bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quinacrine Overcomes Resistance to Erlotinib by Inhibiting FACT, NF-κB, and Cell-Cycle Progression in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dermawan Josephine Kam Tai , Gurova Katerina , Pink John , Dowlati Afshin , De Sarmishtha , Narla Goutham , Sharma Neelesh , Stark George R. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In these patients, erlotinib prolongs survival but its benefit remains modest because many tumors express wild-type (wt) EGFR or develop a second-site EGFR mutation. To test drug combinations that could improve the efficacy of erlotinib, we combined erlotinib with quinacrine, which inhibits the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex that is required for NF-κB transcriptional activity. In A549 (wtEGFR), H1975 (EGFR-L858R/T790M), and H1993 (MET amplification) NSCLC cells, this drug combination was highly synergistic, as quantified by Chou–Talalay combination indices, and slowed xenograft tumor growth. At a sub-IC50 but more clinically attainable concentration of erlotinib, quinacrine, alone or in combination with erlotinib, significantly inhibited colony formation and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Quinacrine decreased the level of active FACT subunit SSRP1 and suppressed NF-κB–dependent luciferase activity. Knockdown of SSRP1 decreased cell growth and sensitized cells to erlotinib. Moreover, transcriptomic profiling showed that quinacrine or combination treatment significantly affected cell-cycle–related genes that contain binding sites for transcription factors that regulate SSRP1 target genes. As potential biomarkers of drug combination efficacy, we identified genes that were more strongly suppressed by the combination than by single treatment, and whose increased expression predicted poorer survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. This preclinical study shows that quinacrine overcomes erlotinib resistance by inhibiting FACT and cell-cycle progression, and supports a clinical trial testing erlotinib alone versus this combination in advanced NSCLC. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(9); 2203–14. ©2014 AACR.
Adjustments in the Forcing-Feedback Framework for Understanding Climate Change
Authors: Sherwood Steven C. , Bony Sandrine , Boucher Olivier , Bretherton Chris , Forster Piers M. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Stevens Bjorn 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The traditional forcing–feedback framework has provided an indispensable basis for discussing global climate changes. However, as analysis of model behavior has become more detailed, shortcomings and ambiguities in the framework have become more evident, and physical effects unaccounted for by the traditional framework have become interesting. In particular, the new concept of adjustments, which are responses to forcings that are not mediated by the global-mean temperature, has emerged. This concept, related to the older ones of climate efficacy and stratospheric adjustment, is a more physical way of capturing unique responses to specific forcings. We present a pedagogical review of the adjustment concept, why it is important, and how it can be used. The concept is particularly useful for aerosols, where it helps to organize what has become a complex array of forcing mechanisms. It also helps clarify issues around cloud and hydrological response, transient versus equilibrium climate change, and geoengineering.
A Simple Analytical Model of the Nocturnal Low-Level Jet over the Great Plains of the United States
Authors: Du Yu , Rotunno Richard 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
A simple analytical model including both diurnal thermal forcing over sloping terrain (the “Holton” mechanism) and diurnally varying boundary layer friction (the “Blackadar” mechanism) is developed to account for the observed amplitude and phase of the low-level jet (LLJ) over the Great Plains and to understand better the role of each mechanism. The present model indicates that, for the pure Holton mechanism (time-independent friction coefficient), the maximum southerly wind speed occurs (depending on the assumed friction coefficient) between sunset and midnight local standard time, which is earlier than the observed after-midnight maximum. For the pure Blackadar mechanism (time-independent thermal forcing), the present model shows that generally occurs later (closer to sunrise) than observed and has a strong latitudinal dependence. For both mechanisms combined, the present model indicates that occurs near to the observed time, which lies between the time obtained in the pure Holton mechanism and the time obtained in the pure Blackadar mechanism; furthermore, is larger (and closer to that observed) than in each one considered individually. The amplitude and phase of the LLJ as a function of latitude can be obtained by the combined model by allowing for the observed latitude-dependent mean and diurnally varying thermal forcing.
