bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Multilateral Development Banks’ Participation in Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Basílio Maria S.
Published: March 2015

Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have important functions in infrastructure projects. Besides their traditional lending role, they provide additional guarantees to private investors about the creditworthiness of the project. An empirical analysis is performed for the determinants of MDBs’ participation in infrastructure projects in developing countries using data from 1990 to 2007 obtained from the World Bank’s Private Participation in Infrastructure database and through limited dependent variable models. The results suggest that the participation of MDBs is higher for less populous and poorer countries, in line with past empirical findings, and where legal and financial systems are underdeveloped. However, neither political risk nor even respect for human rights seems to play an important role in explaining multilateral participation.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Assessment of the Liver Disease Symptom Index 2.0 to Measure Health-Related Quality of Life Among Iranian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Saffari Mohsen , Alavian Seyed Moayed , Naderi Maryam K. , Pakpour Amir H. , Al Zaben Faten , Koenig Harold G.
Published: March 2015

Purpose: There are only a few measures to assess quality of life among patients with liver disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Liver Disease Symptom Index Version 2.0 (LDSI 2.0), a disease specific measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), in Persian-speaking patients with chronic hepatitis B. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 312 patients were recruited. Data were collected from the patients using the LDSI 2.0, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, and EuroQol. Convergent and discriminant validity were investigated. Known-groups validity and factor structure of the scale were also determined. Receiver operating characteristics was used to discriminate patients based on their general health status. Results: Significant correlations were found between HRQOL measures. Disease duration, disease stage, and serum aspartate aminotransferase differentiated patients. Factor analysis determined a seven-factor solution that explained 70% of the total variance. Area under the curve in receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.706; 95% confidence interval = [0.648, 0.764]. Conclusions: The LDSI2.0 is an appropriate HRQOL scale for use among Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis B based on its solid psychometric properties in this population.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology in Patients With Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Cinar Fatma Ilknur , Cinar Muhammet , Yilmaz Sedat , Acikel Cengizhan , Erdem Hakan , Pay Salih , Simsek Ismail
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish versionof the Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR-T) for patients with Behçet’s disease (BD). Method:A sample of 105 Turkish patients with BD participated in this study. The scale was cross-culturally adapted through a process including translation, comparison with versions in other languages, back translation, and pretesting. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis, and criterion validity was evaluated using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: The CQR-T demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .832), adequate test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .630), and correlations with Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores ( r = −.389, p< .001), indicating convergent validity. Conclusion:The CQR-T was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the compliance of Turkish BD patients with prescribed medications. Implications for Practice: The CQR-T might be a helpful tool in two ways: for determining the level of compliance of patients with BD and for adjusting their management and follow-up based on the results.
A laminated magnetorheological elastomer bearing prototype for seismic mitigation of bridge superstructures
Authors: Xing Zhi-Wei , Yu Miao , Fu Jie , Wang Yuan , Zhao Lu-Jie
Published: March 2015

In this article, an adaptive magnetorheological elastomer bearing prototype for seismic mitigation of bridge superstructures is designed and manufactured. The magnetorheological elastomer bearing is developed featuring conventional laminated structure in the seismic rubber bearing. Besides, the magnetic circuit design of the laminated magnetorheological elastomer bearing is verified by electromagnetic analysis, and a base-isolated testing system is established to obtain the acceleration transmissibility under various applied currents. The experimental results indicate that the resonance frequency of the integrated system can be tuned from 10 to 20 Hz, and the transmissibility peak value reduces 20.67% simultaneously, for which the proposed bearing can be used for seismic mitigation. Finally, the stiffness and damping of the laminated magnetorheological elastomer bearing integrated vibration mitigation system are identified by the response characteristics.
Graphene/graphene oxide: A new material for electrorheological and magnetorheological applications
Authors: Zhang Wen Ling , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: March 2015

The presence of functional groups provides graphene oxide sheets amphiphilic abilities with lower electrical conductivity and relatively high polarizability, which is appropriate for its electrorheological effect. In addition, because the graphene oxide sheets possess high surface area and relatively low particle density, graphene-/graphene oxide–supported materials have also attracted significant interest for fascinating magnetorheological applications. In this article, we briefly review the fabrication mechanisms and electrorheological characteristics of graphene-/graphene oxide–based electrorheological systems, such as pure graphene oxide sheets and various graphene-/graphene oxide–based polymer composites and nanocomposites of graphene/graphene oxide sheets with inorganic particles. As for the magnetorheological fluid application, the fabrication of graphene oxide sheets coated on the surface of carbonyl iron particles and graphene oxide/iron oxide composites are covered regarding improved dispersibility of the magnetorheological suspensions.
A study of overlapping and functional interaction mechanisms for concurrent engineering processes
Authors: Liu Yun , Hisarciklilar Onur , Thomson Vincent , Bhuiyan Nadia
Published: March 2015

