swollen/tender joint counts changed treatment as follows: group 1 added golimumab 50 mg, group 2 added MTX, group 3 increased golimumab to 100 mg, and group 4 had no change. Most group 1 patients (85%) initiated golimumab 50 mg + MTX at week 28 or subsequently at week 52. After the last patient completed week 52 and blinding was broken, the investigator could escalate golimumab to 100 mg and/or adjust MTX. The co–primary end points (week 24 American College of Rheumatology criteria for 50% improvement [ACR50] response and week 52 change in Sharp/van der Heijde score [SHS]) have been published previously. We now detail week 52 major secondary end points (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] disability index [DI] scores and SHS among patients with a baseline C‐reactive protein [CRP] level >1.0 mg/dl) and week 104 findings.

Results

At week 52 for combined groups 3 and 4 versus group 1, the respective proportions of patients achieving ACR20 and ACR50 responses were 63.2% versus 51.9% (P = 0.017) and 45.3% versus 35.6% (P = 0.044). Respective week 52 mean HAQ DI improvements were 0.70 versus 0.58 (P = 0.053); mean SHS changes were 0.41 versus 1.37 (P = 0.006) among all patients and 0.74 versus 2.16 (P = 0.003) in patients with a CRP level >1.0 mg/dl. Improvements were maintained through week 104. Golimumab + MTX for 2 years yielded statistically less radiographic progression than initial MTX or golimumab 100 mg monotherapy. Golimumab safety profiles through weeks 24, 52, and 104 were generally consistent with those observed in other golimumab studies.

Conclusion

In RA patients who had never taken MTX, up to 2 years of golimumab + MTX yielded sustained improvements in clinical signs/symptoms, physical function, and radiographic progression.
First‐Year Radiographic Progression as a Predictor of Further Progression in Early Arthritis: Results of a Large National French Cohort
Authors: Tobón Gabriel , Saraux Alain , Lukas Cedric , Gandjbakhch Frederique , Gottenberg J. E. , Mariette Xavier , Combe Bernard , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valerie
Published: July 2013

Objective

A major goal in the treatment of recent arthritis is the prevention of joint destruction. The value of radiographic progression in the first year for predicting further radiographic progression has not been evaluated comparatively with conventional predictive factors.

Methods

Patients with arthritis of <6 months' duration were included in the prospective French ESPOIR cohort. Radiographs were obtained and modified Sharp scores were determined by a blinded reader. The rate of progression was determined over the first year, then over the second and third years. Rapid progression was defined as a >5‐point annual increase in the total Sharp score.

Results

In total, 500 patients had complete data available after 3 years and were included. The total Sharp score indicated rapid progression in 123 patients (25%) in year 1 and 92 patients (18%) in years 2/3. By logistic regression, the variables independently associated with rapid progression in years 2/3 were year 1 rapid progression of the erosion and total Sharp scores, baseline erosion Sharp score, the serologic American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criterion, and interleukin‐6 level. When these variables were combined, year 1 rapid progression made the largest contribution to predicting years 2/3 rapid progression.

Conclusion

First‐year radiologic progression is the best independent predictor of further rapid progression in early arthritis.
Bendamustine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Outcome according to different clinical and biological prognostic factors in the everyday clinical practice
Authors: Zaja Francesco , Mian Michael , Volpetti Stefano , Visco Carlo , Sissa Cinzia , Nichele Ilaria , Castelli Monica , Ambrosetti Achille , Puglisi Simona , Fanin Renato , Cortelazzo Sergio , Pizzolo Giovanni , Trentin Livio , Rodeghiero Francesco , Paolini Rossella , Vivaldi Paolo , Sancetta Rosaria , Isola Miriam , Semenzato Gianpietro
Published: July 2013

Bendamustine proved to be effective for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the relationship between its activity with clinico‐biological prognosticators has been addressed only in few studies. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of bendamustine, in a real‐life contest, on 142 patients, median age 70 years, median number of previous regimens 2 (0–8, 13% previously untreated). Bendamustine was administered for a median number of 4 cycles, in 84% of cases with rituximab. Overall (ORR) and complete response (CRR) rates were 68 and 16.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a relationship between ORR and number of prior treatments (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.71; P = 0.009), del(17p) (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03–0.32; P < 0.001) and concomitant rituximab (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.12–17.04; P = 0.033). The estimated 1‐ and 2‐years overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) rates were 76, 61, 51, and 26%, respectively. Previous sensitivity to fludarabine (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.82), response to bendamustine (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.10–0.45), and del(17p) (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.002–4.74) had a prognostic significance in multivariate analysis for PFS, while the number of previous therapies (HR 3.48, 95% CI 1.29–9.38; P = 0.014), concomitant use of rituximab (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.93) and response to bendamustine (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.66) were significant for OS. Side effects included grade 3–4 neutropenia, infections, thrombocytopenia and anemia which occurred in 40, 14, 14, and 10% of patients, respectively. These results confirm the activity and safety of bendamustine and rituximab combination even in patients with unfavorable clinical and biological features excluding del(17p). Am. J. Heamtol. 88:955–960, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Unusual Porous Metal–Organic Framework that Demonstrates the Highly Efficient Exchange of Metal Ions and the Reversible Adsorption of Iodine
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Mei , Yang Jin , He Yuan‐Chun , Ma Jian‐Fang
Published: July 2013