The effect of washing treatments on the sensory properties of denim fabric
Authors: Abdelfattah Halleb Naima , Sahnoun Mehdi , Cheikhrouhou Mourched 
Published: July 2014

Several processes in textile finishing involve a modification on fabric sensorial and mechanical properties. This paper tries to evaluate the effect of four different washes on the denim fabric tactile properties using a sensory analysis. The studied washes were rinse, stone1, stone2 and stone bleach. The tactile sensory properties of washed denim fabrics were assessed by a trained panel composed of 10 assessors. The 10 panelists were selected from 15 assessors after a training program, during which their performance in terms of repeatability was controlled to decrease the variability of the provided measurements. This trained panel assessed 16 sensory attributes already selected to find out the differences between the washed samples. Analyses of variance and principal components analyses were carried out to define the most pertinent attributes, which allows one to find out the difference between the washed samples. It was found that the change of washed denim fabric handle depends on the washing intensity and it is more important in the case of normal finishing than the fifties finishing. There have been some studies in which the influences of some washing and special treatments on the mechanical and physical properties of denim fabrics were determined. This paper identifies the most important tactile sensory properties that are influenced by industrial washings for the denim fabric. In addition, this paper represents the progressive changes of the handle that occur on treating the denim fabric with various washings.
Developing a new librarian
Authors: de Jager Karin , Nassimbeni Mary , Crowster Nikki 
Published: July 2014

This is a report and evaluation of a project specifically intended to enhance mid-career librarians’ understanding of the research process, to encourage their willingness and ability to support research in their own libraries and to motivate them to participate in the knowledge production enterprise in their own institutions. Outcomes of the project were viewed through the lens of change theory to see whether any demonstrable changes had been effected. The programme was conducted with 25 participants in July 2012 and focused on the research landscape and scholarly communication in South Africa, and on an understanding of the challenges inherent in the world of the researcher. The skills sets required of research librarians were identified, and opportunities were provided for participants to participate in some of them. Participants’ feedback was requested after each presentation and an online exit survey was completed in participants own time shortly after the programme. Further evaluations were conducted six and 15 months after the intervention and the results are discussed. From the findings it was possible to conclude that a project such as this could produce some evidence of actual knowledge production as well as enhance collaboration between librarians and researchers. Note: An earlier, shorter report of this project reflecting the first phase of the study was presented at the 34th Annual IATUL (International Association of Technological University Libraries) Conference in Cape Town in 2013.
Can the Alexander Technique improve balance and mobility in older adults with visual impairments? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gleeson Michael , Sherrington Catherine , Lo Serigne , Keay Lisa 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To investigate the impact of Alexander Technique lessons on balance and mobility in older adults with visual impairments. Design: Randomized assessor blinded controlled trial with intervention and usual care control groups. Setting: Participants’ homes. Subjects: A total of 120 community-dwellers aged 50+ with visual impairments. Intervention: Twelve weeks of Alexander lessons and usual care. Main outcome measures: Short Physical Performance Battery items were primary outcomes at 3 months and secondary outcomes at 12 months. Additional secondary outcomes were postural sway, maximal balance range and falls over 12 months. Results: Between-group differences in primary outcomes were not significant. The intervention group reduced postural sway on a firm surface with eyes open at 3 months after adjusting for baseline values (–29.59 mm, 95%CI −49.52 to −9.67, P < 0.01). Planned sub-group analyses indicated a greater intervention effect among past multiple-fallers (2+) than non-multiple fallers for gait speed ( P = 0.02) and step length ( P < 0.01) at 3 months and chair stand at 12 months ( P < 0.01). There was a non-significant reduction in falls rate (IRR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.34 to 1.15, P = 0.13) and injurious falls (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.30, P = 0.20) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The intervention did not have a significant impact on the primary outcomes but benefits for the intervention group in postural sway, trends towards fewer falls and injurious falls and improved mobility among past multiple-fallers suggest further investigation of the Alexander Technique is warranted.
Does the speed of the treadmill influence the training effect in people learning to walk after stroke? A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee In-Hee 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of high-speed treadmill training and progressive treadmill training for stroke patients. Design: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants: A total of 61 ambulatory stroke patients. Interventions: Patients in both groups underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes with conventional intervention. The progressive training group ( n = 31) was trained to walk on a treadmill with a stepwise increase of speed over the treatment period. The high-speed training group ( n = 30) trained to begin at 1.2–1.3 m/s, which is faster than the mean speed of stroke patients. All participants underwent 20 training sessions for five weeks. Main measures: Timed up-and-go test, 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, and both step lengths and cadence. Results: There were significant improvements in the results of the timed up-and-go test (−1.96 vs. −5.02 seconds), 10-m walk test (0.30 vs. 0.47 m/s), 6-minute walk test (38.35 vs. 64.40 m), and in the step length of the affected side (0.14 vs. 0.19 m) and the unaffected side (0.10 vs. 0.12 m) in the high-speed training group compared with those in the progressive training group ( p < 0.05). Step width was not changed in either group ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that high-speed training is an effective method for improving the walking ability of stroke patients.
Effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in improving emotional and functional status in hearing or visually impaired older adults: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Roets-Merken Lieve M , Draskovic Irena , Zuidema Sytse U , van Erp Willemijn S , Graff Maud JL , Kempen Gertrudis IJM , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra JFJ 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of non-equipment based rehabilitation interventions for older adults with an age-related hearing or visual impairment. Data sources: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Review methods: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. Controlled studies with more than 80% of participants aged ≥ 55 years and with rehabilitation interventions either separately or in combination with technical device provision were included. Meta-analyses were undertaken for the primary outcomes: emotional status, functional status, self-efficacy and social participation. All studies were categorized into 3 subgroups of intervention approaches (cognitive restructuring, education, and problem-solving), and subgroup analysis was performed. Results: Fourteen studies were identified: six on hearing impairment and eight on visual impairment, involving 1622 sensory impaired participants (mean age 70). Methodological quality of the studies was modest. Eight studies offered data for meta-analysis. No significant effects in favour of interventions on either emotional or functional status, self-efficacy, or social participation were found. In the subgroup analysis, only the problem-solving approach showed a positive effect on emotional status. Conclusions: This review found no effects of non-equipment based rehabilitation interventions on emotional and functional status, self-efficacy, and social participation. However, subgroup analysis showed problem-solving as a potential effective approach for positively affecting emotional status.
The African Aesthetic Experience: Current Situation and Philosophical View
Authors: Lalèyê Issiaka Prosper L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThanks to the current communication and information technologies, it is now possible to create a virtual space where a sincere dialogue could take place between African and non-African philosophers. All of them were educated to free thinking and to respecting the freedom of their interlocutors. This is the way how they will be able to build not only a philosophia africana but also the African philosophy.
Scaffolding Versus Routine Support for Latina/o Youth in an Urban School
Authors: Athanases Steven Z. , de Oliveira Luciana C. 
Published: July 2014

Scaffolding is widely referenced in educational literature and practice, in literacy education in particular, but often in reductive ways. Scaffolding is key for diverse youth in high-need settings, but few studies examine complexities and tensions of scaffolding in practice. This study asked how, if at all, teachers at a California high school with a mission to prepare urban, low-income, mostly Latina/o youth for academics and college admission enacted scaffolding to help students, many of them English learners, achieve academic goals. Drawing upon school and classroom data collected over a year and a half, including videorecorded observations, interviews, and student work samples, the study used observation instruments and qualitative analyses to answer questions using two teacher cases. Considering scaffolding for whom, teachers supported students they hoped to see achieve but whom they felt needed many supports, given histories of low test scores and some academic failure. In scaffolding for what purpose(s), much attention was devoted to scaffolding basic and intermediate levels of literacy activity, with less evidence of scaffolding disciplinary literacy and higher-order thinking. For scaffolding how, planned scaffolds of sequenced activities dominated, with promising examples of interactional scaffolds. One teacher case illustrates routine support, while the second illustrates scaffolding aligned with core elements of contingency, fading, and transfer of responsibility and with use of sociocultural dimensions of learning. The study highlights promise and tensions in scaffolding learning for Latino/a students in one urban public high school, with implications for teaching youth of color in low-income settings, teaching English learners, and preparing teachers for this work.
Fatigue and Physical Activity After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Crane Patricia B. , Abel Willie M. , McCoy Thomas P. 
Published: July 2014

Background: Fatigue is prevalent after myocardial infarction (MI) and is a barrier to physical activity (PA). Because PA is an important health behavior in preventing or delaying recurrent MIs, examining the influence of biophysical markers and fatigue on PA is important as a prerequisite to developing effective interventions. Objective: This study compared PA in 34 men and 38 women, aged 65 and older, 6–8 months post MI, and examined the influence of biophysiological measures and fatigue on PA in this sample. Methods: Using a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design, adults completed a demographic form that included documentation of blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight; the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS), and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, and blood collection for measurement of hemoglobin (Hgb), interleukin-6, and B-natriuretic peptide. Results: There were no differences in frequency of PA between older men and older women; however, men reported a higher intensity of PA ( p = .011). When controlling for sex, age, and biophysiological measures, the RPFS significantly explained 16% of the variance in the frequency of PA ( p = .03), with no individual subscale serving as a significant predictor. The RPFS behavior/severity subscale explained 31% of the variance in energy expended on all PA ( p < .001) and 40% of the variance in energy expended on moderate-intensity PA ( p < .001). Conclusion: The older adults participating in this study did not participate in the recommended levels of PA, and fatigue significantly influenced PA post MI.
