bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and efficacy of outpatient therapy with intermediate dose cytarabine, fludarabine and idarubicin for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia aged 70 or older
Authors: Vives Susana , Oriol Albert , Piernas Sònia , Brunet Salut , Clapés Victòria , Guardia Ramon , Subirà Maricel , Sierra Jordi , Ribera Josep‐Maria ,   the CETLAM Group
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesA multicentre prospective non‐randomised study of de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in patients aged ≥70 yr was designed to reduce toxicity and achieve acceptable complete remission (CR) rates.MethodsThe outpatient treatment included induction with oral fludarabine, subcutaneous cytarabine and subcutaneous filgrastim (FAG). The patients received more induction cycles according to the response achieved. If there was no response to induction with FAG, the following induction cycle included oral idarubicin, subcutaneous cytarabine and subcutaneous filgrastim (IAG). Patients achieving CR received one intensification (FAG on response to previous FAG or alternatively IAG) and one consolidation cycle (IAG).ResultsThirty patients were enrolled from April 2004 to June 2007. The median age was 73 yr (range 70–77). Fifteen patients (50%) achieved CR. The 2‐yr DFS was 29% (95% CI, 5–47%), and the 2‐yr OS was 23% (95% CI, 12–35%). Twenty‐five of 69 cycles (36%) were managed on a completely outpatient basis. The median hospital stay per cycle was 10 d (95% CI, 3–25).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the tolerability and efficacy of a semi‐intensive treatment in elderly de novo patients with AML managed on an outpatient basis, without substantial toxicity.
The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Remains High in African American and Hispanic Veterans
Authors: Nguyen Theresa , Ramsey David , Graham David , Shaib Yasser , Shiota Seiji , Velez Maria , Cole Rhonda , Anand Bhupinderjit , Vela Marcelo , El‐Serag Hashem B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori in the United States has been declining in the 1990s albeit less so among blacks and Hispanics. As the socioeconomic status of racial groups has evolved, it remains unclear whether the prevalence or the racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of H. pylori have changed.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study from a Veteran Affairs center among patients aged 40–80 years old who underwent a study esophagogastroduodenoscopy with gastric biopsies, which were cultured for H. pylori irrespective of findings on histopathology. Positive H. pylori was defined as positive culture or histopathology (stained organism combined with active gastritis). We calculated age‐, race‐, and birth cohort‐specific H. pylori prevalence rates and examined predictors of H. pylori infection in logistic regression models.ResultsWe analyzed data on 1200 patients; most (92.8%) were men and non‐Hispanic white (59.9%) or black (28.9%). H. pylori was positive in 347 (28.9%) and was highest among black males aged 50–59 (53.3%; 44.0–62.4%), followed by Hispanic males aged 60–69 (48.1%; 34.2–62.2%), and lowest in non‐Hispanic white males aged 40–49 (8.2%; 2.7–20.5%). In multivariate analysis, age group 50–59 was significantly associated with H. pylori (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–4.45) compared with those aged 40–49, and with black race (adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.83–3.60) and Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.70–5.34) compared with non‐Hispanic white. Irrespective of age group, patients born during 1960–1969 had a lower risk of H. pylori (adjusted OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.96) compared to those born in 1930–1939. Those with some college education were less likely to have H. pylori compared to those with no college education (adjusted OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.37–0.69).ConclusionAmong veterans, the prevalence of active H. pylori remains high (28.9%) with even higher rates in blacks and Hispanics with lower education levels.
