bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late presentation of right atrial thrombus following bilateral lung transplant
Authors: Saxena Pankaj , Nerlekar Nitesh , Zimmet Adam D
Published: December 2015

A right atrial mass was incidentally detected in an immunosuppressed 49-year-old woman 5 years after successful bilateral lung transplantation. The mass was surgically excised and found to be an organized thrombus. There was no clear mechanism for the de-novo thrombus formation. The potential mechanisms include immunosuppression-related thrombogenicity, transient pericarditis, and stasis of blood from persisting pulmonary hypertension.
Efficacy of intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain management following open nephrectomy
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chang , Bae Jun-Yeol , Kim Tae Kyong , Jeon Yunseok , Min Jeong Jin , Goo Eui-Kyoung , Hong Deok Man
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine (ITM) for postoperative pain control in patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing open nephrectomy.

Methods

Forty-five patients scheduled for open nephrectomy were randomised to receive 300 µg ITM and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) ( n = 22) or IV-PCA alone ( n = 23) for postoperative analgesia. The numeric pain score (NPS), postoperative IV-PCA requirements and opioid-related complications including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and pruritus were compared between groups.

Results

NPS was significantly lower in the ITM group up to 24 h postoperatively. Upon coughing, NPS at 24 h postoperatively was 50 (interquartile range (IQR) 30–60) in the ITM group and 60 (45–70) in the IV-PCA group. Cumulative morphine consumption at 72 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the ITM group compared with the IV-PCA group (20 (9–33) mg vs. 31 (21–49) mg, respectively). Opioid-related complications were similar in both groups with the exception of pruritus (ITM, 77% vs. IV-PCA, 26%).

Conclusions

ITM was associated with greater analgesia without serious complications in patients undergoing open nephrectomy.
A Family-Based Association Study of CYP11A1 and CYP11B1 Gene Polymorphisms With Autism in Chinese Trios
Authors: Deng Hong-Zhu , You Cong , Xing Yu , Chen Kai-Yun , Zou Xiao-Bing
Published: December 2015

Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with the higher prevalence in males. Our previous studies have indicated lower progesterone levels in the children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting involvement of the cytochrome P-450scc gene (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P-45011beta gene (CYP11B1) as candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the family-based genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2279357 in the CYP11A1 gene and rs4534 and rs4541 in the CYP11B1 gene and autism spectrum disorder in Chinese children, which were selected according to the location in the coding region and 5’ and 3’ regions and minor allele frequencies of greater than 0.05 in the Chinese populations. The transmission disequilibrium test and case-control association analyses were performed in 100 Chinese Han autism spectrum disorder family trios. The genotype and allele frequency of the 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms had no statistical difference between the children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents ( P > .05). Transmission disequilibrium test analysis showed transmission disequilibrium of CYP11A1 gene rs2279357 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (χ2 = 5.038, P < .001). Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder exists within or near the CYP11A1 gene in the Han Chinese population.
Association Between Social and Physical Activities and Insomnia Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Endeshaw Yohannes W. , Yoo Wonsuk
Published: December 2015

Objective: To examine the association between organized social activity, walking exercise, and insomnia symptoms. Material and Method: Data for analysis are derived from the National Health Aging Trends Study (NHATS). At baseline, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors, sleep-related problems, and health status were assessed using questionnaires. Results: Data for 7,162 community-dwelling older adults were available for analysis. Difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and both insomnia symptoms were reported by 12%, 5%, and 11% of the participants, respectively. The proportion of participants who reported engaging in organized social activity, walking exercise, and both activities were 11%, 35%, and 26%, respectively. Participants who reported engaging in organized social activity and/or walking exercise were significantly less likely to report insomnia symptoms. Conclusion: These results have important implications for future studies that plan to implement nonpharmacological interventions for management of insomnia among older adults.
When do young adults stop practising a sport? An event history analysis on the impact of four major life events
Authors: van Houten Jasper MA , Kraaykamp Gerbert , Breedveld Koen
Published: December 2015

This article investigates the relationship between four major life events and stopping sport participation in young adulthood. We employ a neo-Weberian theoretical framework related to changes in temporal and social resources to explain how beginning to work, starting to live on one’s own, starting to cohabit or getting married, and the birth of one’s first child affect the risk to stop practising a sport and to end a sport club membership. We used detailed retrospective life-course data from the Dutch SportersMonitor 2010 on 3540 individuals to examine the sport careers and major life events of young adults (aged 18–35). Our event history analyses indicate that the risk to stop practising a sport increases when young adults begin to work, move out to live on their own, and start cohabiting or get married. The risk of ending a sport club membership rises when young adults start to live on their own and when they cohabit or get married. The birth of the first child increases the risks of both stopping a sport and ending club membership for young women, but not for young men.
Assessment of the Analgesic Effect of Magnesium and Morphine in Combination in Patients With Cancer Pain: A Comparative Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Baaklini Luis Gustavo , Arruda Gustavo Viani , Sakata Rioko Kimiko
Published: December 2015

Background:

Morphine is the first-choice drug for moderate-to-severe cancer pain, nevertheless, some patients do not achieve adequate pain relief or exhibit intolerable side effects. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the analgesic effect of morphine improves in patients with cancer when administered in combination with magnesium.