This article reports the use of a stochastic computer model to study hybrid overlapping and functional interaction strategies, where, within a given process, different degrees of overlapping or gradually increasing or decreasing functional interaction were modeled. The study aims to understand the contribution of these strategies to process performance, that is, product development effort and span time. Simulation results of the hybrid models are discussed in comparison to a baseline model, where the baseline process was uniformly overlapped and functional interaction was constant throughout its execution. Research outcomes indicate that under high information uncertainty, sequential processes perform better than any model with overlap. When uncertainty is moderate or low, the baseline model outperforms the hybrid models. Under high sensitivity conditions, hybrid overlapping models perform equally well in comparison to the baseline model with complete overlap, and superiorly when information evolution is slow.
Understanding How Domestic Abuse Is Associated With Greater Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample of Female Primary Care Patients
Authors: Chang Edward C. , Kahle Emma R. , Hirsch Jameson K.
Published: March 2015

This study examined the relationship between domestic abuse, belongingness, and depressive symptoms in a community sample of 71 female primary care patients. As expected, domestic abuse was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Results from conducting mediation analyses, including bootstrapping techniques, provided strong convergent support for a model in which the hypothesized effect of domestic abuse on depressive symptoms in women is mediated by a loss of belongingness. Noteworthy, even after controlling for content overlap between measures of belongingness and depressive symptoms, the mediation model remained significant. Some implications of the present findings are discussed.
Factors associated with optimized tacrolimus dosing in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Butts Allison R , Brown Victoria T , McBride Lauren D , Bolaños-Meade Javier , Bryk Amy W
Published: March 2015

Objective

The primary objective was to analyze the initial tacrolimus concentrations achieved in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients using the institutional dosing strategy of 1 mg IV daily initiated on day +5. The secondary objectives were to ascertain the tacrolimus dose, days of therapy, and dose changes necessary to achieve a therapeutic concentration, and to identify patient-specific factors that influence therapeutic dose. The relationships between the number of pre-therapeutic days and incidence of graft-versus-host disease and graft failure were delineated.

Methods

A retrospective chart review included adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell patients who received tacrolimus for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis in 2012. Descriptive statistics, linear and logistic regression, and graphical analyses were utilized.

Results

Ninety-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The first concentration was subtherapeutic (<10 ng/ml) in 97 patients (98%). The median number of days of tacrolimus needed to achieve a therapeutic trough was 10 with a median of two dose changes. The median therapeutic dose was 1.6 mg IV daily. Approximately 75% of patients became therapeutic on ≤ 2 mg IV tacrolimus daily. No relationship was found between therapeutic dose and any patient-specific factor tested, including weight. No relationship was found between the number of days of therapy required to achieve a therapeutic trough and incidence of graft-versus-host disease or graft failure.

Conclusion

An initial flat tacrolimus dose of 1 mg IV daily is a suboptimal approach to achieve therapeutic levels at this institution. A dose of 1.6 mg or 2 mg IV daily is a reasonable alternative to the current institutional practice.
Effect of external loads on cage stability of high-speed ball bearings
Authors: Zhenhuan Ye , Liqin Wang
Published: March 2015

In high-speed ball bearings, external load has a great effect on cage stability and sliding ratio, especially for the bearings at work in the starting process. For this paper, a dynamic model of high-speed ball bearings was developed, and cage stability both under steady conditions and during the starting process was analyzed based on the model. The effect of external load on cage stability was evaluated taking into consideration the two different working conditions. The results show that cage stability is worse in the beginning of the bearing starting process. According to the investigation of cage stability on different external loads, it can be concluded that the axial load greatly influences cage dynamic performance in the bearing starting process. In addition, while ball bearings worked under steady conditions, axial load and radial load both have a great influence on cage dynamic performance. The effects of axial load on cage dynamic performance during the bearing starting process are opposite from the effects under steady conditions.
Digital diplomacy as transmedia engagement: Aligning theories of participatory culture with international advocacy campaigns
Authors: Pamment James
Published: March 2015