Improved Inter‐calibration of Faraday Cup and Ion Counting for In Situ Pb Isotope Measurements Using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS: Application to the Study of the Origin of the Fangshan Pluton, North China
Authors: Zhang Wen , Hu Zhaochu , Yang Lu , Liu Yongsheng , Zong Keqing , Xu Haijin , Chen Haihong , Gao Shan , Xu Lei 
Published: February 2015

A laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) method was developed to obtain precise and accurate Pb isotopic ratio measurements in low‐Pb materials (< 10 μg g−1) using a combination of Faraday cups and ion counters (FC–IC). The low abundance 204Pb (~ 1.4%) was collected using an IC. A NBS 981 standard solution was used to cross‐calculate the FC–IC gain and to investigate the signal response characteristics of the IC. A significant, continuous and linear decrease in the FC–IC gain was observed within 1 hr, but this drift could be corrected using the calibrator‐sample‐calibrator bracketing method. In addition, a non‐linear response of the IC used in this study was observed and corrected by a non‐linear correction algorithm, which was established by measuring a series of gravimetrically prepared NBS 981 standard solutions (NIST SRM 981). Compared with the conventional arrangement, the use of the newly designed X skimmer cone and Jet sample cone improved the signal intensities from Pb isotopes by a factor of 1.9. Compared with only Faraday cups, using a combination FC–IC array was found to enhance the measurement repeatability (RSD) of 20xPb/204Pb by approximately one order of magnitude when the 204Pb intensity was < 8 mV. Eight natural glasses and the NIST SRM 612 reference material glass (as a calibration material) were measured to evaluate the new protocol for Pb isotope determination. The analytical results were in agreement with the reference values within 2s measurement uncertainties. For MPI‐DING ATHO‐G (5.67 μg g−1 total Pb), KL2‐G (2.07 μg g−1 total Pb) and ML3B‐G (1.38 μg g−1 total Pb), the typical accuracies of 20xPb/204Pb were 0.09% of preferred values with precisions of < 0.33% (2RSD). The Pb isotope ratios in feldspars from granodiorite and within mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) from the Fangshan pluton, North China, were measured using the present method. The Pb isotopic compositions of feldspars from the whole host granodiorite show that that are radiogenic in the margin zone and gradually become less radiogenic. For the MMEs, the Pb isotopic compositions of feldspars are highly variable and overlap with those of the whole host granodiorite. For single‐grain feldspar, the strong rim‐core‐rim variations of the Pb isotopic compositions and trace elements are interpreted to have been generated via magma mixing. These results suggest that the Fangshan pluton underwent magma mixing of mantle‐derived mafic magmas with felsic magmas, and the proportion of the mafic magma influx decreased over time.
Post‐ICU symptoms, consequences, and follow‐up: an integrative review
Authors: Svenningsen Helle , Langhorn Leanne , Ågård Anne Sophie , Dreyer Pia 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTAimTo determine the symptoms seen in patients after discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU) and the follow‐up programmes offered to help patients deal with the problems that arise after an ICU stay.BackgroundAn increasing number of people are discharged from an ICU to continued treatment, care and rehabilitation in general hospital wards, rehabilitation facilities and at home. A prolonged stay in an ICU is associated with stressful memories that have long‐term physical, mental and social consequences for health‐related quality of life. We therefore conducted a data search to identify the programmes that have attempted to cope with these consequences.Data sourcesSearches of six online databases were conducted in December 2013.Review methodsQualitative or quantitative, original, empirical studies on symptoms and consequences associated with ICU stay and the follow‐up programmes offered were reviewed. Excluded were studies in ICU patients younger than 18 years published in languages other than Scandinavian or English. We analysed original empirical studies according to symptoms, consequences and follow‐up programmes and added a category ‘new ideas’. This was done to identify any possible evolution in the programmes offered to patients after ICU care. The review of the literature and the critical analysis were summarized in a figure in order to join the different parts together into a logical, coherent whole.ConclusionsPatients discharged from an ICU are heterogeneous, with a wide array of physical, mental and social problems. They and their close relatives can benefit from returning together to the ICU or participating in follow‐up programmes. Little is known about the specific effects of the different types of follow‐up.Relevance to clinical practiceICU staff as well as other professionals should prepare patients and relatives for the fact that they may need various types of help for many months after discharge from the ICU, and an overview of national and local opportunities for help should be offered.
Freedom and Determinism: The Importance of Method
Authors: Leon Mark 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe question of the relation between freedom and determinism elicits contrasting intuitions. It is clear to incompatibilists that freedom requires the falsity of determinism. And it is clear to compatibilists that freedom is compatible with (certain) forms of determinism. Compatibilists and incompatibilists differ not only with respect to the content of their accounts, but also with respect to their “method”. Whereas, compatibilists could be represented as (typically) elucidating our ordinary notion of freedom, incompatibilists could be represented as (typically) offering a revision of that notion. I argue that if we get the methodological point right, we can be free and determined.
Natural Law and Normative Inclinations
Authors: Crowe Jonathan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNatural law ethics holds that practical rationality consists in engaging in non‐defective ways with a range of fundamental goods. These basic goods are characteristically presented as reflecting the natural properties of humans, but the details of this picture vary widely. This article argues that natural law ethics can usefully be understood as a type of dispositional theory of value, which identifies the basic goods with those objectives that humans are characteristically disposed to pursue and value for their own sake. Natural law theories of practical rationality can then be understood as attempts to capture the principles that would govern engagement with the basic goods under ideal conditions. The article begins by offering an account of normative inclinations as human dispositions both to act in certain ways and to believe that the actions are worthwhile or required. It then explores the implications of this account for natural law ethics, discussing the role of the basic goods in practical rationality, whether the goods may change over time and the connection between the goods and human nature.
