bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education across the divide: Shared learning of separate Jewish and Arab schools in a mixed city in Israel
Authors: Payes Shany
Published: May 2017

This article examines the impact of contact-based educational encounter strategies of shared learning on Jewish–Arab relations in Israel. It analyses a programme of education for shared life that takes place in a mixed (75% Jewish/25% Arab) city at the centre of Israel since 2012. The programme aims to mitigate Jewish–Arab relations in the city amidst tensions resulting from the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, unequal power relations and hostilities between the groups. Uniquely, it assimilates shared life education into the generally separate educational system in the city, and uses methods of shared learning – adopted and adjusted in part from an educational approach developed in Northern Ireland. Given the inequalities between Jews and Arabs in Israel, in education as well as more generally in socioeconomic parameters, this article studies the prospects of success in achieving educational and social cohesion goals through face-to-face contact and shared learning. The research is based on over 25 interviews as well as observations throughout the programme’s activities.
Projection subspace clustering
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Liao Mengzhen , Ye Xianbao
Published: May 2017

Gene expression data is a kind of high dimension and small sample size data. The clustering accuracy of conventional clustering techniques is lower on gene expression data due to its high dimension. Because some subspace segmentation approaches can be better applied in the high-dimensional space, three new subspace clustering models for gene expression data sets are proposed in this work. The proposed projection subspace clustering models have projection sparse subspace clustering, projection low-rank representation subspace clustering and projection least-squares regression subspace clustering which combine projection technique with sparse subspace clustering, low-rank representation and least-square regression, respectively. In order to compute the inner product in the high-dimensional space, the kernel function is used to the projection subspace clustering models. The experimental results on six gene expression data sets show these models are effective.
Flame response of solid propellant AP/Al/HTPB to a longitudinal acoustic wave
Authors: Rezaiguia Hichem , Liu Peijin , Yang Tianhao
Published: May 2017

This paper is devoted to an experimental work which consists of the analysis of the flame of a small solid propellant sample, AP/Al/HTPB, subjected to a longitudinal acoustic wave. Experiments were conducted in a closed tube under two mean pressures: 1 and 2.5 MPa. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the flame snapshots, using a microscope and a high-speed camera, revealed that the acoustic wave created at the end of the chamber by a pulser system strongly affects the flame and the combustion products dynamic above the solid propellant surface, namely, the flame and the hot products oscillate around a line perpendicular to the propellant surface. This dynamic of the hot gas disturbs the local burning rate and the regression surface profile. Thus, the thrust and the burning duration will change, therefore, the flight path of the rocket may shift and can lead to failure of the mission.
Seven-year survival analysis of the Global® CAP® (Conservative Anatomic Prosthesis) shoulder resurfacing
Authors: Ingoe Helen , Holland Philip , Tindall Emma , Liow Raymond , Mcvie James L , Rangan Amar
Published: May 2017

Background

Shoulder resurfacings represent approximately one-third of shoulder arthroplasties and have the highest revision rates of any shoulder arthroplasty. We present a survival analysis of the Global CAP hemi-resurfacing implanted by multiple surgeons with up to 10 years of follow-up.

Methods

A life-table survival analysis of the Global CAP hemi-resurfacing was undertaken in a single site with multiple surgeons. Two survival analyses were performed; first, where failure was defined as component exchange and, second, where failure was defined as re-operation for any reason. Postoperative functional outcome was quantified using the Quick Disability Arm Hand and Shoulder Score (Quick DASH) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).

Results

Eighty-seven Global CAPs were implanted in 75 patients. At a mean (SD) follow-up of 5.4 years (2.5 years) (range 0.9 years to 10 years), five patients had revision surgery and three patients underwent a reoperation for any reason. Survival at year 7 with component exchange as the endpoint was 80% (95% confidence interval = 93 to 65) and survival with re-operation for any reason as the end point was 62% (95% confidence interval = 82 to 50). The mean OSS and Quick DASH were 35 and 27.6, respectively.

Conclusions

The Global CAP has similar survivorship in the short to medium term and produces similar clinical outcomes compared to other shoulder resurfacings.
Can we improve the outcome of hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis?
Authors: Haughton David N. , Barton Simon , Meenan Erin , Mehan Rakesh , Wykes Philip , Warner James , Mulgrew Emma
Published: May 2017

Background

Hydrodilatation (HD) has been shown to improve pain and function in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). There is no consensus concerning how HD should be performed or what volume should be injected. It has distinct advantages compared to surgery; however, it is a painful procedure and is often poorly tolerated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients referred for HD over a 2.5-year period aiming to assess whether volume injected influences outcome.

