bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreasing Trend in Mortality of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients After Introduction of Imatinib in Japan and the U.S.
Authors: Chihara Dai , Ito Hidemi , Matsuda Tomohiro , Katanoda Kota , Shibata Akiko , Saika Kumiko , Sobue Tomotaka , Matsuo Keitaro 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Purpose.
Although the impact of imatinib in improving survival outcomes in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients has been widely reported, its impact on mortality from CML has not been evaluated. A survival benefit demonstrated in clinical trials does not simply translate to a decrease in mortality. To evaluate the impact of imatinib on the public health, we estimated the age-standardized mortality rate of CML patients in Japan and the U.S. using vital statistics data for Japan and data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute for the U.S.

Patients and Methods.
The period covered in this analysis is 1993–2008, during which 64,203 patients in Japan and 26,888 patients in nine registries in the U.S. died as a result of CML. We used joinpoint regression analysis to evaluate the significance of trends in mortality.

Results.
Estimated age-standardized mortality rates decreased significantly in both countries after the availability of imatinib. The annual percent changes (95% confidence interval) in the U.S. were −12.3% (−14.8% to −9.7%) for men and −11.6% (−13.1% to −10.1%) for women. In Japan, these were −20.8% (−36.2% to −1.6%) for men and −15.6% (−18.8% to −12.2%) for women. The period of change in the mortality trend seems to correlate with the period in which imatinib appeared in the two countries. The CML mortality rate in 2008 was nearly 30% that of the 1993 level.

Conclusion.
This is one example of the advent of a single new drug changing the picture of a single disease, CML. These results may encourage further development of drugs based on the concept of molecular targeting.
Moving Beyond Student Ratings: A Balanced Scorecard Approach for Evaluating Teaching Performance
Authors: Hughes K. E. (Skip) , Pate Gwen R. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT:This position paper proposes a viable alternative to higher education's current focus on student ratings as the primary metric for summative teaching evaluations (i.e., for personnel decisions). In contrast to the divergent opinions among educational researchers about the validity of student ratings, a strong consensus exists that summative measures derived from the student ratings process represent a necessary rather than a sufficient source for evaluating teaching performance (Cashin 1990; Berk 2005). Accordingly, to more completely describe annual teaching performance, we propose a multisource, multiple-perspective Teaching Balanced Scorecard (TBSC), fashioned from the “classic” Balanced Scorecard developed by Kaplan and Norton (1992a). The TBSC can guide academic administrators to expand their conceptual view of teaching performance beyond the boundaries of the classroom, while coherently communicating the department's teaching expectations to the faculty; consistent with this proposition, we provide supporting evidence from a successful TBSC implementation in an academic department.
Pancreatic Steatosis and Its Relationship to β-Cell Dysfunction in Humans
Authors: Szczepaniak Lidia S. , Victor Ronald G. , Mathur Ruchi , Nelson Michael D. , Szczepaniak Edward W. , Tyer Nicole , Chen Ida , Unger Roger H. , Bergman Richard N. , Lingvay Ildiko 
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate racial/ethnic differences in pancreatic triglyceride (TG) levels and their relationship to β-cell dysfunction in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied black, Hispanic, and white adults who completed three research visits: screening and an oral glucose tolerance test; frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests for evaluation of β-cell function and insulin resistance; and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy for evaluation of pancreatic and hepatic TG levels.