An exceedingly rare porous metal–organic framework that is based on cadmium ions and multi carboxylate ligands, namely, Na0.25[(CH3)2NH2]1.75[Cd(L)2]⋅x solvent (1, H2L=2‐hydroxymethyl‐4,6‐bi(2′‐methoxyl‐4′‐(2′′‐1′′‐carboxyl)‐ethlene)‐1,3,5‐mesitylene), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D network that is constructed from left‐ and right‐handed helical chains. Furthermore, neighboring 2D layers are stacked to give a porous motif. Strikingly, compound 1 exhibits the highly efficient exchange of metal ions from the main framework components whilst maintaining the structural integrity and the crystallinity of the network. In addition, Compound 1 also shows outstanding performance in the reversible adsorption of iodine.
On the relationship between the Mediterranean Oscillation and winter precipitation in the Southern Levant
Authors: Törnros Tobias
Published: July 2013

Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was applied to 25 homogenous precipitation series in the Southern Levant covering the years 1960–1993. The EOF‐1 explained 60–71% of variance and exhibited a significant correlation with a particular Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI) in December–February. It is shown that winter precipitation is associated with positive MOI phases and Cyprus lows. By fitting gamma distributions to monthly precipitation; it could furthermore be shown that during negative MOI phases, the probability of above average winter precipitation is 22%. During positive MOI phases, the corresponding probability is much higher, at around 59%.
Prognostic impact of the activation status of the Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial sarcoma
Authors: Setsu Nokitaka , Kohashi Kenichi , Fushimi Fumiyoshi , Endo Makoto , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Takahashi Yusuke , Yamada Yuichi , Ishii Takeaki , Yokoyama Koichirou , Iwamoto Yukihide , Oda Yoshinao
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, downstream from phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), mediates cell survival and proliferation. Although this pathway reportedly contributes to the progression of synovial sarcoma, its prognostic impact has not been clarified.

METHODS

The authors analyzed clinicopathologic data and phosphorylation status of Akt (a serine/threonine kinase also known as protein kinase B), mTOR, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein (4E‐BP1), and the S6 ribosomal protein by immunohistochemical analysis of 120 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples and by Western blot analysis of 24 frozen samples from 112 patients with synovial sarcoma.

RESULTS

Akt, mTOR, 4E‐BP1, and S6 were activated in 76.5%, 67.6%, 59.6%, and 42.6% of samples, respectively. Immunohistochemically positive phosphorylated (p) mTOR (pmTOR) and p4E‐BP1 results were correlated with higher mitotic activity, and positive p4E‐BP1 results were correlated with greater necrosis. No mutations around the hot spots in the PI3K catalytic subunit α (PI3KCA) and Akt1 genes were observed. In multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic parameters, frequent mitosis was a risk factor for shorter overall survival; and male sex, visceral location, larger tumor size, and frequent mitosis were identified as risk factors for shorter event‐free survival. Positive pmTOR and p4E‐BP1 results were correlated significantly with shorter overall survival, and positive p4E‐BP1 results were correlated with shorter event‐free survival in univariate analysis. Positive pAkt results were associated significantly with shorter event‐free survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the Akt/mTOR pathway was activated and was associated with worse clinical and pathologic behavior in patients with synovial sarcoma. The authors propose that this pathway may have potential as a therapeutic target. Cancer 2013;119:3504–3513.. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Birthdating of myenteric neuron subtypes in the small intestine of the mouse
Authors: Bergner Annette J. , Stamp Lincon A. , Gonsalvez David G. , Allison Margaret B. , Olson David P. , Myers Martin G. , Anderson Colin R. , Young Heather M.
Published: July 2013

There are many different types of enteric neurons. Previous studies have identified the time at which some enteric neuron subtypes are born (exit the cell cycle) in the mouse, but the birthdates of some major enteric neuron subtypes are still incompletely characterized or unknown. We combined 5‐ethynynl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling with antibody markers that identify myenteric neuron subtypes to determine when neuron subtypes are born in the mouse small intestine. We found that different neurochemical classes of enteric neuron differed in their birthdates; serotonin neurons were born first with peak cell cycle exit at E11.5, followed by neurofilament‐M neurons, calcitonin gene‐related peptide neurons (peak cell cycle exit for both at embryonic day [E]12.5–E13.5), tyrosine hydroxylase neurons (E15.5), nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) neurons (E15.5), and calretinin neurons (postnatal day [P]0). The vast majority of myenteric neurons had exited the cell cycle by P10. We did not observe any EdU+/NOS1+ myenteric neurons in the small intestine of adult mice following EdU injection at E10.5 or E11.5, which was unexpected, as previous studies have shown that NOS1 neurons are present in E11.5 mice. Studies using the proliferation marker Ki67 revealed that very few NOS1 neurons in the E11.5 and E12.5 gut were proliferating. However, Cre‐lox‐based genetic fate‐mapping revealed a small subpopulation of myenteric neurons that appears to express NOS1 only transiently. Together, our results confirm a relationship between enteric neuron subtype and birthdate, and suggest that some enteric neurons exhibit neurochemical phenotypes during development that are different from their mature phenotype. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:514–527, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Activation of CCl and CF Bonds by SO.+ Radical Cations: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: de Petris Giulia , Troiani Anna , Rosi Marzio , Angelini Giancarlo , Ursini Ornella
Published: July 2013

The activation of C–halogen bonds by the SO.+ radical cation is investigated in the gas phase. The CCl bond of CH2Cl2 is activated by fast and effective chloride‐ion transfer, whereas the CF bond of CH2F2 is activated by a very slow fluoride‐ion transfer. In both cases, thermodynamic and kinetic factors account for the type of process and the observed selectivity, that is, carbon–halogen versus carbon–hydrogen activation, mainly owing to the presence of the sulfur atom. The cleavage of the CCl bond of CH2Cl2 by SO.+ is a rare example of a very effective and selective chloride‐ion abstraction by a metal‐free, sulfur‐centred radical cation.