Results

There were 107 patients treated with HD; of these, 76 (43 female, 32 male) had full data for analysis. The majority were classified as primary AC ( n = 57) with an average age of 55.5 years. The mean improvement in Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) was 12.1, with females (13.9) and post-traumatic cases of AC (14.1) demonstrating the best outcome. No complications were observed during the HD process. There was a negative correlation observed between volume injected and OSS improvement. Only two patients experienced a poor outcome and required further treatment with manipulation +/– arthroscopic arthrolysis.

Conclusions

The present study supports the use of HD as a first line treatment for AC regardless of the underlying cause, and also demonstrates that the volume injected does appear to influence the outcome.
Dose Unit Establishment for a New Basal Insulin Using Joint Modeling of Insulin Dose and Glycemic Response
Authors: Qu Yongming , Luo Junxiang , Garhyan Parag , Antalis Caryl J. , Chang Annette M. , Jacober Scott J.
Published: May 2017

Background:

For new insulin analogs with properties that vary from human insulin, defining activity in units of human insulin based on glycemic lowering efficacy may be challenging. Here we present a new method that can be used to quantify a unit dose of an experimental insulin when the traditional euglycemic clamp method is not adequate.

Methods:

Joint modeling of insulin dose and the glycemic outcome variable hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), where both were response variables, was used to evaluate insulin unit potency for basal insulin peglispro (BIL). The data were from the Phase 3 program for BIL, which included greater than 5500 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were treated for 26 or 52 weeks with BIL or a comparator insulin. Both basal-bolus and basal insulin only studies were included, and some type 2 diabetes patients were insulin-naïve.

Results:

The analysis showed that 1 unit of BIL, composed of 9 nmol of active ingredient, had similar or slightly greater potency compared to 1 unit insulin glargine or NPH insulin for all populations.

Conclusions:

Despite some limitations, the joint modeling of HbA1c and insulin dose provides a reasonable approach to estimate the relative potency of a new basal insulin versus an established basal insulin.
Etiological factors of short stature in children and adolescents: experience at a tertiary care hospital in Egypt
Authors: Hussein Almontaser , Farghaly Hekma , Askar Eman , Metwalley Kotb , Saad Khaled , Zahran Asmaa , Othman Hisham A.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Accurate anthropometric measurements and critical analysis of growth data allow the clinician to promptly recognize children with short stature. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of etiological factors causing short stature among children referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic of Assiut University Children’s Hospital, the main tertiary care center in Upper Egypt.

Methods:

We conducted this descriptive observational study from May 2012 to December 2015, to analyze 637 children (boys 354, girls 283) with short stature. Evaluation included: detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, bone age and chromosomal analysis.

Results:

Endocrinological causes accounted for 26% of short stature [of them, 11.8% had growth hormone deficiency (GHD)], 63.6% had normal variants of growth [of them, 42% had familial short stature (FSS), 15.8% had constitutional growth delay (CGD) and 5.5% a combination of both]. Interestingly, celiac disease (CD) constituted 6.6% of children with short stature in our cohort.

Conclusions:

Although potentially treatable causes such as GHD, hypothyroidism and CD accounted for a considerable percentage of short stature in our study, the majority of short stature in children had normal variations of growth. Growth hormone treatment in children, however, should be promptly initiated with specific clinical indications. CD is a not uncommon cause of short stature.
The imaginaries that survived: Societal roles of early childhood education in an era of intensification
Authors: Paananen Maiju
Published: May 2017

This ethnographic study, carried out in public kindergartens in Finland, traces the enactments of the societal roles of early childhood education. It highlights how the intertwining of governing tools and discourses related to early childhood education’s societal role participates in the formation of daily life in kindergarten. The concept of “imaginary” is used as an analytical tool. The study argues that intensification measures together with the individualistic rights discourse have substantially challenged the social justice agenda of early childhood education in Finland. Furthermore, it suggests that an ethnographic examination of the enactments of societal roles of early childhood education and the concept of “imaginaries” provide valuable insights vis-a-vis the continuing theoretical and political discussions concerning early childhood education policies and governance.
Accounting for adjuvant-induced artifacts in the characterization of vaccine formulations by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Authors: Jakob Virginie , Brunner Livia , Barnier-Quer Christophe , Blust Molly , Collin Nicolas , Carter Lauren , Carter Darrick , Rausch Kelly M. , Fox Christopher B.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

Several vaccine adjuvants comprise complex nano- or micro-particle formulations, such as oil-in-water emulsions. In order to characterize interactions and compatibility of oil-in-water emulsion adjuvants with protein antigens in vaccines, effective protein characterization methods that can accommodate potential interference from high concentrations of lipid-based particles are needed.