Methods:

Randomized double-blind study was conducted with 40 patients older than 18 years with cancer pain using morphine. Group 1 (G1) patients were given magnesium sulfate (65 mg elemental magnesium) twice per day by the oral route. Group 2 (G2) patients were given placebo twice per day. All the patients were administered morphine as needed. They were also given acetaminophen at 2 to 3 g/d. Adjuvants could be used when indicated. The following variables were assessed: pain intensity on a numeric scale at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4; functional performance and quality of life at baseline and week 4; and dose of morphine used.

Results:

No difference was found between the groups as to pain intensity, dose of morphine used, functional performance, quality of life, or side effects. The average daily dose of morphine increased gradually, being significant in G2.

Conclusions:

The use of morphine combined with elemental magnesium at a dose of 65 mg twice per day by patients with cancer did not induce a better analgesic effect, did not improve their functional performance or quality of life, and did not reduce the occurrence of side effects. The dose of morphine increased significantly in G2.
Interaction balance optimization in multidisciplinary design optimization problems
Authors: Meng Debiao , Zhang Xiaoling , Yang Yuan-Jian , Xu Huanwei , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: December 2015

As a bi-level optimization method, collaborative optimization can solve multidisciplinary design optimization problems in practical engineering effectively. However, if there are high-dimensional couplings in a multidisciplinary design optimization problem, a large number of compatibility constraints will be required in collaborative optimization. In this situation, collaborative optimization will not be suitable to be utilized because of low computational efficiency or divergence issue. To solve this problem, an efficient interaction balance optimization method is proposed in this article. In interaction balance optimization method, the simple coordination strategy of interaction balance principle and the distributed optimization strategy of collaborative optimization can be integrated effectively. Lagrange multipliers are used instead of compatibility constraints to maintain the consistency between any two coupled disciplines. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Vibration analysis of stiffened multi-plate structure based on a modified variational principle
Authors: Yuan Guo-qing , Jiang Wei-Kang
Published: December 2015

In order to study the vibration characteristics of flow-induced open cavity structures, the dynamic model of stiffened multi-plate is established. The first-order shear deformable plate theory and the Timoshenko beam theory are used to model the displacement fields of isotropic plates and stiffeners, respectively. A modified variational principle combined with a multi-segment partitioning procedure is employed to formulate the discretized equations of motion. The stiffeners are considered as discrete elements, and the energy contributions are included into the system energy functional by using the displacement compatibility conditions. The displacement and rotation components of each plate segment are expanded by a duplicate series of Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials of first kind. The convergence and accuracy of the present results for isotropic stiffened plates with different boundary conditions have been validated using comparisons with the published data and those obtained from the finite element analyses. Free vibration and dynamic responses of stiffened multi-plates with either longitudinal or orthogonally oriented stiffeners are discussed. The mathematical model and methodology presented in this paper may be used as an appropriate numerical tool in the analysis and design of stiffened multi-plate structures.
Political theory and public opinion
Authors: Baderin Alice
Published: December 2015

How should political theorists go about their work if they are democrats? Given their democratic commitments, should they develop theories that are responsive to the views and concerns of their fellow citizens at large? Is there a balance to be struck, within political theory, between truth seeking and democratic responsiveness? The article addresses this question about the relationship between political theory, public opinion and democracy. I criticize the way in which some political theorists have appealed to the value of democratic legitimacy in an attempt to justify a more opinion-sensitive approach to their work. Specifically, I identify a problematic model in the existing literature, which I term ‘democratic restraint’: an approach on which the theorist moderates her normative principles in response to evidence about public attitudes in order to enhance the legitimacy of her account. This model renders the discipline newly vulnerable to an otherwise misguided objection that political theory seeks to pre-empt democratic politics. I trace the problem with the democratic restraint model to its flawed underlying conception of democratic legitimacy. The article then outlines a more appealing ‘democratic underlabourer’ view of the status of political theory and draws out the implications of this alternative account for the role of public opinion.
Refugee education in countries of first asylum: Breaking open the black box of pre-resettlement experiences
Authors: Dryden-Peterson Sarah
Published: December 2015

The number of refugees who have fled across international borders due to conflict and persecution is at the highest level in recorded history. The vast majority of these refugees find exile in low-income countries neighboring their countries of origin. The refugee children who are resettled to North America, Europe, and Australia arrive with previous educational experiences in these countries of first asylum. This article examines these pre-resettlement educational experiences of refugee children, which to date have constituted a ‘black box’ in their post-resettlement education. Analysis is of data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, key informant interviews in 14 countries of first asylum, and ethnographic fieldwork and interviews in four countries. The article argues that contemporary conditions of conflict usefully inform conceptual understanding of refugee education globally, including the types of schools that refugees access in countries of first asylum and their rates of access. It further identifies three empirical themes that are common to the educational experiences of refugees in countries of first asylum: language barriers, teacher-centered pedagogy, and discrimination in school settings. The article examines the theoretical and practical relevance of these pre-resettlement educational experiences for post-resettlement education of refugee children.
The 50 Most Cited Articles in Orthopedic Cartilage Surgery
Authors: Arshi Armin , Siesener Nathan J. , McAllister David R. , Williams Riley J. , Sherman Seth L. , Jones Kristofer J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the 50 most cited articles in orthopedic cartilage surgery and their characteristics.