Molecular targeted therapy in the treatment of advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Barr Kumarakulasinghe Nesaretnam , Zanwijk Nico van , Soo Ross A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHistorically, patients with advanced stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with chemotherapy alone, but a therapeutic plateau has been reached. Advances in the understanding of molecular genetics have led to the recognition of multiple molecularly distinct subsets of NSCLC. This in turn has led to the development of rationally directed molecular targeted therapy, leading to improved clinical outcomes. Tumour genotyping for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangement has meant chemotherapy is no longer given automatically as first‐line treatment but reserved for when patients do not have a ‘druggable’ driver oncogene. In this review, we will address the current status of clinically relevant driver mutations and emerging new molecular subsets in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and the role of targeted therapy and mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapy.
Systematic review of genetic association studies involving histologically confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wood Kayleigh L , Miller Michael H , Dillon John F 
Published: February 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has an increasing prevalence in Western countries, affecting up to 20% of the population.ObjectiveThe aim of this project was to systematically review and summarise the genetic association studies that investigate possible genetic influences that confer susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.DesignThe MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were searched to identify candidate gene studies on histologically diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.ResultsA total of 85 articles have been summarised and categorised on the basis of the general pathway each candidate gene is involved in, including lipid metabolism, lipoprotein processing, cholesterol synthesis, glucose homoeostasis, inflammatory response, protection against oxidative stress and whole body metabolism.ConclusionsThe main findings demonstrate a small but consistent association of PNPLA3 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Genetic association studies have investigated general disease susceptibility, histological characteristics, severity and progression. However, further study is required to better elucidate the genetic factors influencing fatty liver disease.
A Virtual Experience on the Very First Italian Computer
Authors: Cignoni Giovanni A. , Gadducci Fabio , Paci Stefano 
Published: February 2015

Despite their temporal proximity, the technologies of the early computers are far from us. Yet, they are part of the history of science and technology, and they deserve to be studied and popularized. Being machines made to run software programs, they should be exhibited running. Unfortunately, old machines still in working condition are extremely rare. Restoring or rebuilding an old computer is a hard, expensive task: the original components are rare, and the technology is forgotten and sometimes lost. The research needed to re-understand those computers has to adopt experimental archaeology methods: rebuilding old hardware/software requires proceeding by hypotheses and experiments.
However, a rebuilt or restored computer is a unique exemplar and a precious specimen: it is not suitable to let people interact with it. A more flexible solution is to use software simulations. First of all, simulation is a valuable tool to carry out the experiments needed to study past technology. Second, the simulators are virtual replicas that let people fully understand the old machines by interacting with them without jeopardizing those precious relics of the past.
This article presents the virtual rebuilding of the first computer made in Italy: the Macchina Ridotta (MR) of the University of Pisa. The MR was dismantled after few months of intensive usage to cannibalize the materials for a second computer. As a consequence, the MR disappeared from later chronicles and for many years was ignored by historians. When we attempted to reconstruct the MR history, we found that the survived documentation was far from complete. Simulation proved to be the key tool to support the experimental approach adopted for understanding the MR technology, rebuilding it, and assessing its achievements. The MR simulator is now used at the Museum of Computing Machinery of Pisa as a mean to truly experience a working session on the MR—a typical computer from the 1950s. The exhibit and the workshops, by exploiting the accurately reproduced characteristics of the MR, address popularization of computer science from several perspectives: from technological mechanisms to scientific foundations, passing through the representation of computers in popular culture.
What do you think?
Authors: Settle Amber 
Published: February 2015

As with last year's conferences, the organizers of SIGITE/RIIT 2014 asked conference attendees to complete an evaluation. There were 73 responses to the conference evaluation, for a 57% response rate. A majority of responses (38 or 52%) reported that they primarily attended SIGITE sessions. Eight respondents (11%) attended primarily RIIT sessions, twenty five (34%) attended both conferences equally, and two (3%) indicated other. All aspects of the program (papers, panel, workshops, lightning talks, the keynote, and the sponsor interactions) were rated at or above good, with the workshops and the lightning talks particularly praised with an average rating of very good. All aspects of the venue and facilities were rated at or above very good, indicating overwhelming support for the logistical execution of the conference. The web site, registration, and general organization were rated at or above good, and respondents felt that the proceedings were on average very good. The vast majority of respondents (54 or 76%) indicated that having access to the proceedings via the ACM Digital Library before and during the conference was helpful.