Methods:

Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a standard protein characterization technique which is affected by the presence of adjuvants such as oil-in-water emulsions. In this article, we investigate variations in SDS-PAGE methods that result in a reduction of adjuvant-induced staining artifacts. We have investigated whether the SDS method or the adjuvant composition were the reason for these artifacts and succeeded in reducing the artifacts with a modified sample preparation and different staining procedures.

Results:

The best results were obtained by using gold staining or silver staining instead of a Coomassie Blue staining procedure. Moreover, the replacement of the dilution buffer (20% SDS to disrupt emulsion) by alternative detergents such as Tween® 80 and Triton® X-100 removed adjuvant-induced streaking artifacts at the top of the gel.

Conclusions:

These methods may be useful for improving characterization approaches of antigen–adjuvant mixtures by SDS-PAGE.
The Effect of Mantram Repetition on Burnout and Stress Among VA Staff
Authors: Leary Sheryl , Weingart Kimberly , Topp Robert , Bormann Jill
Published: May 2017

In this study, the authors determined the effect of a structured Internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) on burnout and stress of conscience (SOC), stress related to ambiguity from ethical or moral conflicts among health care workers (HCWs) within the Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. A secondary purpose was to determine whether practicing meditation prior to the study combined with MRP affected burnout or SOC. The MRP teaches the mindful practices of repeating a mantram, slowing down, and one-pointed attention for managing stress. Thirty-nine HCW volunteers who provided direct patient care completed the Internet-delivered MRP. The outcomes of burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) and SOC (i.e., frequency of stressful events and troubled conscience about those events) were measured at baseline (T1), postintervention (T2), and 3-months postintervention (T3). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that exhaustion significantly ( p < .05) declined between T1 and T3; professional efficacy and cynicism did not change during the study. The same statistical model also indicated the frequency of stressful events significantly declined between T1 and T2 and troubled conscience declined between T1 and T3. Secondary analysis demonstrated that individuals who did not practice meditation at baseline ( n = 16, 41%) significantly decreased exhaustion, frequency of stressful events, and troubled conscience between T1 and T3, and improved professional efficacy between T1 and T2. Individuals who practiced meditation at baseline ( n = 23, 59%) did not demonstrate significant change on any study outcomes. An MRP intervention may reduce burnout and SOC in those individuals who are naïve to practicing meditation.
Uncovering Common Sleep Disorders and Their Impacts on Occupational Performance
Authors: Judd Sylvia R.
Published: May 2017

Sleep is an active process; the body undergoes restoration and regeneration. Adequate sleep is essential to health and cognitive function. Sleep is critical for cell repair, a healthy immune system, and hormonal regulation, and aids in the process of learning, memory, and emotion. Inadequate sleep can lead to multiple chronic health and mental conditions over time. The occupational health nurse can be instrumental in screening for two of the most common sleep disorders, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, by asking workers key questions and using simple screening tools.
Future of B2C E-commerce (Buyers Perspective) in India: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Ajmani Aayush
Published: May 2017

India is one of the hottest destinations for online retailers. It provides the emerging prospect of business because of young generation. The present study is an evaluation of the future of business-to-consumer (B2C) commerce in India with major focus on identifying the satisfactory and dissatisfactory factors for online buyers. The study collects 206 respondents, out of which 161 respondents were used for further analysis. A total of 20 factors were considered, which were thought to make an impact on e-commerce consumer buying behaviour. After applying Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test for sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test for sphericity, the study adopts principal component analysis for extracting relevant factors. The study identifies four core factors, namely, service quality, security and privacy, content and design, and customer delight. The finding of the study depicts that most of the consumers purchasing online are youngsters, educated and financially well off. The study shows that three-fourth buyers visit online shopping once or twice in six months. The top four products purchased online are books (40.99 per cent), electronics (39.75 per cent), apparel and accessories (36.02 per cent) and computer and peripherals (32.92 per cent). The top three attractor for buyers to buy from e-commerce portals are home delivery (70.19 per cent), time saving (61.49 per cent) and 24 × 7 availability (60.25 per cent). Security issues (65.84 per cent) and unclear and complex policies (60.87 per cent) are the major detractors for buyers in B2C e-commerce. The results of our analytical study indicate the relationship between the consumers’ perceptions about the factors that influence their intention while buying online, more specifically, consumers’ perceptions of the service quality, security and privacy, content and design on website, and customer delight factors.
Depth of Open Innovation: The Role of Incremental Versus Radical Types of Innovation on Product Performance
Authors: Uduma Idika Awa , Wali Andy Fred
Published: May 2017