RESULTS
Pancreatic TG levels were higher in Hispanics and whites than in blacks (P = 0.006). Hepatic TG levels were highest in Hispanics (P = 0.004). Compensatory insulin secretion and disposition index were higher in blacks (P = 0.003 and P = 0.024, respectively). Insulin sensitivity was comparable between Hispanics and blacks and was lower than in whites (P = 0.005). In blacks, compensatory insulin secretion increased steeply with small increments in pancreatic TG levels (R2 = 0.45, slope = 247). In whites, the range of pancreatic TG levels was higher, and the slope was less steep than in blacks (R2 = 0.27, slope = 27). In Hispanics, pancreatic TG levels were similar to those of whites, but compensatory insulin secretion was described by a combination of pancreatic and hepatic TG levels and visceral fat mass ( R2 = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS
In a multiethnic sample of adults with mild obesity and without diabetes, we found striking ethnic differences in the levels of pancreatic TGs and in the relationship between pancreatic TGs and β-cell dysfunction. Our data implicate pancreatic TG content measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a noninvasive novel biomarker for pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, especially in the Hispanic population.
Assessment of the sensitivity of the southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth (Peloponnese, Greece) to sea-level rise
Authors: Karymbalis Efthimios , Chalkias Christos , Chalkias George , Grigoropoulou Eleni , Manthos George , Ferentinou Maria 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The eustatic sea-level rise due to global warming is predicted to reach approximately 18–59 cm by the year 2100, which necessitates the identification and protection of sensitive sections of coastline. In this study, the classification of the southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth according to the sensitivity to the anticipated future sealevel rise is attempted by applying the Coastal Sensitivity Index (CSI), with variable ranges specifically modified for the coastal environment of Greece, utilizing GIS technology. The studied coastline has a length of 148 km and is oriented along the WNW-ESE direction. CSI calculation involves the relation of the following physical variables, associated with the sensitivity to long-term sea-level rise, in a quantifiable manner: geomorphology, coastal slope, relative sea-level rise rate, shoreline erosion or accretion rate, mean tidal range and mean wave height. For each variable, a relative risk value is assigned according to the potential magnitude of its contribution to physical changes on the coast as the sea-level rises. Every section of the coastline is assigned a risk ranking based on each variable, and the CSI is calculated as the square root of the product of the ranked variables divided by the total number of variables. Subsequently, a CSI map is produced for the studied coastline. This map showed that an extensive length of the coast (57.0 km, corresponding to 38.7% of the entire coastline) is characterized as highly and very highly sensitive primarily due to the low topography, the presence of erosionsusceptible geological formations and landforms and fast relative sea-level rise rates. Areas of high and very high CSI values host socio-economically important land uses and activities.
Impact of the azores front propagation on deep ocean particle flux
Authors: Fründt Birte , Waniek Joanna 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The Azores Current originating as a branch of the Gulf Stream is a highly dynamic system in the subtropical North Atlantic. The associated front forms the northeastern boundary of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. In this study we analyzed 42 years of assimilated modeled temperature fields to localize the position of the Azores Front at 22°W and observed a fast north- and southward propagation between 30°N and 37°N on monthly to decadal time scales. The North Atlantic Oscillation with correlated changes of the wind direction was identified as one driving mechanism. As the front is acting as a guide for Rossby waves, the signal of the front’s propagation is transferred to the western Atlantic and, among other atmospheric forcing mechanisms, induces a shifting of the Northern Wall of the Gulf Stream with one year delay. Shallower mixed layer depths in the northern frontal region of the Azores Current caused by the rise of the isotherms lead to nutrient supply and primary production different from those found in the southern frontal region of the current system. A high interannual variability is manifested in deep ocean particle flux, derived from a sediment trap in 2000 m water depth at the mooring site KIEL276 (33°N, 22°W) from 1993 to 2008, which is directly related to the phytoplankton bloom in the euphotic zone. This variability is explained by the propagation of the front and strong variations in the catchment areas of the sediment trap due to the associated eddy activity in the frontal region.
Morphology for Image Processing. Part I
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Byliński Czesław , Wasaki Katsumi 
Published: September 2012

Morphology for Image Processing. Part I
In this article we defined mathematical morphology image processing with set operations. First, we defined Minkowski set operations and proved their properties. Next, we defined basic image processing, dilation and erosion proving basic fact about them [5], [8].
Somatic measurements and their use in establishing reference values
Authors: Stupnicki Romuald 
Published: September 2012