Contemporary diplomacy is subject to the same pressures of globalization as many other communication industries. However, insights from different areas of Media and Communication Studies have only been partly explored in the context of diplomacy. This article applies theories of transmedia storytelling, transmedia engagement and surveillance upon a case study of the recent Campaign to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The aim is to investigate the ways in which contemporary diplomatic advocacy campaigns cope with fundamental problems such as media repertoires, co-created content, collective intelligence, digital convergence and stakeholder management. The article contends that co-creation and co-option of shared values through transmedia engagement techniques perform a disciplining role for stakeholders that may be linked to theories of surveillance and biopolitics. This study will be of much relevance to those interested in the significance of participatory culture theories to contemporary international advocacy, including its policies, strategies and mediating practices.
Tourists' risk perception of risky destinations: The case of Sabah's eastern coast
Authors: Yang Elaine Chiao Ling , Sharif Saeed Pahlevan , Khoo-Lattimore Catheryn
Published: March 2015

This study investigates tourists' risk perception towards a risky destination. The eastern coast of Sabah, Malaysia was chosen as the study site for its recent high-risk status as a result of a series of abductions and political turmoil. Using t-test and partial least squares-structural equation modelling analysis, the impacts of travel experience, prior experience with risk, travel motivation, novelty preference, gender, age, and nationality on tourists' risk perception were examined. The results of this study indicate that tourists do perceive Sabah's eastern coast to be high risk but this negative perception of Sabah's eastern coast as a marine destination does not affect their perception of other coastal areas in Malaysia – tourists remain optimistic of other coastal areas within Malaysia. The effects of various determinants on risk perception are reported. The study has provided timely analysis and implications to the tourism industry in Sabah, which can also serve as a reference to destinations with similar risk background.
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Stubblefield Robin
Published: March 2015

This goal of this study was to examine the benefits of a campus-wide initiative to build first-year students’ strengths awareness. The results of a survey of the first-year class ( n = 1,421) suggest a positive and significant relationship between students’ strengths awareness and their belief that the strengths initiatives on campus positively influenced their sense of belonging. The results also suggest a positive and significant relationship between students’ strengths awareness and retention to their second year of study. Qualitative analyses of survey data suggested strengths initiatives enhanced students’ self-awareness and confidence, facilitated introductory conversations with peers through the development of a common language, and fostered friendships and a deeper understanding of others—factors that are hypothesized to have contributed to students’ sense of belonging and retention.
Understanding College Students’ Problems
Authors: Mandracchia Jon T. , Pendleton Shandrea
Published: March 2015

Many college students experience mental health problems and engage in risky behavior. These problems perpetuate negative outcomes such as poor academic performance and health problems, which may ultimately result in dropping out of college. Maladaptive cognitions, such as criminogenic thinking, have been established as an important contributor to an array of problematic, undesired outcomes in a variety of populations. Criminogenic thinking has been shown to be present in college students, but its association to students’ problematic behavior and emotions has not previously been explored. The results of this study establish a link between criminogenic thinking and negative emotions and problematic behavior in college students, which has important implications for mental health treatment toward improving college students’ psychological well-being and academic success.
The novel frequency selective fabric and application research
Authors: Guan Fuwang , Xiao Hong , Shi Meiwu , Wang Fumei
Published: March 2015

There have been various efforts on frequency selective surface in recent years, and of course, some research progress has been made, especially in numerical calculation and simulation field. However, it seems that less work is done on the processing and forming methods. Soft fabrics are periodic and have advantages over the rigid materials in lightweight, softness, low bending rigidity, which make it possible and meaningful to study their filtering property as the medium in electromagnetic field. In this paper, a kind of electromagnetic functional textile based on frequency selective surface was proposed specifically for 10 GHz, dominant frequency of X-band radar. The full-wave simulation software, HFSS v14, was used for theoretical simulation and optimization, and two complementary cross-shaped unit cells with optimum size were obtained. Then, the frequency selective fabrics were manufactured through silk-screen-printing technology and measured using transmission method. It showed that the measured and simulated results had good consistency, and the fabricated frequency selective fabrics had ideal band-stop or band-pass performance. Finally, according to the analysis of S21 curve and transmission line equivalent circuit modal, the filtering mechanism was explained and the great potential in practical application of frequency selective fabrics was further illustrated.
Multi-dimensional visualization of sustainable filtration
Authors: Howarth J , Anand S
Published: March 2015