This article investigates how the depth of open innovation (OI) practices influences marketing performance in the small and medium scale enterprises (SME) sector. We adopted the quantitative survey approach, and we sampled and elicited data from 72 senior staff from the UK’s SMEs sector using a survey questionnaire. Thereafter, the collected primary data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Findings show that (a) the depth of OI has a curvilinear relationship with radical and incremental product performance (PP) and (b) radical innovation has a moderating influence on the depth of OI and marketing performance of SME products. Hence, the implementation OI strategies would support radical PP of SMEs. Recommendations are made for SMEs’ policymakers to adopt and maintain a deeper relationship with chosen innovation partners in the SMEs product improvement process for the purpose of realising mutually supportive innovations, especially in radically transforming PP.
Capital Structure and Risk Preferences
Authors: Ra Youngsoo
Published: May 2017

This study examined the Korean manufacturing companies listed in the Korea Exchange (KRX) market to see if managerial traits can be one of the determinants of financial structure. This study used the prospect theory definition of risk traits by classifying companies into two groups: risk-averse and risk-seeker. A statistical analysis of the financial structure with several determinants proved that managerial traits play a significant role in determining debt; however, two risk groups did not show different features in determining financial structure. Overall, companies in Korea, except the variable related to size, supported the pecking order theory.
Payment Bank: A Catalyst for Financial Inclusion
Authors: Sikdar Pallab , Kumar Amresh
Published: May 2017

The study investigates how newly licensed payment banks can favourably achieve inclusion goals of the Indian banking regulator by engaging with marginalised and migrant groups within the population pie, as envisaged by the banking regulator. The role of digitisation in making basic financial services available to such excluded groups has been explored within the study. In addition, the article attempts to critically assess the competitive implications such a new financial institution will have on the existing full-service banks. The study is grounded on the concept of payment banks as a crucial cog in a differentiated banking regime. Secondary information extracted from occasional reports/working papers of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been used to gauge the efforts towards realising inclusion goals. Perspectives of CEOs and banking practitioners have provided valuable inputs as to how the banking fraternity views payment banks and perceives them as a competitive threat. As the payment banking business model necessitates forging alliances with full-service banks, implications of such strategic alliances warrant research. The present study is an initial attempt to fill this gap in the extant literature.
Service Facet Prioritisation Using Grey Relation Approach
Authors: Verma Sanjeev , Prasad Ram Komal
Published: May 2017

This article attempts to find the relative importance of various service attributes having significant influence on student’s choice set for selection of management institutes. Relative importance of service attributes in management education is evaluated and graded with the help of grey relational analysis. The result of the study indicates that management education institutions must reconsider service strategy in view of the return that specific action provides. Data revealed that tangibles and directly felt service attributes such as academic aspects, attitude and assurance are more important areas to be focused. Grey areas like non-academic aspects and spend on brand building does not receive much importance and resources may be realigned to fetch better results. The findings of the study would help the promoters of institutions and academicians to take right initiatives for ensuring the service quality of management education.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Surgical Treatment Modalities for Chondral Lesions of the Knee: Microfracture, Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation, and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Schrock John B. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Houck Darby A. , McQueen Matthew B. , McCarty Eric C.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Numerous surgical options exist to treat chondral lesions in the knee, including microfracture (MFx), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT), first-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI-1), and next-generation ACI (ACI-2).

Purpose:

To compare the cost-effectiveness of MFx, OAT, and ACI-1. The secondary purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of MFx, OAT, ACI-1, and ACI-2.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Two independent reviewers conducted an online literature search of 2 databases for level 1 and 2 studies using the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and/or Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score. A weighted mean difference in pre- to postoperative functional outcome score was calculated for each treatment. The mean per-patient costs associated with MFx, OAT, and ACI-1 were determined from a recent publication based on review of a national private insurance database. The cost for each procedure was then divided by the weighted mean difference in functional outcome score to give the cost-per-point change in outcome score.