Design

A systematic review of the Science Citation Index Expanded was performed for articles related to cartilage surgery published in the 66 journals under the category “Orthopedics.” The 50 most cited articles were determined, and the following characteristics were analyzed for each article: authors, journal and year of publication, number of citations, geographic origin, article type (basic science or clinical), article subtype by study design, and level of evidence. Citation density (total number of citations/years since publication) was also computed.

Results

The 50 most cited articles ranged from 989 to 172 citations, with citation density ranging from 71.5 to 4.1. The publication years spanned from 1968 to 2008, with the 2000s accounting for half (25) of the articles and the highest mean citation density (14.6). The 50 most cited articles were published in 11 journals. The majority of the articles (29) were clinical, with level IV representing the most common level of evidence (10). The remaining basic science articles were most commonly animal in vivo studies (14). Stronger level of evidence was correlated with overall number of citations ( P = 0.044), citation density ( P < 0.001), and year of publication ( P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Articles with stronger levels of evidence are more highly cited, with an increasing trend as evidence-based practice has been emphasized. This article list provides clinicians, researchers, and trainees with a group of “citation classics” in orthopedic cartilage surgery.
County-level hurricane exposure and birth rates: application of difference-in-differences analysis for confounding control
Authors: Grabich Shannon C. , Robinson Whitney R. , Engel Stephanie M. , Konrad Charles E. , Richardson David B. , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Epidemiological analyses of aggregated data are often used to evaluate theoretical health effects of natural disasters. Such analyses are susceptible
to confounding by unmeasured differences between the exposed and unexposed populations. To demonstrate the difference-in-difference method our population included all recorded Florida live births that reached 20 weeks gestation and conceived after the first hurricane of 2004 or in 2003 (when no hurricanes made landfall). Hurricane exposure was categorized using ≥74 mile per hour hurricane wind speed as well as a 60 km spatial buffer based on weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The effect of exposure was quantified as live birth rate differences and 95 % confidence intervals [RD (95 % CI)]. To illustrate sensitivity of the results, the difference-in-differences estimates were compared to general linear models adjusted for census-level covariates. This analysis demonstrates difference-in-differences as a method to control for time-invariant confounders investigating hurricane exposure on live birth rates.

Results

Difference-in-differences analysis yielded consistently null associations across exposure metrics and hurricanes for the post hurricane rate difference between exposed and unexposed areas (e.g., Hurricane Ivan for 60 km spatial buffer [−0.02 births/1000 individuals (−0.51, 0.47)]. In contrast, general linear models suggested a positive association between hurricane exposure and birth rate [Hurricane Ivan for 60 km spatial buffer (2.80 births/1000 individuals (1.94, 3.67)] but not all models.

Conclusions

Ecological studies of associations between environmental exposures and health are susceptible to confounding due to unmeasured population attributes. Here we demonstrate an accessible method of control for time-invariant confounders for future research.
Conflicts between healthcare professionals and families of a multi-ethnic patient population during critical care: an ethnographic study
Authors: Van Keer Rose-Lima , Deschepper Reginald , Francke Anneke L. , Huyghens Luc , Bilsen Johan
Published: December 2015

Background

Conflicts during communication in multi-ethnic healthcare settings is an increasing point of concern as a result of societies’ increased ethno-cultural diversity. We can expect that conflicts are even more likely to arise in situations where difficult medical decisions have to be made, such as critical medical situations in hospital. However, in-depth research on this topic is rather scarce. During critical care patients are often unable to communicate. We have therefore investigated factors contributing to conflicts between healthcare professionals and family members from ethnic minority groups in critical medical situations in hospital.

Methods

Ethnographic fieldwork was done in one intensive care unit of a multi-ethnic urban hospital in Belgium over 6 months (January 2014 to June 2014). Data were collected through negotiated interactive observation, in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, from patients’ medical records, and by making notes in a logbook. Data were analysed by using grounded theory procedures.