The paper determines that the cause of retardation of innovation for industrial filtration applications is commercial supposition rather than technical performance. The paper describes a multi-dimensional framework for characterizing the required filtration attributes for attaining a more sustainable filter for bespoke industrial applications. This framework appreciates the fact that bespoke applications have complex environments as such a subjective approach is taken and the results are indexed to that used commercially in the application. Paint exhaust filtration has been used as the papers' framework example and laboratory characterization of this bespoke filtration is undertaken revealing the multiple key areas of focus. This multi-dimensional approach demonstrates it is possible to utilize subjective visual characterization followed by quantitative methods as an effective facilitator of sustainable filtration re-engineering.
The Impact of a Multidimensional Exercise Intervention on Physical and Functional Capacity, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Quist Morten , Adamsen Lis , Rørth Mikael , Laursen Jørgen H. , Christensen Karl B. , Langer Seppo W.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Patients with advanced-stage lung cancer face poor survival and experience co-occurring chronic physical and psychosocial symptoms. Despite several years of research in exercise oncology, few exercise studies have targeted advanced lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the benefits of a 6-week supervised group exercise intervention and to outline the effect on aerobic capacity, strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety, and depression. Methods. VO2peak was assessed using an incremental exercise test. Muscle strength was measured with one repetition maximum test (1RM). HRQoL, anxiety, and depression were assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung (FACT-L) scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results. One hundred and forthteen patients with advanced stage lung cancer were recruited. Forty-three patients dropped out. No serious adverse events were reported. Exercise adherence in the group training was 68%. Improvements in VO2peak ( P < .001) and 6-minute walk distance ( P < .001) and muscle strength measurements ( P < .05) were seen. There was a reduction in anxiety level ( P = .0007) and improvement in the emotional well-being parameter (FACT-L) but no statistically significant changes in HRQoL were observed. Conclusion. The results of the present study show that during a 6-week hospital-based supervised, structured, and group-based exercise program, patients with advanced-stage lung cancer (NSCLC IIIb-IV, ED-SCLC) improve their physical capacity (VO2peak, 1RM), functional capacity, anxiety level, and emotional well-being, but not their overall HRQoL. A randomized controlled trial testing the intervention including 216 patients is currently being carried out.
Ethical issues in the employment of user-generated content as experimental stimulus: Defining the interests of creators
Authors: Merriman Ben
Published: March 2015

Social experimental research commonly employs media to elicit responses from research subjects. This use of media is broadly protected under fair use exemptions to copyright, and creators of content used in experiments are generally not afforded any formal consideration or protections in existing research ethics frameworks. Online social networking sites are an emerging and important setting for social experiments, and in this context the material used to elicit responses is often content produced by other users. This article argues that users may have a reasonable interest in controlling the use of their content in experiments conducted in online social networks. Matters of risk and autonomy in research ethics are explored by analogy to active debates in law over adhesion contracts, moral rights, and the right to be forgotten. The article concludes by considering practical difficulties in identifying and protecting the interests of creators.
Work and social representations: Sociological and linguistic analysis of a legislative creation process
Authors: de Gialdino Irene Vasilachis
Published: March 2015

As part of a wider program that studies the legislative creation process regarding work conditions in the Argentine Republic, the purpose of this research is to examine the different ways in which the written press represents, on one hand, the formulation and approval process of the Labor Risk Law reform, which concluded on 25 October 2012 with the passing of Law 26,773, and, on the other hand, the scope, content, and sense of said regulation. The perspective of the research is interdisciplinary, its methodology is qualitative, and the process guiding the textual analysis is inductive and hermeneutic. The corpus is made up of the news related to the studied legislative process. The news analysis was carried out according to the proposal of a Sociological and Linguistic Discourse Analysis. Thus, the argumentative strategies and the linguistic resources deployed were associated with the interpretive models of reality underlying those texts, and moreover, the similarities and differences among the various news articles were examined as regards the representation of (a) working conditions; (b) workers and employers and their respective rights and obligations; (c) the legitimacy, need, and legality of the regulation passed; (d) the scope of the protection granted to workers; and (e) the effect of this regulation on workers’ constitutional rights and guarantees.
Tadalafil therapy for erectile dysfunction following prostatectomy
Authors: Kadıoğlu Ateş , Ortaç Mazhar , Dinçer Murat , Brock Gerald
Published: March 2015

Erectile dysfunction is a major complication affecting the quality of life of patients and partners after radical prostatectomy. Evolving evidence suggests that early penile rehabilitation may provide better erectile function after surgery. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are routinely considered a first-line treatment option in most algorithms for penile rehabilitation owing to their efficacy, ease of use, wide availability and minimal morbidity. Tadalafil is a long-acting, potent PDE-5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction, with demonstrated effect in animal studies at preserving penile smooth muscle content and prevention of fibrosis of cavernosal tissue. This article evaluates the existing literature on tadalafil and critically analyzes its impact on erectile function following radical prostatectomy.
Re-examine foreign direct investment and economic growth: Panel co-integration and causality tests for sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Taiwo Akinlo , Olayemi Simon-Oke O.
Published: March 2015