Results:

A total of 12 studies (6 level 1, 6 level 2) met the inclusion criteria for the functional outcome analysis, including 730 knees (MFx, n = 300; OAT, n = 90; ACI-1, n = 68; ACI-2, n = 272). The mean follow-up was not significantly different between groups (MFx, 29.4 months; OAT, 38.3 months; ACI-1, 19.0 months; ACI-2, 26.7 months). The mean increase in functional outcome score was 23 for MFx, 19 for OAT, 20 for ACI-1, and 35 for ACI-2. The change in functional outcome score was significantly greater for ACI-2 when compared with all other treatments ( P < .0001). The cost-per-point change in functional outcome score was $200.59 for MFx, $313.84 for OAT, and $536.59 for ACI-1.

Conclusion:

MFx, OAT, ACI-1, and ACI-2 are effective surgical procedures for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee. All 4 treatments led to an increase in functional outcome scores postoperatively with a short-term follow-up. ACI-2 had a statistically greater improvement in functional outcome scores as compared with the other 3 procedures. MFx was found to be the most cost-effective treatment option and ACI-1 the least cost-effective.
A Pilot Study for Linking Adolescent Patients to an Interactive Tobacco Prevention Program
Authors: Calabro Karen S. , Marani Salma K. , Le Thuan A. , Khalil Georges E. , Tami-Maury Irene M. , Prokhorov Alexander V.
Published: May 2017

Context:

The American Academy of Pediatrics and professional guidelines recommend intervening with adolescents about avoiding tobacco use in the health-care setting. Barriers in the clinical setting limit consistent provision of this critical service.

Objectives:

This pilot study compared 2 approaches for referring adolescents to an evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation program in the outpatient setting. Secondary aims assessed tobacco use, knowledge, and program evaluation.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

The study setting was a medical and dental clinic. Participants aged 13 to 18 received tobacco advice and instructions to work through “A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience.” The program addresses health concerns of adolescents about tobacco use and is founded on behavioral change theories. The link to access it is featured on the website of the National Cancer Institute’s Research-Tested Interventions. Participants (N = 197) were randomized to 1 of 2 approaches (ie, a program link via e-mail or referral by a printed card).

Results:

The program was accessed by 57% (112 of 197) of participants. Both referral approaches were equally effective. Non-Hispanics were twice as likely to access the program as Hispanics (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.2-3.8, P < .05). Over 95% of participants identified themselves as nonusers of tobacco and evaluated the program as beneficial in increasing knowledge and motivation to remain tobacco-free.

Conclusion:

Linking adolescent patients to an evidence-based tobacco prevention/cessation program at a community health clinic was highly promising and feasible. We present conclusions for future research.
Exploring Failure of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Systems Through Implant Retrieval, Radiographic, and Clinical Data Analyses
Authors: Moore Drew D , Moravek James E , Baker Erin A , Salisbury Meagan R , Baker Kevin C , Wiater J Michael
Published: May 2017

Background

Retrieved clinically failed anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) components as well as associated radiographs and medical records were analyzed in order to investigate the origins of clinical failure(s) of TSA components.

Methods

Fifty TSA systems were retrieved from 48 patients including 27 females and 21 males; components were implanted for an average of 68 months (range, 2–267). Data obtained through radiographic analysis, medical records review, and damage mode analysis of each component were performed and statistically analyzed.

Results

Significant correlations were found between glenoid loosening and preoperative pain ( r = 1.00, P < .001), humeral stem scratching and humeral loosening (Zone 1: r = .60, P < .01; Zone 2: r = .45, P = .03; Zone 3: r = .45, P = .03) , as well as glenoid damage and rotator cuff tears ( r = .36, P = .02).

Discussion

Wear and damage of the glenoid and humeral components, which may result from rotator cuff tearing, may lead to accelerated loosening, clinical failure, and early revision arthroplasty. Improved implant design and/or surgical indications may improve implant performance, thereby reducing the incidence of implant damage and wear, and result in improved clinical outcomes.
Invariant NKT cells contribute to chronic lymphocytic leukemia surveillance and prognosis
Authors: Gorini Francesca , Azzimonti Laura , Delfanti Gloria , Scarfò Lydia , Scielzo Cristina , Bertilaccio Maria Teresa , Ranghetti Pamela , Gulino Alessandro , Doglioni Claudio , Di Napoli Arianna , Capri Miriam , Franceschi Claudio , Caligaris-Cappio Federico , Ghia Paolo , Bellone Matteo , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia , de Lalla Claudia
Published: May 2017