Results

Conflicts were essentially related to differences in participants’ views on what constitutes ‘good care’ based on different care approaches. Healthcare professionals’ views on good care were based predominantly on a biomedical care model, whereas families’ views on good care were mainly inspired by a holistic lifeworld-oriented approach. Giving good care, from the healthcare professionals’ point of view, included great attention to regulations, structured communication, and central decision making. On the other hand, good care from the families’ point of view included seeking exhaustive information, and participating in end-of-life decision making. Healthcare professionals’ biomedical views on offering good care were strengthened by the features of the critical care context whereas families’ holistic views on offering good care were reinforced by the specific characteristics of families’ ethno-familial care context, including their different ethno-cultural backgrounds. However, ethno-cultural differences between participants only contributed to conflicts in confrontation with a triggering critical care context.

Conclusions

Conflicts cannot be exclusively linked to ethno-cultural differences as structural, functional characteristics of critical care substantially contribute to the development of conflicts. Therefore, effective conflict prevention should not only focus on ethno-cultural differentness but should also take the structural organizational characteristics of the critical care context sufficiently into account.
The 5As team intervention: bridging the knowledge gap in obesity management among primary care practitioners
Authors: Ogunleye Ayodele A. , Osunlana Adedayo , Asselin Jodie , Cave Andrew , Sharma Arya Mitra , Campbell-Scherer Denise Lynn
Published: December 2015

Background

Despite opportunities for didactic education on obesity management, we still observe low rates of weight management visits in our primary care setting. This paper describes the co-creation by front-line interdisciplinary health care providers and researchers of the 5As Team intervention to improve obesity prevention and management in primary care.

Methods

We describe the theoretical foundations, design, and core elements of the 5AsT intervention, and the process of eliciting practitioners’ self-identified knowledge gaps to inform the curricula for the 5AsT intervention. Themes and topics were identified through facilitated group discussion and a curriculum relevant to this group of practitioners was developed and delivered in a series of 12 workshops.

Result

The research question and approach were co-created with the clinical leadership of the PCN; the PCN committed internal resources and a practice facilitator to the effort. Practice facilitation and learning collaboratives were used in the intervention For the content, front-line providers identified 43 topics, related to 13 themes around obesity assessment and management for which they felt the need for further education and training. These needs included: cultural identity and body image, emotional and mental health, motivation, setting goals, managing expectations, weight-bias, caregiver fatigue, clinic dynamics and team-based care, greater understanding of physiology and the use of a systematic framework for obesity assessment (the “4Ms” of obesity). The content of the 12 intervention sessions were designed based on these themes. There was a strong innovation values fit with the 5AsT intervention, and providers were more comfortable with obesity management following the intervention. The 5AsT intervention, including videos, resources and tools, has been compiled for use by clinical teams and is available online at http://www.obesitynetwork.ca/5As_Team.

Conclusions

Primary care interdisciplinary practitioners perceive important knowledge gaps across a wide range of topics relevant to obesity assessment and management. This description of the intervention provides important information for trial replication. The 5AsT intervention may be a useful aid for primary care teams interested to improve their knowledge of obesity prevention and management.

Clinical Trials.gov (NCT01967797)
Comparison of uterine and tubal pathology identified by transvaginal sonography, hysterosalpingography, and hysteroscopy in female patients with infertility
Authors: Phillips Catherine H. , Benson Carol B. , Ginsburg Elizabeth S. , Frates Mary C.
Published: December 2015

Background

The causes of female infertility are multifactorial and necessitate comprehensive evaluation including physical examination, hormonal testing, and imaging. Given the associated psychological and financial stress that imaging can cause, infertility patients benefit from a structured and streamlined evaluation. The goal of such a work up is to evaluate the uterus, endometrium, and fallopian tubes for anomalies or abnormalities potentially preventing normal conception. To date, the standard method for assessing these structures typically involves some combination of transvaginal sonography (TVS), hysterosalpingography (HSG), and hysteroscopy (HSC). The goal of this review is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of TVS, HSG, and HSC for diagnosing abnormalities in infertility patients to determine if all studies are necessary for pre-treatment evaluation.

Results

We identified infertility patients prior to initiation of assisted reproductive technology who had baseline TVS, HSG, and HSC within 180 days of each other. From medical record review, we compared frequencies of each finding between modalities. Of the 1274 patients who received a baseline TVS over 2 years, 327 had TVS and HSG within 180 days and 55 patients had TVS, HSG and HSC. Of the 327, TVS detected fibroids more often than HSG (74 vs. 5, p < .0001), and adenomyosis more often than HSG (7 vs. 2, p = .02). HSG detected tubal obstruction more often than TVS (56 vs. 8, p = .002). Four (1.2 %) patients had endometrial polyps on both HSG and TVS.

In the 55 patients with HSG, TVS, and HSC, HSC identified endometrial polyps more often than TVS (10 vs. 1, p = .0001) and HSG (10 vs. 2, p = .0007). TVS detected more fibroids than HSC (17 vs. 5, p < .0001). Tubal obstruction was identified more often by HSG than HSC (19 vs. 5, p < .0001).