This study examines the causal relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa from the period 1995–2011. The study uses annual data for a panel of 30 sub-Saharan Africa Countries. We test for Granger causality in heterogeneous panels by testing first for Homogeneous Non-Causality and Homogeneous Causality hypotheses. The non-homogeneous test, which tests the hypothesis that gross domestic product (GDP) does not Granger-cause foreign direct investment and foreign direct investment does not Granger-cause GDP, is rejected, and it is also shown that there is bidirectional causality between economic growth and insurance in sub-Saharan Africa. The homogeneous causality tests, which test the hypothesis that GDP Granger-causes foreign direct investment and foreign direct investment Granger-causes GDP, are accepted. It is also shown that causality is homogeneous across all members of the panel.
Trade facilitation and the regulatory environment in Russia
Authors: Heo Yoon , Vernidub Roman
Published: March 2015

The Russian government has already introduced some advanced trade facilitation (TF) measures, following the experience of developed countries. However, there have been no serious attempts made yet to conduct a comprehensive study of the TF environment to show a whole picture of the issue in Russia and identify the bottlenecks in its development path. This study centers on the following three questions. First, what is the current status of TF in Russia? Second, what is the regulatory environment where TF is found? Third, what policy implications can we derive from the study? To this end, this study examines the processes connected with the importation, exportation and transit of goods in Russia. It also evaluates TF-related policies, regulations, and the challenges ahead for Russia, and finally suggests some policy recommendations for the Russian government. As part of the UNESCAP TF unit, we adopted the expert survey approach to collect the data because this method is particularly useful in providing some independent assessment on complex, technical and specialized issues for which data is not readily available. Our in-depth investigation finds that the de facto implementation of many general measures is lagging far behind the legislation. In practice, it is not clear for traders how some regulations and processes work for them, or how easily those measures can be applied to their transactions. Bureaucracy and corruption remain very harmful factors, entailing higher trade costs in Russia. The most serious challenges faced by Russia in implementing TF measures are indicated as the lack of coordination between government agencies and the deficiency of political will. It is possible that local government agencies can start to undertake local initiatives and promote TF, but without centralized coordination among local agencies by Moscow, backed up by a strong political will, successful implementation of TF policies may not be achieved. Increasing the consultations with stakeholders through a national TF body, establishment of national single window, including an electronic one, and other measures such as risk management to improve the procedures and works of customs, should be prioritized in Russia.
A year of South Sudan’s third civil war
Authors: Rolandsen Øystein H , Glomnes Helene Molteberg , Manoeli Sebabatso , Nicolaisen Fanny
Published: March 2015

The new civil war in South Sudan began in December 2013. It soon proved to be a disaster for the population, a threat to the integrity of the world’s youngest state and an embarrassment and conundrum to the international community. The article surveys the first year of this war. It outlines the course of military engagements, the consequences of the war for the people of South Sudan and the ways in which a peaceful settlement has been sought. During 2014 external initiatives and threats of sanctions were employed to prod the warring parties into a productive process, but with only limited success because each side entrenched itself while waiting for the other to collapse. Developments in January 2015 indicate that the time might be ripe for a negotiated settlement: the parties have reached military stalemate and negotiations have sketched the contours of a settlement. What remains is the haggling over the finer points of a political compromise. However, mediators and the parties must pick up the pace because yet another year of war will possibly result in the disintegration of South Sudan as a polity.
PD-L1 checkpoint blockade prevents immune dysfunction and leukemia development in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: McClanahan Fabienne , Hanna Bola , Miller Shaun , Clear Andrew James , Lichter Peter , Gribben John G. , Seiffert Martina
Published: March 2015

Key Points

In vivo PD-L1 blockade prevents CLL development in the Eµ-TCL1 adoptive transfer model. In vivo PD-L1 blockade normalizes T-cell and myeloid cell populations and immune effector functions.
Deleterious effects of endocrine disruptors are corrected in the mammalian germline by epigenome reprogramming
Authors: Iqbal Khursheed , Tran Diana A , Li Arthur X , Warden Charles , Bai Angela Y , Singh Purnima , Wu Xiwei , Pfeifer Gerd P , Szabó Piroska E
Published: March 2015

Background

Exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy reportedly causes transgenerationally inherited reproductive defects. We hypothesized that to affect the grandchild, endocrine-disrupting chemicals must alter the epigenome of the germ cells of the in utero-exposed G1 male fetus. Additionally, to affect the great-grandchild, the aberration must persist in the germ cells of the unexposed G2 grandchild.