Key Points

iNKT cells control CLL progression in both mice and patients and this inversely correlates with CD1d expression by leukemia cells. Human iNKT cells indirectly hinder CLL survival by restraining proleukemia monocyte-derived nurse-like cells.
Endogenous hepcidin and its agonist mediate resistance to selected infections by clearing non–transferrin-bound iron
Authors: Stefanova Deborah , Raychev Antoan , Arezes Joao , Ruchala Piotr , Gabayan Victoria , Skurnik Mikael , Dillon Barbara J. , Horwitz Marcus A. , Ganz Tomas , Bulut Yonca , Nemeth Elizabeta
Published: May 2017

Key Points

In mouse models, hepcidin participates in innate immunity by controlling NTBI. NTBI-dependent infections can be treated with hepcidin agonists in mouse models of hereditary hemochromatosis or parenteral iron overload.
Cognitive impairment in COPD: should cognitive evaluation be part of respiratory assessment?
Authors: Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Gloeckl Rainer , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Kenn Klaus
Published: May 2017

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with COPD and demonstrates multiple detrimental effects on many aspects of patient state and therapeutic outcomes. It is attributed to several overlapping pathophysiological factors, with the most common being the low level of oxygen saturation due to respiratory insufficiency. Despite the impact of cognitive impairment on clinical outcomes, the screening for coexisting cognitive deficits which may interfere with the successful progress of respiratory treatment is yet neglected. There is a special consideration that cognitive deficits should be taken into account when developing respiratory therapy plans. Cognitively impaired patients are likely to require more support and have need of an individualised respiratory care plan which can also be beneficial for their cognitive deficits. Pulmonary rehabilitation as a multidisciplinary approach could be prioritised for COPD patients with cognitive impairment.

Educational aims

To illustrate the common signs of cognitive impairment and define potential associations between lung and cognitive dysfunction.

To illustrate the potential influence of cognitive deficits on the optimal progress of respiratory therapy.

To illustrate the importance of cognitive evaluation as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment for patients suspected of suffering cognitive impairment.
Editorial: The rebirth of myeloid-derived suppressor cells: from adversary in cancer to ally in reproductive health
Authors: Abrams Scott I
Published: May 2017

Discussion on how MDSCs are important in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance, which adds to our understanding of such a longstanding mystery in reproductive biology.
Long-Term Follow-Up of the Intergroup Exemestane Study
Authors: Morden James P. , Alvarez Isabel , Bertelli Gianfilippo , Coates Alan S. , Coleman Robert , Fallowfield Lesley , Jassem Jacek , Jones Stephen , Kilburn Lucy , Lønning Per E. , Ortmann Olaf , Snowdon Claire , van de Velde Cornelis , Andersen Jørn , Del Mastro Lucia , Dodwell David , Holmberg Stig , Nicholas Hanna , Paridaens Robert , Bliss Judith M. , Coombes R. Charles
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The Intergroup Exemestane Study, an investigator-led study of 4,724 postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer (clinical trial information: ISRCTN11883920), has previously demonstrated that a switch from adjuvant endocrine therapy after 2 to 3 years of tamoxifen to exemestane was associated with clinically relevant improvements in efficacy. Here, we report the final efficacy analyses of this cohort.

Patients and Methods

Patients who remained disease free after 2 to 3 years of adjuvant tamoxifen were randomly assigned to continue tamoxifen or switch to exemestane to complete a total of 5 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Given the large number of non–breast cancer–related deaths now reported, breast cancer–free survival (BCFS), with censorship of intercurrent deaths, was the primary survival end point of interest. Analyses focus on patients with estrogen receptor-positive or unknown tumors (n = 4,599).

Results

At the time of the data snapshot, median follow-up was 120 months. In the population that was estrogen receptor positive or had unknown estrogen receptor status, 1,111 BCFS events were observed with 508 (22.1%) of 2,294 patients in the exemestane group and 603 (26.2%) of 2,305 patients in the tamoxifen group. The data corresponded to an absolute difference (between exemestane and tamoxifen) at 10 years of 4.0% (95% CI, 1.2% to 6.7%), and the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92) favored exemestane. This difference remained in multivariable analysis that was adjusted for nodal status, prior use of hormone replacement therapy, and prior chemotherapy (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.90; P < .001). A modest improvement in overall survival was seen with exemestane; the absolute difference (between exemestane and tamoxifen) at 10 years in the population that was estrogen receptor positive or had unknown estrogen receptor status was 2.1% (95% CI, −0.5% to 4.6%), and the HR was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.78 to 1.01; P = .08). For the intention-to-treat population, the absolute difference was 1.6% (95% CI, −0.9% to 4.1%); the HR was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.03, P = .15). No statistically significant difference was observed in the proportion of patients who reported a fracture event in the post-treatment period.