Is cardiorespiratory fitness a determinant of cardiomyopathy in the setting of type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Sénéchal Martin , Ayers Colby R , Szczepaniak Lidia S , Gore M Odette , See Raphael , Abdullah Shuaib M , Berry Jarett D , McGuire Darren K , McGavock Jonathan M 
Published: July 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether high fitness attenuates the defects in left ventricular (LV) structure, function and triglyceride (TG) content in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and methods: Patients ( n = 74) with T2DM and ≥1 additional cardiac risk factor were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Outcome measures of interest were LV structure and function by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and myocardial TG content by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The primary exposure variable was cardiorespiratory fitness defined by peak oxygen consumption scaled to fat-free mass (FFM; VO2peak-FFM). Results: Mean age was 53.5 years; 42.9% were women and mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.0% with the mean duration of T2DM 8.2 years. VO2peak-FFM was crudely associated with both LV end systolic ( r = 0.35, p = 0.002) and diastolic volumes ( r = 0.32, p = 0.004), but not with ejection fraction ( r = −0.15, p = 0.206), myocardial TG ( r = −0.04, p = 0.734) or early diastolic peak filling rate (PFR; r = −0.01, p = 0.887). In multiple linear regression analyses, among measures of LV structure/function, VO2peak-FFM was independently associated only with LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) ( β = 1.037, p = 0.038). Conclusion: In individuals with T2DM at increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, cardiorespiratory fitness is not associated with LV morphology, function or myocardial TG content.
Surgical management of great saphenous vein varicose veins: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lynch Noel P , Clarke M , Fulton Greg J 
Published: July 2014

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesise the available evidence of randomised controlled trials comparing endovenous laser therapy to traditional open surgery, high ligation and stripping, for the treatment of great saphenous vein varicose veins in terms of clinical effectiveness, patient satisfaction and peri-operative complications. Methods MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials comparing endovenous laser therapy to high ligation and stripping that used ultrasound examination as an outcome measure and had follow up of one year or more were included. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias was also used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used as the measure of effect for each dichotomous outcome. Findings Nine eligible publications relating to six randomised controlled trials were identified. The total enrolment of the studies was 1289 limbs. The clinical efficacy of endovenous laser therapy is comparable to that of surgery in the relatively short follow up period described in the studies. Meta-analysis revealed a trend towards a higher risk of ultrasound recurrence after endovenous laser therapy at 12 months. Quality of life questionnaires reveal similar outcomes for endovenous laser therapy and surgery. There is low quality evidence to suggest surgery is associated with more pain, sensory complications and infection. Conclusion Endovenous laser therapy is a safe alternative to traditional open surgery. There is some weak evidence to suggest that endovenous laser therapy has a higher risk of ultrasound-detected recurrence at 12 months following treatment compared to open surgery. However, it may be associated with less sensory complications, pigmentation and infection.
Audit of healthy lifestyle behaviors among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending ambulatory health care services in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Baynouna Latifa Mohammed , Neglekerke Nico J. D. , Ali Habiba E. , ZeinAlDeen Sana M. , Al Ameri Thuraya A. 
Published: July 2014

Background: Knowledge is limited on healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with diabetes and hypertension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objective: To examine healthy lifestyle behaviors and their associations with glycemic and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension and diabetes, and improvement after the implementation of an intervention in a Chronic Disease Program. Subjects: All patients with diabetes or hypertension attending seven primary health care centers in Al Ain, UAE during a designated three-week period in July and August 2009. Method: Nurses conducted an audit of patients’ adherence to health lifestyle behaviors related to meal planning, smoking, exercise, blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring at home, and foot and eye exams in the Chronic Disease Program clinics after a self-management intervention. A perceived knowledge score and discussion scores (based on the frequency the patients discuss diabetes and hypertension management issues with their providers) were calculated. Data were analyzed using linear regression and odds ratios. Results: Patients reported acceptable rates of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, including a low smoking rate (6% in males), following a meal plan and exercising (88.6% and 78.7%, respectively). Among patients with diabetes, 59% tested their blood glucose levels at least once a week compared to only 15.3% of those with hypertension monitoring their blood pressure levels at home. Only 33% of the participants were following the current physical activity recommendations. Healthy lifestyle behaviors fell into the following clusters: meal planning with exercise (odds ratio (OR): 8.9 [3.3–23.7]), meal planning with foot exams (OR: 10.6 [3.4–32.9]) and exercising and foot exams (OR: 5.2 [1.9–14.2]). Conclusion: This practice-based audit provides an essential assessment for future interventions to improve adherence to healthy life style behaviors among patients with diabetes and hypertension attending primary health clinics in the UAE.