Conclusions

TVS is superior for evaluation of myometrial pathology. HSG is superior for evaluation of tubal pathologies. Endometrial pathologies are best identified with HSC.
Adaptive multiple subtraction based on multiband pattern coding
Authors: Liu Jinlin , Lu Wenkai
Published: December 2015

Adaptive multiple subtraction is the key step of surface-related multiple elimination methods. The main challenge of this technique resides in removing multiples without distorting primaries. We have developed a new pattern-based method for adaptive multiple subtraction with the consideration that primaries can be better protected if the multiples are differentiated from the primaries. Different from previously proposed methods, our method casts the adaptive multiple subtraction problem as a pattern coding and decoding process. We set out to learn distinguishable patterns from the predicted multiples before estimating the multiples contained in seismic data. Hence, in our method, we first carried out pattern coding of the predicted multiples to learn the special patterns of the multiples within different frequency bands. This coding process aims at exploiting the key patterns contained in the predicted multiples. The learned patterns are then used to decode (extract) the multiples contained in the seismic data, in which process those patterns that are similar to the learned patterns were identified and extracted. Because the learned patterns are obtained from the predicted multiples only, our method avoids the interferences of primaries in nature and shows an impressive capability for removing multiples without distorting the primaries. Our applications on synthetic and real data sets gave some promising results.
Dynamin Is Required for GnRH Signaling to L-Type Calcium Channels and Activation of ERK
Authors: Edwards Brian S. , Dang An K. , Murtazina Dilyara A. , Dozier Melissa G. , Whitesell Jennifer D. , Khan Shaihla A. , Cherrington Brian D. , Amberg Gregory C. , Clay Colin M. , Navratil Amy M.
Published: December 2015

We have shown that GnRH-mediated engagement of the cytoskeleton induces cell movement and is necessary for ERK activation. It also has previously been established that a dominant negative form of the mechano-GTPase dynamin (K44A) attenuates GnRH activation of ERK. At present, it is not clear at what level these cellular events might be linked. To explore this, we used live cell imaging in the gonadotrope-derived αT3–1 cell line to determine that dynamin-green fluorescent protein accumulated in GnRH-induced lamellipodia and plasma membrane protrusions. Coincident with translocation of dynamin-green fluorescent protein to the plasma membrane, we demonstrated that dynamin colocalizes with the actin cytoskeleton and the actin binding protein, cortactin at the leading edge of the plasma membrane. We next wanted to assess the physiological significance of these findings by inhibiting dynamin GTPase activity using dynasore. We find that dynasore suppresses activation of ERK, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase, after exposure to GnRH agonist. Furthermore, exposure of αT3–1 cells to dynasore inhibited GnRH-induced cyto-architectural rearrangements. Recently it has been discovered that GnRH induced Ca2+ influx via the L-type Ca2+ channels requires an intact cytoskeleton to mediate ERK phosphorylation. Interestingly, not only does dynasore attenuate GnRH-mediated actin reorganization, it also suppresses Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels visualized in living cells using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Collectively, our data suggest that GnRH-induced membrane remodeling events are mediated in part by the association of dynamin and cortactin engaging the actin cytoskeleton, which then regulates Ca2+ influx via L-type channels to facilitate ERK phosphorylation.
The M/M/c queue with mass exodus and mass arrivals when empty
Authors: Zhang Lina , Li Junping
Published: December 2015

In this paper we consider an M/M/c queue modified to allow both mass arrivals when the system is empty and the workload to be removed. Properties of queues which terminate when the server becomes idle are firstly developed. Recurrence properties, equilibrium distribution, and equilibrium queue-size structure are studied for the case of resurrection and no mass exodus. All of these results are then generalized to allow for the removal of the entire workload. In particular, we obtain the Laplace transformation of the transition probability for the absorptive M/M/c queue.
Correlated fractional counting processes on a finite-time interval
Authors: Beghin Luisa , Garra Roberto , Macci Claudio
Published: December 2015

We present some correlated fractional counting processes on a finite-time interval. This will be done by considering a slight generalization of the processes in Borges et al. (2012). The main case concerns a class of space-time fractional Poisson processes and, when the correlation parameter is equal to 0, the univariate distributions coincide with those of the space-time fractional Poisson process in Orsingher and Polito (2012). On the one hand, when we consider the time fractional Poisson process, the multivariate finite-dimensional distributions are different from those presented for the renewal process in Politi et al. (2011). We also consider a case concerning a class of fractional negative binomial processes.
Large deviations for multidimensional state-dependent shot-noise processes
Authors: Budhiraja Amarjit , Nyquist Pierre
Published: December 2015

Shot-noise processes are used in applied probability to model a variety of physical systems in, for example, teletraffic theory, insurance and risk theory, and in the engineering sciences. In this paper we prove a large deviation principle for the sample-paths of a general class of multidimensional state-dependent Poisson shot-noise processes. The result covers previously known large deviation results for one-dimensional state-independent shot-noise processes with light tails. We use the weak convergence approach to large deviations, which reduces the proof to establishing the appropriate convergence of certain controlled versions of the original processes together with relevant results on existence and uniqueness.
Estimation of integrals with respect to infinite measures using regenerative sequences
Authors: Athreya Krishna B. , Roy Vivekananda
Published: December 2015