Results

Here, we treat gestating female mice with vinclozolin, bisphenol A, or di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate during the time when global de novo DNA methylation and imprint establishment occurs in the germ cells of the G1 male fetus. We map genome-wide features in purified G1 and G2 prospermatogonia, in order to detect immediate and persistent epigenetic aberrations, respectively. We detect changes in transcription and methylation in the G1 germline immediately after endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure, but changes do not persist into the G2 germline. Additional analysis of genomic imprints shows no persistent aberrations in DNA methylation at the differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes between the G1 and G2 prospermatogonia, or in the allele-specific transcription of imprinted genes between the G2 and G3 soma.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that endocrine-disrupting chemicals exert direct epigenetic effects in exposed fetal germ cells, which are corrected by reprogramming events in the next generation. Avoiding transgenerational inheritance of environmentally-caused epigenetic aberrations may have played an evolutionary role in the development of dual waves of global epigenome reprogramming in mammals.
Coordinated international action to accelerate genome-to-phenome with FAANG, the Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes project
Authors:   The FAANG Consortium, Andersson Leif , Archibald Alan L , Bottema Cynthia D , Brauning Rudiger , Burgess Shane C , Burt Dave W , Casas Eduardo , Cheng Hans H , Clarke Laura , Couldrey Christine , Dalrymple Brian P , Elsik Christine G , Foissac Sylvain , Giuffra Elisabetta , Groenen Martien A , Hayes Ben J , Huang LuSheng S , Khatib Hassan , Kijas James W , Kim Heebal , Lunney Joan K , McCarthy Fiona M , McEwan John C , Moore Stephen , Nanduri Bindu , Notredame Cedric , Palti Yniv , Plastow Graham S , Reecy James M , Rohrer Gary A , Sarropoulou Elena , Schmidt Carl J , Silverstein Jeffrey , Tellam Ross L , Tixier-Boichard Michele , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Tuggle Christopher K , Vilkki Johanna , White Stephen N , Zhao Shuhong , Zhou Huaijun
Published: March 2015

We describe the organization of a nascent international effort, the Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes (FAANG) project, whose aim is to produce comprehensive maps of functional elements in the genomes of domesticated animal species.
An external validation study reporting poor correlation between the claims-based index for rheumatoid arthritis severity and the disease activity score
Authors: Desai Rishi J , Solomon Daniel H , Weinblatt Michael E , Shadick Nancy , Kim Seoyoung C
Published: March 2015

Introduction

We conducted an external validation study to examine the correlation of a previously published claims-based index for rheumatoid arthritis severity (CIRAS) with disease activity score in 28 joints calculated by using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) and the multi-dimensional health assessment questionnaire (MD-HAQ) physical function score.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) and Medicare were identified and their data from these two sources were linked. For each patient, DAS28-CRP measurement and MD-HAQ physical function scores were extracted from BRASS, and CIRAS was calculated from Medicare claims for the period of 365 days prior to the DAS28-CRP measurement. Pearson correlation coefficient between CIRAS and DAS28-CRP as well as MD-HAQ physical function scores were calculated. Furthermore, we considered several additional pharmacy and medical claims-derived variables as predictors for DAS28-CRP in a multivariable linear regression model in order to assess improvement in the performance of the original CIRAS algorithm.

Results

In total, 315 patients with enrollment in both BRASS and Medicare were included in this study. The majority (81%) of the cohort was female, and the mean age was 70 years. The correlation between CIRAS and DAS28-CRP was low (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.07, P = 0.24). The correlation between the calculated CIRAS and MD-HAQ physical function scores was also found to be low (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.08, P = 0.17). The linear regression model containing additional claims-derived variables yielded model R2 of 0.23, suggesting limited ability of this model to explain variation in DAS28-CRP.

Conclusions

In a cohort of Medicare-enrolled patients with established RA, CIRAS showed low correlation with DAS28-CRP as well as MD-HAQ physical function scores. Claims-based algorithms for disease activity should be rigorously tested in distinct populations in order to establish their generalizability before widespread adoption.
Co-morbidity and systemic inflammation as drivers of cognitive decline: new experimental models adopting a broader paradigm in dementia research
Authors: Cunningham Colm , Hennessy Edel
Published: March 2015