Somatic measurements and their use in establishing reference values
Reference values (norms) of many somatic variables are indispensable in diverse areas, e.g. medicine, sports, armed forces, etc. Such norms are usually presented as means and standard deviations or as lower/upper limits for various age categories of given sex and mostly represent population values instead of being related to body size.
The aim of this paper is to present the most common errors in the process of establishing norms, not only those related to somatic measurements. A set of rules is proposed that may greatly facilitate that process and make the resulting norms rational and reliable.
Compilation of the regional quasigeoid model for New Zealand using the discretised integral-equation approach
Authors: Abdalla A. , Tenzer R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe evaluate the new regional quasigeoid model (OTG12) for New Zealand using the method which utilises the discretised integral equation approach for computing the near-zone contribution. The far-zone contribution is computed by modified spherical harmonics of the geopotential. Adopting the remove-compute-restore computation scheme, the near- and far-zone contributions are computed for the residual height anomalies, while the reference height anomalies are evaluated using a global gravitational model. For the numerical realisation, the GOCO-02S coefficients complete to degree 55 of spherical harmonics are used to generate the reference gravity field. The 1×1 arc-min grid data of terrestrial gravity anomalies are used to compute the near-zone contribution. The far-zone contribution is evaluated using the EGM2008 coefficients at the frequency bound between degrees 56 and 2160 of spherical harmonics. The newly-adjusted levelling data are used to validate the available regional geoid/quasigeoid models. The accuracy assessment of gravimetric solutions at GNSS-levelling testing network reveals that the accuracy of OTG12 is compatible with the existing regional geoid/quasigeoid models; the standard deviation (STD) of residuals between the geometric and gravimetric height anomalies is 13 cm (after applying the 3-parameter correction model).
Spectrum of diseases in a medical ward of a teaching hospital in a developing country
Authors: Pokharel BR , Humagain S , Pant P , Gurung R , Koju R , Bedi TRS 
Published: September 2012

Communicable and respiratory tract diseases especially chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are the main reasons of admission in medical ward of low and middle income countries. This is different from the developed countries where non communicable diseases are the main reasons of hospital admission. In developing countries the data of hospital admission are still lacking. Therefore this study will help us to assess the common patterns of diseases admitted in a medical ward, the average length of hospital stay etc. The record of 1040 hospitalized patients in medical ward was analyzed for the period of six months from Jan 2010 to Jun 2010. Patient’s medical records were retrieved and data analysis was done to obtain age, sex, common diagnosis, the affected system and the duration of the hospital stay. The data was analyzed by using SPSSV 16. After reviewing the data the most common age of patients being admitted were between 46-65 years (31.5%) followed by more than 65 years (25%) between 26-45 years (21.28%) and less than 25 years (21.28%). Among the admitted patients females were more than the males except in neurolog ward. The most effected system was respiratory (31.73 %),and the most common diagnosis was Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (23.17%). The next common system involved was gastroenterology including liver (18.64%) ,genitourinary (12.01%), cardiovascular ( 11.34%), neurology (9.23%), endocrine (4.80%) hematology (2.30%). The cause for hospital admission by infection in different system was (30.08%) The average duration of hospital stay of the patients was less than 7 days. The respiratory diseases and the infectious disease are the most common disease in Nepal. The communicable diseases still hold a greater position, while non communicable diseases are main reasons for admission to the medical wards in developed countries. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 7-11 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6831
Computed tomography scan in the evaluation of patients with stroke
Authors: Chhetri PK , Raut S 
Published: September 2012