Letfbe an integrable function on an infinite measure space (S,, π). We show that if aregenerative sequence{Xn}n≥0with canonical measureπcould be generated then a consistent estimator of λ ≡ ∫Sfdπ can be produced. We further show that under appropriate second moment conditions, a confidence interval for λ can also be derived. This is illustrated with estimating countable sums and integrals with respect to absolutely continuous measures on ℝdusing a simple symmetric random walk on ℤ.
In the Wrong Hands: Complementarities, Resource Allocation, and TFP
Authors: Alder Simeon D.
Published: December 2015

I explore mismatch between firms and their managers as a source of variation in aggregate output and total factor productivity (TFP). The model is calibrated to match observations on the size distribution of US manufacturing firms, managerial compensation, and aggregate moments in the national accounts. Quantitatively, small deviations from assortative matching can have sizeable effects on output and TFP. “Cronyism,” where managerial positions are allocated by status rather than talent, imposes a substantial burden on economic welfare. Moreover, the model can reconcile the seemingly contradictory evidence from numerous case studies with results from recent contributions to the assignment literature. (JEL D24, E23, L11, L60, M52, O40)
Technology and the Changing Family: A Unified Model of Marriage, Divorce, Educational Attainment, and Married Female Labor-Force Participation
Authors: Greenwood Jeremy , Guner Nezih , Kocharkov Georgi , Santos Cezar
Published: December 2015

Marriage has declined since 1960, with the drop being more significant for noncollege-educated individuals versus college-educated ones. Divorce has increased, more so for the noncollege-educated. Additionally, positive assortative mating has risen. Income inequality among households has also widened. A unified model of marriage, divorce, educational attainment, and married female labor-force participation is developed and estimated to fit the postwar US data. Two underlying driving forces are considered: technological progress in the household sector and shifts in the wage structure. The analysis emphasizes the joint role that educational attainment, married female labor-force participation, and marital structure play in determining income inequality. (JEL D13, D31, D83, I20, J12, J16, O33)
Multimodality imaging in a late septic infection of aortic graft
Authors: Arzanauskaite Monika , Jankauskas Antanas , Arzanauskiene Reda , Keleras Evaldas
Published: December 2015

A 70-year-old diabetic female patient presented with fatigue, headaches, hallucinations and shivers following a history of sinusitis and ophthalmitis. She had an aortic surgery performed 7 years ago for a stenotic and regurgitant aortic valve with aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Work-up brain MRI revealed septic–embolic encephalitis. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging showed abnormal anterior wall of the ascending aortic graft with vegetation extending into the lumen. Blood culture was only positive for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis. During aortic surgery, the intraluminal vegetation with suppurated perigraft tissue was confirmed.
Promoção de vendas: uma análise dos fatores influenciadores da intenção de compra de um produto em desconto
Authors: Santini Fernando Oliveira , Lübeck Rafael Mendes , Hoffmann Sampaio Cláudio
Published: December 2015

Resumo: a pesquisa se propôs a avaliar o efeito da promoção de vendas de desconto sobre a intenção de compra. Pretendeu investigar como os comportamentos associados à atratividade da campanha, impulsividade, percepção hedônica e risco financeiro se relacionam com o produto com desconto. Foi realizado um experimento de laboratório junto a seiscentos e setenta alunos de graduação do curso de administração de empresas de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior localizada no sul do Brasil. Os resultados apresentaram influência significativa da promoção de desconto sobre a intenção de compra do consumidor. Ademais, foram detectadas influências positivas e significativas da atratividade da promoção sobre a intenção de compra do produto em desconto, assim como uma relação entre impulsividade e percepção hedônica sobre o bem ofertado. Como esperado, encontrou-se, ainda, relação negativa entre a percepção de risco financeiro e a intenção de compra.
Jogo de Empresas em Gestão de Projetos: aplicação em uma multinacional automobilística
Authors: Carreiro Eduardo De Lima Pinto , Oliveira Murilo Alvarenga
Published: December 2015

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a opinião de profissionais quanto às potencialidades de um jogo de empresas dinamizado por um simulador organizacional  para a gestão de projetos na formação de competências. A pesquisa de cunho descritivo foi realizada por meio de um levantamento de opinião com 21 profissionais da área de projetos de uma multinacional do setor automobilístico. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi baseado nos estudos de Carvalho e Rabechini Jr (2006) que analisaram as habilidades relevantes em gestão de projetos sob três aspectos: o gestor, a equipe e o contexto da organização para o desenvolvimento de projetos. No que se refere a abordagem do tratamento dos dados, o estudo utilizou-se de uma abordagem quantitativa. As opiniões dos profissionais revelaram a existência de distintas impressões quanto às contribuições da atividade vivencial na formação de competências. Foi possível perceber que as características dos grupos de profissionais de acordo com o perfil associado a experiência e cargo, determina uma avaliação diferente. De forma geral os participantes indicaram que a atividade dinamizada pelo jogo de empresas promove contribuições na formação de competências em projetos.
Efeitos de diferentes estratégias de treinamento combinado na força muscular e na potência aeróbia de idosos: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Nascimento Roger , Kanitz Ana , Kruel Luiz
Published: December 2015