Dementia prevalence increases with age and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for up to 75% of cases. However, significant variability and overlap exists in the extent of amyloid-β and Tau pathology in AD and non-demented populations and it is clear that other factors must influence progression of cognitive decline, perhaps independent of effects on amyloid pathology. Coupled with the failure of amyloid-clearing strategies to provide benefits for AD patients, it seems necessary to broaden the paradigm in dementia research beyond amyloid deposition and clearance. Evidence has emerged from alternative animal model approaches as well as clinical and population epidemiological studies that co-morbidities contribute significantly to neurodegeneration/cognitive decline and systemic inflammation has been a strong common theme in these approaches. We hypothesise, and discuss in this review, that a disproportionate inflammatory response to infection, injury or chronic peripheral disease is a key determinant of cognitive decline. We propose that detailed study of alternative models, which encompass acute and chronic systemic inflammatory co-morbidities, is an important priority for the field and we examine the cognitive consequences of several of these alternative experimental approaches. Experimental models of severe sepsis in normal animals or moderate acute systemic inflammation in animals with existing neurodegenerative pathology have uncovered roles for inflammatory mediators interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, complement, prostaglandins and NADPH oxidase in inflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction and neuronal death. Moreover, microglia are primed by existing neurodegenerative pathology to produce exaggerated responses to subsequent stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide or other inflammatory stimuli and these insults drive acute dysfunction and negatively affect disease trajectory. Chronic co-morbidities, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity and diabetes, are risk factors for subsequent dementia and those with high inflammatory status are particularly at risk. Models of chronic co-morbidities, and indeed low grade systemic inflammation in the absence of specific pathology, indicate that interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory mediators drive insulin resistance, hypothalamic dysfunction, impaired neurogenesis and cognitive function and impact on functional decline. Detailed study of these pathways will uncover important mechanisms of peripheral inflammation-driven cognitive decline and are already driving clinical initiatives to mitigate AD progression through minimising systemic inflammation.
Scaling Legitimacy for Design of Lead Rubber Bearing Isolated Structures Using a Bounding Analysis
Authors: Özdemir Gökhan , Gülkan H. Polat
Published: March 2015

In dynamic analyses, although there is no limitation for scale factors, the customary values vary from 0.25 to 4. However, these values are based on subjective judgments rather than a quantitative evaluation. This study focused on scaling legitimacy of acceleration time series to be used in dynamic analyses performed during the design of lead rubber bearing (LRB) isolated structures, to obtain a limit for scale factors. For this purpose, several dynamic analyses are performed with the parameters, namely, isolation period, peak ground velocity, and site class. In the analyses, a recently proposed deteriorating hysteretic bilinear representation is used to model the behavior of LRBs. Limitation for scale factors is discussed through the concept of bounding analysis that intends to provide design envelopes for response quantities of isolated structures. As a result, limits for scale factors, providing that the bounding analysis fulfills its intended purpose in design of LRBs, are proposed.
Long-Term Survival Advantage and Prognostic Factors Associated With Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Treatment in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Tewari Devansu , Java James J. , Salani Ritu , Armstrong Deborah K. , Markman Maurie , Herzog Thomas , Monk Bradley J. , Chan John K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To determine long-term survival and associated prognostic factors after intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Patients and Methods

Data from Gynecologic Oncology Group protocols 114 and 172 were retrospectively analyzed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

In 876 patients, median follow-up was 10.7 years. Median survival with IP therapy was 61.8 months (95% CI, 55.5 to 69.5), compared with 51.4 months (95% CI, 46.0 to 58.2) for intravenous therapy. IP therapy was associated with a 23% decreased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.90; P = .002). IP therapy improved survival of those with gross residual (≤ 1 cm) disease (AHR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.92; P = .006). Risk of death decreased by 12% for each cycle of IP chemotherapy completed (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.94; P < .001). Factors associated with poorer survival included: clear/mucinous versus serous histology (AHR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.83 to 4.24; P < .001), gross residual versus no visible disease (AHR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.43; P < .001), and fewer versus more cycles of IP chemotherapy (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.94; P < .001). Younger patients were more likely to complete the IP regimen, with a 5% decrease in probability of completion with each year of age (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.96; P < .001).

Conclusion

The advantage of IP over intravenous chemotherapy extends beyond 10 years. IP therapy enhanced survival of those with gross residual disease. Survival improved with increasing number of IP cycles.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Led Medication Assessment Used to Identify Prevalence of and Associations With Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use Among Ambulatory Senior Adults With Cancer
Authors: Nightingale Ginah , Hajjar Emily , Swartz Kristine , Andrel-Sendecki Jocelyn , Chapman Andrew
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The use of multiple and/or inappropriate medications in seniors is a significant public health problem, and cancer treatment escalates its prevalence and complexity. Existing studies are limited by patient self-report and medical record extraction compared with a pharmacist-led comprehensive medication assessment.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively examined medication use in ambulatory senior adults with cancer to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy (PP) and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and associated factors. PP was defined as concurrent use of five or more and less than 10 medications, and excessive polypharmacy (EPP) was defined as 10 or more medications. PIMs were categorized by 2012 Beers Criteria, Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP), and the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS).