Cerebrovascular accident is a frequent cause of death and disability in most parts of the globe. The incidence of cerebrovascular diseases increases with age and the number of strokes is projected to increase as the elderly population grows. This study was undertaken to determine the type of stroke and also to relate the risks factors associated with stroke. Hundred consecutive patients presenting with stroke in the emergency department / neurology clinic were subjected to computed tomography scan of the brain. Sixty – four patients had ischemic infarct and 36 had intracranial hemorrhage which included 2 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 1 with underlying cavernous angioma. Ischemic stroke was thus commoner than hemorrhagic stroke. Previous infarct or lacunes were noted in 25 % of the patients presenting with stroke. Risk factors were present in most (77 %) of the patients presenting with stroke. Among the various risk factors, the single most common was smoking seen in 38 cases, followed by hypertension in 28 cases, obesity in 8 cases and diabetes in 3 cases. Twenty- one patients had multiple combinations of the above risk factors. Among the multiple risk factors, combination of alcohol and smoking was the commonest seen in 11 cases, followed by hypertension and obesity in 8 cases and alcohol with obesity in 2 cases. Change in lifestyle and eating habits may thus help reduce the incidence of stroke. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 24-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6834
Early experience of laparoscopic varicocelectomy in College of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, Bhartpur, Nepal
Authors: Agarwal A , Sigdel G , Lamichhane N , Belokar WK 
Published: September 2012

Varicocele is dilatation of pampiniform plexus of veins in the scrotum. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is gaining popularity since its introduction in 1990s. We present our experience of laparoscopic varicocelectomy in College of Medical sciences, Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. Ten patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy between Jan 2009 to July 2010. The mean age of patients was 25.7 (range, 14 to 38) years. All varicoceles were detected clinically and confirmed by scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography. The varicocele was left sided in 6 (60%) and bilateral in 4 cases(40%). The surgical indications were scrotal pain and discomfort in 8, infertility in 1, and both in 1. Mean operation time was 50 ± 22 minutes (range, 35-110). Following operation 6 patients were symptom free immediately and remaining 2 patients also became asymptomatic on 15 days followup. Both patients of infertility, lost follow up, post operatively. Neither recurrent varicocele nor hydrocele was detected with a mean follow-up of 13 months. All patients were discharged within 24 hours postoperatively. Every attempt was made to preserve spermatic artery and lymphatic vessel. The procedure is safe and effective. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 32-36 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6835
A rare case of giant urethral calculus and multiple urethral diverticulum
Authors: Agarwal A , Sigdel G , Belokar WK 
Published: September 2012

Urethral stones in adults are rare and usually encountered with urethral stricture or diverticulum. We report a 54 years old gentleman who presented with urinary retention due to a large urethral calculus impacted in bulbar urethra with multiple stones in anterior and posterior urethral diverticulum. On examination a mass of size 5.5cmx4cmx3cm was palpable at anterior perineum with a fistulous tract from which pus was oozing out. On retrograde urethrogram a large urethral calculus with bulbar diverticulum and multiple radio opacity in prostatic area were revealed. Patient was managed by suprapubic cystostomy initially and later on by external urethrotomy, diverticulectomy, urethroscopic removal of multiple stones in prostatic urethral diverticulum and urethroplasty. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 46-48 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6838
Cubitus varus in adults correction with lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with posterior plating
Authors: Pandey S , Shrestha A , Dhakal S , Neupane G , Regmi AP 
Published: September 2012

To share the result of lateral closing wedge osteotomy and fixation with posterior reconstruction plate in correction of cubitus varus in adults. It is a retrospective case analysis of 8 cases of cubitus varus in adult treated with lateral closing wedge osteotomy through posterior triceps retracting approach. Internal fixation was done with two posterior reconstruction plates. All cases were from 15 to 29 years of age (mean 22.3 ) with 3 female and 5 male. All had cubitus varus ranging from 15- 28 deg (mean 20.16 deg) due to childhood malunited supracondylar fracture of humerus. Indication for operation was cosmetic reason only. Follow up duration was 4-22 months (mean 12.5 months). All the osteotomy united clinically in mean duration of 9 weeks ( range 8-12 weeks) with mean carrying angle 8.33 degree in postoperative phase. There was no loss of motion, no loss of fixation, no surgical site infection, nonunion or neurovascular deficit. Lateral closing wedge corrective osteotomy and fixation with posterior reconstruction plate is easy technique with satisfactory result in correction of cubitus varus in adults. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 49-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6839
Catheter based renal sympathetic denervaton: treatment option for resistant hypertension
Authors: Dhital BM , Mao Ou Yang , Deep JP , Rauniyar VK 
Published: September 2012