O objetivo do estudo foi revisar os efeitos de diferentes estratégias metodológicas de treinamento combinado na força e na potência aeróbia de indivíduos idosos saudáveis. A busca incluiu as bases de dados da MEDLINE (via Pubmed) e COCHRANE. A partir dessa busca, 3035 artigos tiveram seus títulos/resumos avaliados, destes 3026 foram excluídos e nove foram selecionados para análise. Foram incluídos dois estudos a partir das referências de outros estudos, totalizando 11 estudos para a leitura na íntegra. Após a leitura dos estudos, foram excluídos quatro por não estarem de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade, restando sete para análise. Foram observadas melhoras significativas na força com o treinamento combinado. Entretanto, a realização simultânea de um treinamento aeróbio em cicloergômetro e em intensidades próximas ao segundo limiar ventilatório (FCLV2) e de força (nesta ordem de execução) pode apresentar um efeito de interferência nas respostas de força de membros inferiores. O desempenho da potência aeróbia não foi afetado quando o treino de força foi realizado antes. Além disso, uma frequência semanal de duas vezes apresenta iguais benefícios em comparação a uma frequência maior. Desta forma, parece que o treinamento aeróbio em cicloergômetro em intensidades baseadas no FCLV2 realizado antes do treinamento de força, provoca interferência nos ganhos de força muscular de membros inferiores e o treinamento de força antes do aeróbio não afeta o desempenho da potência aeróbia. Ainda, uma frequência semanal de treinamento combinado menor apresenta benefícios em amplitudes semelhantes a uma frequência maior.
Exercício intermitente de alta intensidade como alternativa na reabilitação cardiovascular: uma metanálise
Authors: Coswig Victor , Corrêa Leandro , Sobrinho Antônio , Del Vecchio Fabrício
Published: December 2015

O objetivo desta metanálise testar a hipótese de que exercícios intermitentes de alta intensidade (HIIT) apresentam efeito superior ao exercício contínuo de intensidade moderada (MICE) sobre o VO2pico, FCpico, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (LVEF) e dilatação arterial fluxo-mediada (FMD) em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e insuficiência cardíaca (IC). As bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, EBSCOhost e Science Direct foram acessadas, além de buscas nas referências dos próprios artigos. Incluíram-se 12 artigos com total de 239 pacientes que realizaram sessões de HIIT (61,88±5,88 anos) e de 276 que realizaram MICE (62,43±4,85 anos). Verificou-se efeito favorável ao HIIT em comparação ao MICE no VO2pico (Z=8,22; p<0,0001) e LVEF (Z=3,25; p=0,001), porém sem diferença na FCpico (Z = 1,15; p=0,24) e FMD (z=0,12; p=0,9). Pode-se concluir que o HIIT proporciona benefícios senão superiores, ao menos equivalentes em ganhos fisiológicos relacionados à morbidade e mortalidade de pessoas com problemas cardiovasculares.
Função sexual e aptidão cardiorrespiratória de coronariopatas e hipertensos praticantes de dança
Authors: Gonzales Ana , Braga Helena , Sties Sabrina , Mara Lourenço , Carvalho Gabriela , Souza Ana , Guimarães Adriana , Britto Raquel , Schimitt Netto Almir , Carvalho Tales
Published: December 2015