Conclusion

The Intergroup Exemestane Study and contemporaneous studies have established that a strategy of switching to an aromatase inhibitor after 2 to 3 years of tamoxifen can lead to sustained benefits in terms of reduction of disease recurrence and breast cancer mortality.
The role of Ca2+ signaling in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zaichick Sofia V. , McGrath Kaitlyn M. , Caraveo Gabriela
Published: May 2017

Across all kingdoms in the tree of life, calcium (Ca2+) is an essential element used by cells to respond and adapt to constantly changing environments. In multicellular organisms, it plays fundamental roles during fertilization, development and adulthood. The inability of cells to regulate Ca2+ can lead to pathological conditions that ultimately culminate in cell death. One such pathological condition is manifested in Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurological disorder in humans, which is characterized by the aggregation of the protein, α-synuclein. This Review discusses current evidence that implicates Ca2+ in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Understanding the mechanisms by which Ca2+ signaling contributes to the progression of this disease will be crucial for the development of effective therapies to combat this devastating neurological condition.
Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: progress and possibilities
Authors: Van Damme Philip , Robberecht Wim , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: May 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system and presents with progressive muscle weakness. Most patients survive for only 2-5 years after disease onset, often due to failure of the respiratory muscles. ALS is a familial disease in ∼10% of patients, with the remaining 90% developing sporadic ALS. Over the past decade, major advances have been made in our understanding of the genetics and neuropathology of ALS. To date, around 20 genes are associated with ALS, with the most common causes of typical ALS associated with mutations in SOD1, TARDBP, FUS and C9orf72. Advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of ALS have led to the creation of different models of this disease. The molecular pathways that have emerged from these systems are more heterogeneous than previously anticipated, ranging from protein aggregation and defects in multiple key cellular processes in neurons, to dysfunction of surrounding non-neuronal cells. Here, we review the different model systems used to study ALS and discuss how they have contributed to our current knowledge of ALS disease mechanisms. A better understanding of emerging disease pathways, the detrimental effects of the various gene mutations and the causes underlying motor neuron denegation in sporadic ALS will accelerate progress in the development of novel treatments.
Neurodegenerative disease: models, mechanisms, and a new hope
Authors: Gitler Aaron D. , Dhillon Paraminder , Shorter James
Published: May 2017

Neurodegeneration is a feature of many debilitating, incurable diseases that are rapidly rising in prevalence, such as Parkinson's disease. There is an urgent need to develop new and more effective therapeutic strategies to combat these devastating diseases. Models – from cell-based systems, to unicellular organisms, to complex animals – have proven to be a useful tool to help the research community shed light on the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, and these advances have now begun to provide promising therapeutic avenues. In this themed issue of Disease Models & Mechanisms, a special collection of articles focused on neurodegenerative diseases is introduced. The collection includes original research articles that provide new insights into the complex pathophysiology of such diseases, revealing candidate biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Some of the articles describe a new disease model that enables deeper exploration of key mechanisms. We also present a series of reviews that highlight some of the recent translational advances made in studies of neurodegenerative diseases. In this Editorial, we summarize the articles featured in this collection, emphasizing the impact that model-based studies have made in this exciting area of research.
Metabolic cost of human hopping
Authors: Gutmann Anne K. , Bertram John E. A.
Published: May 2017

To interpret the movement strategies employed in locomotion, it is necessary to understand the source of metabolic cost. Muscles must consume metabolic energy to do work, but also must consume energy to generate force. The energy lost during steady locomotion and, hence, the amount of mechanical work muscles need to perform to replace it can be reduced and, in theory, even eliminated by elastically storing and returning some portion of this energy via the tendons. However, even if muscles do not need to perform any mechanical work, they still must generate sufficient force to tension tendons and support body weight. This study shows that the metabolic cost per hop of human hopping can largely be explained by the cost of producing force over the duration of a hop. Metabolic cost determined via oxygen consumption is compared with theoretical predictions made using a number of different cost functions that include terms for average muscle work, force, force rate and impulse (time integral of muscle force). Muscle impulse alone predicts metabolic cost per hop as well as more complex functions that include terms for muscle work, force and force rate, and explains a large portion (92%) of the variation in metabolic cost per hop. This is equivalent to 1/effective mechanical advantage, explaining a large portion (66%) of the variation in metabolic cost per time per unit body weight. This result contrasts with studies that suggest that muscle force rate or muscle force rate per time determines the metabolic cost per time of force production in other bouncing gaits such as running.
Undergraduate Econometrics Instruction: Through Our Classes, Darkly
Authors: Angrist Joshua D. , Pischke Jörn-Steffen
Published: May 2017