Results

A total of 248 patients received a geriatric oncology assessment between January 2011 and June 2013 (mean age was 79.9 years, 64% were women, 74% were white, and 87% had solid tumors). Only 234 patients (evaluated by pharmacists) were included in the final analysis. Mean number of medications used was 9.23. The prevalence of PP, EPP, and PIM use was 41% (n = 96), 43% (n = 101), and 51% (n = 119), respectively. 2012 Beers, STOPP, and HEDIS criteria classified 173 occurrences of PIMs, which were present in 40%, 38%, and 21% of patients, respectively. Associations with PIM use were PP (P < .001) and increased comorbidities (P = .005).

Conclusion

A pharmacist-led comprehensive medication assessment demonstrated a high prevalence of PP, EPP, and PIM use. Medication assessments that integrate both 2012 Beers and STOPP criteria and consider cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer-related therapy are needed to optimize medication use in this population.
Long-Term Continuous Suppression With Once-Yearly Histrelin Subcutaneous Implants for the Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty: A Final Report of a Phase 3 Multicenter Trial
Authors: Silverman Lawrence A. , Neely E. Kirk , Kletter Gad B. , Lewis Katherine , Chitra Surya , Terleckyj Oksana , Eugster Erica A.
Published: March 2015

Context and Objective:

The histrelin implant has proven to be an effective method of delivering GnRH analog (GnRHa) therapy to children with central precocious puberty (CPP), yet there are limited data available regarding hormonal suppression and auxological changes during an extended course of therapy.

Design:

This was a phase 3, prospective, open-label study.

Setting and Participants:

Thirty-six children with CPP who participated in a phase 3, open-label study and required further GnRHa therapy were eligible to continue treatment receiving a new implant upon removal of the prior 12-month histrelin implant during a long-term extension phase.

Outcome Measures:

Hormone levels and auxologic parameters were measured periodically for up to 6 years of treatment and up to 1 year of posttreatment follow-up.

Results:

Hormonal suppression was maintained throughout the study in patients who had prior GnRHa therapy (n = 16) and in treatment-naive patients (n = 20). Bone age to chronological age ratio decreased from 1.417 (n = 20) at baseline to 1.18 (n = 8) at 48 months in treatment-naive children (P < .01). Predicted adult height in girls increased from 151.9 cm at baseline to 166.5 cm at month 60 (n = 6; P < .05), with a 10.7-cm height gain observed among treatment-naive children (n = 5). No adverse effect on growth or recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was observed with hormonal suppression. The histrelin implant was generally well tolerated during long-term therapy.

Conclusions:

Long-term histrelin implant therapy provided sustained gonadotropin suppression safely and effectively and improved predicted adult height in children with CPP.
“This Marvelous Bean”: Adopting Coffee into Old Regime French Culture and Diet
Authors: Landweber Julia
Published: March 2015

This article examines coffee’s adoption into French culture and diet between 1644 and 1788, emphasizing the period 1670–1730. In these sixty years, a beverage initially mistrusted by the French (for its bitterness, health risks, and associations with the Ottoman Empire) became a beloved beverage, gave its name to the new space of the café, and attracted a burgeoning culture of consumers interested in exotic novelties. Through a focus on coffee, we gain fresh insights into a number of disparate subjects, including the evolving cultural relationship between France and the Ottoman Empire; shifts in the sociability structures of the urban middling classes, from socializing around alcohol to the promotion of sobering stimulants; the developing role of merchants, physicians, and pharmacists in assessing the safety of new foodstuffs; the rise of cuisine moderne, with its openness to new ingredients; and the birth of a global French coffee trade in the eighteenth century.

Cet essai examine l’adoption du café dans la culture française entre 1644 et 1788. Dans ces années, une boisson dont se méfiaient les Français (pour son amertume, les risques sanitaires et les associations avec l’Empire ottoman) est devenue une boisson bien-aimée, qui a donné son nom au nouvel espace du café, et a attiré une culture en plein essor de consommateurs intéressés par les nouveautés exotiques. Cette histoire offre des idées nouvelles sur plusieurs sujets, y compris la relation culturelle en évolution entre la France et l’Empire ottoman; les changements dans les structures de sociabilité des classes moyennes urbaines; le passage de la socialisation autour de l’alcool à la promotion des stimulants qui donne à réfléchir; le rôle croissant des commerçants, des médecins et des pharmaciens dans l’évaluation de l’innocuité des nouveaux produits alimentaires; la montée de la cuisine moderne, et la naissance d’un commerce mondial autour du café français au dix-huitième siècle.