When asked in an open-ended question about the positive aspects of SIGITE/RIIT 2014, the people and networking opportunities as well as the quality of the papers were mentioned several times. The importance of being able to see what is happening in IT education and IT research was also mentioned as a positive. When asked how the conferences could be improved, several comments suggested improving the quality of the presentations and keynote. Changes to the structure of parallel sessions and the conference submission site were mentioned by a few respondents. Responses to the open-ended question asking what would make SIGITE/RIIT 2015 better conferences included an expansion of the size of the conferences, especially the number of paper presentations, the number and quality of keynote speakers, and the number of attendees. Suggestions were also made that more local opportunities, such as tours of the city or events related to local companies, be provided.
The SIGITE/RIIT conference organizers appreciate the feedback provided by the attendees of the 2014 conferences and plan to use the comments shared to improve the 2015 conferences.
Molecular Changes Associated with Acquired Resistance to Crizotinib in ROS1-Rearranged Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Song Ahnah , Kim Tae Min , Kim Dong-Wan , Kim Soyeon , Keam Bhumsuk , Lee Se-Hoon , Heo Dae Seog 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Although ROS1-rearranged non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is sensitive to crizotinib, development of resistance is inevitable. Here, we identified molecular alterations in crizotinib-resistant tumors from two NSCLC patients with the CD74–ROS1 rearrangement, and in HCC78 cells harboring SLC34A2–ROS1 that showed resistance to crizotinib (HCC78CR cells).
Experimental Design: ROS1 kinase domain mutations were examined in fresh tumor tissues from two NSCLC patients and HCC78CR1-3 cells by direct sequencing. Ba/F3 cells expressing ROS1 secondary mutations were constructed to evaluate resistance to crizotinib. An upregulated pathway was identified using phospho-receptor tyrosine kinase array, EGFR signaling antibody array, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Cell proliferation and ROS1 downstream signaling pathways were compared between HCC78 and HCC78CR1-3 cells.
Results: The ROS1 G2032R mutation was identified in crizotinib-resistant tumors from one patient. Furthermore, HCC78CR1 and CR2 cells harbored a novel ROS1 L2155S mutation (73.3% and 76.2%, respectively). ROS1 G2032R and L2155S mutations conferred resistance to crizotinib in Ba/F3 cells. Evidence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated vimentin was observed in HCC78CR1-2 cells and in the other patient. RNA-seq and EGFR signaling antibody array revealed that the EGFR pathway was significantly upregulated in HCC78CR3 versus HCC78 cells. Cells with the ROS1 mutation and upregulated EGFR were sensitive to foretinib, an inhibitor of c-MET, VEGFR2, and ROS1 and irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors plus crizotinib, respectively.
Conclusions: Molecular changes associated with acquired crizotinib resistance in ROS1-rearranged NSCLC are heterogeneous, including ROS1 tyrosine kinase mutations, EGFR activation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Clin Cancer Res; 21(10); 2379–87. ©2015 AACR.
Safety of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Katz David F. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Sauer William H. , Tzou Wendy S. , Heath Russell R. , Zipse Matthew M. , Aleong Ryan G. , Varosy Paul D. , Kao David P. 
Published: February 2015

Background—
Outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation have been described in clinical trials and single-center studies. We assessed the safety of VT ablation in clinical practice.

Methods and Results—

Using administrative hospitalization data between 1994 and 2011, we identified hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of VT (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 427.1) and cardiac ablation (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 37.34). We quantified in-hospital adverse events (AEs), including death, stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, pericardial complications, hematoma or hemorrhage, blood transfusion, or cardiogenic shock. Secondary outcomes included major AEs (stroke, tamponade, or death) and death. Multivariable mixed effects models identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with AEs. Of 9699 hospitalizations with VT ablations (age, 56.5±17.6; 60.1% men), AEs were reported in 825 (8.5%), major AEs in 295 (3.0%), and death in 110 (1.1%). Heart failure had the strongest association with death (odds ratio, 5.52; 95% confidence interval, 2.97–10.3) and major AE (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.15–4.16). Anemia (odds ratio, 4.84; 95% confidence interval, 3.79–6.19) and unscheduled admission (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–1.97) were associated with AEs. During the study period, incidence of AEs increased from 9.2% to 12.8% as did the burden of AE risk factors (0.034 patient/y;
P
<0.001). Hospital volume >25 cases/y was associated with fewer AEs compared with lower volume centers (6.4% versus 8.8%;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—
VT ablation–associated AE rates in clinical practice are similar to those reported in the literature. Over time rates have increased as have the number of AE risk factors per patient. Ablations done electively and at hospitals with higher procedural volume are associated with lower incidence of AEs.