Existe relação entre disfunção sexual e doenças cardiovasculares, sendo o exercício físico eficaz no tratamento de ambos. A dança de salão tem proporcionado efeitos cardiovasculares semelhantes aos exercícios convencionais, sendo também plausível a hipótese beneficiar a função sexual. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a função sexual e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória de coronariopatas e hipertensos praticantes de dança de salão e de seus pares participantes de programa convencional de reabilitação cardiovascular e sedentários. Estudo transversal, com 102 indivíduos de ambos os sexos (69 homens e 33 mulheres), avaliados nos grupos: dança de salão (GD; n = 34; 66,47 ± 6,66 anos), reabilitação cardiovascular (GR; n = 34; 66,61 ± 6,3) e sedentários (GS; n = 34; 66,17 ± 6,73). Para avaliar a função sexual foram utilizados o Índice Internacional de Função Erétil (IIEF) e o Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (IFSF). Foi realizado teste cardiopulmonar para determinar a capacidade cardiorrespiratória. Na análise estatística foram utilizados o teste Korgomorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis e análise de regressão logística com nível de significância de 5%. Homens e mulheres praticantes de dança de salão demonstraram menor possibilidade de apresentar disfunção sexual (OR= 0.352; p = 0.020; OR= 1.05; p = 0.041, respectivamente). GD apresentou VO2pico e VO2 no primeiro limiar ventilatório maior que os outros grupos (
Percepção de mulheres com hipertensão sobre a prática de ioga na saúde e na qualidade de vida
Authors: Mizuno Julio , Rossi Fernanda , Deutsch Silvia , Monteiro Henrique
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar as percepções de mulheres adultas e idosas com hipertensão arterial participantes de um programa de exercícios de Ioga. Para coleta de dados foi utilizada a técnica de grupo focal com questionário semiestruturado, que permitiu extrair opiniões e sentimentos, compartilhando diferentes visões de um mesmo fenômeno. Os relatos foram transcritos, analisados pelo método de análise de conteúdo e divididos em quatro categorias, cujos resultados foram: a) Dimensão da prática: a participação no programa melhorou os hábitos alimentares e a disposição para realizar atividades físicas, que estão relacionados com o autocuidado e a conscientização; b) Dimensão física: os relatos apontam para a melhora em realizar atividades cotidianas, indicando melhoras das capacidades físicas, proporcionados pelos exercícios de Ioga; c) Dimensão saúde-doença: observamos a redução das queixas de dores musculares, articulares, do consumo de medicação e de sinais e sintomas; e, d) Dimensão psicossocial: melhoras no estado de humor, autoconhecimento, autoestima e reflexões do âmbito social. O programa de Ioga pode proporcionar diversos benefícios às participantes, apontando para a existência de uma perspectiva em saúde, observável a partir das percepções expressas no grupo focal, que podem ser descritas em seus prontuários clínicos.
Descrição da atividade física e da jornada de trabalho na qualidade de vida de profissionais de terapia intensiva: Comparação entre um grande centro urbano e uma cidade do interior brasileiro
Authors: Lima Dante , Araújo Rodrigo , Pitangui Ana , Rizzo José , Sarinho Silvia , Santos Camila , Costa Emilia , Correia Junior Marco
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade de vida dos diversos profissionais que trabalham em terapia intensiva considerando o nível de atividade física, a jornada de trabalho e o local de residência. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado em quatro Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de uma capital brasileira e em três de uma região interiorana do sertão brasileiro. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado pelo IPAQ versão curta e a qualidade de vida foi analisada mediante o questionário SF-36, ambos aplicados em forma de entrevista. Participaram do estudo 280 profissionais médicos, enfermeiros, fisioterapeutas e técnicos de enfermagem. Embora tenha sido observado que a maior parte dos profissionais apresentou elevada jornada de trabalho, este fator não influenciou na qualidade de vida. Os indivíduos ativos apresentaram melhores escores nos domínios referentes à limitação por aspectos físicos (p = 0,010); aspecto social (p = 0,043) e saúde mental (p = 0,014). Profissionais com elevada jornada de trabalho e que se mantinham ativos apresentaram melhor escore do domínio capacidade vital em relação aos indivíduos inativos (p = 0,028). Os profissionais residentes no interior apresentaram maior escore para o domínio saúde mental (p = 0,034). O nível de atividade física foi a variável que mais influenciou nos escores de qualidade de vida e garantiu aos profissionais que trabalham em regime elevado melhor escore no domínio capacidade vital.
Concepções de saúde em profissionais de Educação Física que atuam em academias
Authors: Rezende Sara , Rezer Ricardo
Published: December 2015

O objetivo deste estudo é refletir acerca de Concepções de Saúde de profissionais de Educação Física (EF) que atuam em academias de musculação, bem como compreender a maneira como estas discussões ocorrem em seu cotidiano de trabalho. Inicialmente, partimos da ideia de que investigar sobre este tema saúde, no campo da Educação Física, torna-se fundamental na busca por interpretações ampliadas de saúde, tanto na produção científica quanto no processo de intervenção dos profissionais. Esta pesquisa caracterizou-se como sendo de natureza descritiva com uma abordagem qualitativa. Foram realizadas entrevistas a partir de um questionário de perguntas abertas com profissionais de EF que atuam em academias de musculação. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da técnica de Análise Temática. Os resultados apontam que, as concepções saúde que sustentam a prática pedagógica de profissionais de Educação Física nesta pesquisa, fundamentam-se principalmente no modelo biomédico.
A Unified Approach to Truthful Scheduling on Related Machines
Authors: Epstein Leah , Levin Asaf , van Stee Rob
Published: December 2015

We present a unified framework for designing deterministic monotone polynomial time approximation schemes (PTASs) for a wide class of scheduling problems on uniformly related machines. This class includes (among others) minimizing the makespan, maximizing the minimum load, and minimizing the p-norm of the machine loads vector. Previously, this kind of result was only known for the makespan objective. Monotone algorithms have the property that an increase in the speed of a machine cannot decrease the amount of work assigned to it. Our results imply the existence of a truthful mechanism that can be implemented in polynomial time, where the social goal is approximated within arbitrary precision.