Essential hypertension being a major public health problem with an atrocious toll. Furthermore resistant hypertension has increased morbidity and mortality in spite of using three or more antihypertensive medication, including one diuretic at their optimal doses to achieve the target blood pressure. Renal artery with its sympathetic afferent and efferent nerve signaling has substantial role in elevating and sustaining blood pressure. Blunting the overt sympathetic activity, catheter based renal sympathetic nerve denervation has become new treatment approach for the treatment of resistant hypertension. So in this review we address the current aspect and development of renal sympathetic denervation in the management of difficult to control hypertension. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 58-63 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6841
Inhibitors of DNA Binding Proteins Restrict T Cell Potential by Repressing Notch1 Expression in Flt3-Negative Common Lymphoid Progenitors
Authors: Pereira de Sousa Ana , Berthault Claire , Granato Alessandra , Dias Sheila , Ramond Cyrille , Kee Barbara L. , Cumano Ana , Vieira Paulo 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Lineage commitment is regulated during hematopoiesis, with stepwise loss of differentiation potential ultimately resulting in lineage commitment. In this study we describe a novel population of B/NK bipotent precursors among common lymphoid progenitors in the fetal liver and the bone marrow. The absence of T cell precursor potential, both in vivo and in vitro, is due to low Notch1 expression and secondary to inhibition of E2A activity by members of the inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) protein family. Our results demonstrate a new, Id protein-dependent, molecular mechanism of Notch1 repression, operative in both fetal and adult common lymphoid progenitors, where T cell potential is selectively inhibited without affecting either the B or NK programs. This study identifies Id proteins as negative regulators of T cell specification, before B and NK commitment, and provides important insights into the transcriptional networks orchestrating hematopoiesis.
Chronic Beryllium Disease, HLA-DPB1, and the DP Peptide Binding Groove
Authors: Silveira Lori J. , McCanlies Erin C. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Van Dyke Michael V. , Mroz Margaret M. , Strand Matthew , Fontenot Andrew P. , Bowerman Natalie , Dabelea Dana M. , Schuler Christine R. , Weston Ainsley , Maier Lisa A. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Multiple epidemiologic studies demonstrate associations between chronic beryllium disease (CBD), beryllium sensitization (BeS), and HLA-DPB1 alleles with a glutamic acid residue at position 69 (E69). Results suggest that the less-frequent E69 variants (non-*0201/*0202 alleles) might be associated with greater risk of CBD. In this study, we sought to define specific E69-carrying alleles and their amino acid sequences in the DP peptide binding groove, as well as their relationship to CBD and BeS risk, using the largest case control study to date. We enrolled 502 BeS/CBD subjects and 653 beryllium-exposed controls from three beryllium industries who gave informed consent for participation. Non-Hispanic white cases and controls were frequency-matched by industry. HLA-DPB1 genotypes were determined using sequence-specific primer PCR. The E69 alleles were tested for association with disease individually and grouped by amino acid structure using logistic regression. The results show that CBD cases were more likely than controls to carry a non-*02 E69 allele than an *02 E69, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) ranging from 3.1 (2.1–4.5) to 3.9 (2.6–5.9) (p &lt; 0.0001). Polymorphic amino acids at positions 84 and 11 were associated with CBD: DD versus GG, 2.8 (1.8–4.6), p &lt; 0.0001; GD versus GG, 2.1 (1.5–2.8), p &lt; 0.0001; LL versus GG, 3.2 (1.8–5.6), p &lt; 0.0001; GL versus GG, 2.8 (2.1–3.8), p &lt; 0.0001. Similar results were found within the BeS group and CBD/BeS combined group. We conclude that the less frequent E69 alleles confer more risk for CBD than does *0201. Recent studies examining how the composition and structure of the binding pockets influence peptide binding in MHC genes, as well of studies showing the topology of the TCR to likely bind DPB1 preferentially, give plausible biological rationale for these findings.