The past half-century has seen economic research become increasingly empirical, while the nature of empirical economic research has also changed. In the 1960s and 1970s, an empirical economist's typical mission was to “explain” economic variables like wages or GDP growth. Applied econometrics has since evolved to prioritize the estimation of specific causal effects and empirical policy analysis over general models of outcome determination. Yet econometric instruction remains mostly abstract, focusing on the search for “true models” and technical concerns associated with classical regression assumptions. Questions of research design and causality still take a back seat in the classroom, in spite of having risen to the top of the modern empirical agenda. This essay traces the divergent development of econometric teaching and empirical practice, arguing for a pedagogical paradigm shift.
Challenges to Mismeasurement Explanations for the US Productivity Slowdown
Authors: Syverson Chad
Published: May 2017

The United States has been experiencing a slowdown in measured labor productivity growth since 2004. A number of commentators and researchers have suggested that this slowdown is at least in part illusory because real output data have failed to capture the new and better products of the past decade. I conduct four disparate analyses, each of which offers empirical challenges to this “mismeasurement hypothesis.” First, the productivity slowdown has occurred in dozens of countries, and its size is unrelated to measures of the countries' consumption or production intensities of information and communication technologies (ICTs, the type of goods most often cited as sources of mismeasurement). Second, estimates from the existing research literature of the surplus created by internet-linked digital technologies fall far short of the $3 trillion or more of “missing output” resulting from the productivity growth slowdown. Third, if measurement problems were to account for even a modest share of this missing output, the properly measured output and productivity growth rates of industries that produce and service ICTs would have to have been multiples of their measured growth in the data. Fourth, while measured gross domestic income has been on average higher than measured gross domestic product since 2004—perhaps indicating workers are being paid to make products that are given away for free or at highly discounted prices—this trend actually began before the productivity slowdown and moreover reflects unusually high capital income rather than labor income (i.e., profits are unusually high). In combination, these complementary facets of evidence suggest that the reasonable prima facie case for the mismeasurement hypothesis faces real hurdles when confronted with the data.
Twenty Years of Time Series Econometrics in Ten Pictures
Authors: Stock James H. , Watson Mark W.
Published: May 2017

This review tells the story of the past 20 years of time series econometrics through ten pictures. These pictures illustrate six broad areas of progress in time series econometrics: estimation of dynamic causal effects; estimation of dynamic structural models with optimizing agents (specifically, dynamic stochastic equilibrium models); methods for exploiting information in “big data” that are specialized to economic time series; improved methods for forecasting and for monitoring the economy; tools for modeling time variation in economic relationships; and improved methods for statistical inference. Taken together, the pictures show how 20 years of research have improved our ability to undertake our professional responsibilities. These pictures also remind us of the close connection between econometric theory and the empirical problems that motivate the theory, and of how the best econometric theory tends to arise from practical empirical problems.
Machine Learning: An Applied Econometric Approach
Authors: Mullainathan Sendhil , Spiess Jann
Published: May 2017

Machines are increasingly doing “intelligent” things. Face recognition algorithms use a large dataset of photos labeled as having a face or not to estimate a function that predicts the presence y of a face from pixels x. This similarity to econometrics raises questions: How do these new empirical tools fit with what we know? As empirical economists, how can we use them? We present a way of thinking about machine learning that gives it its own place in the econometric toolbox. Machine learning not only provides new tools, it solves a different problem. Specifically, machine learning revolves around the problem of prediction, while many economic applications revolve around parameter estimation. So applying machine learning to economics requires finding relevant tasks. Machine learning algorithms are now technically easy to use: you can download convenient packages in R or Python. This also raises the risk that the algorithms are applied naively or their output is misinterpreted. We hope to make them conceptually easier to use by providing a crisper understanding of how these algorithms work, where they excel, and where they can stumble—and thus where they can be most usefully applied.
Transformações tecnológicas e perspectivas para a gestão democrática das políticas culturais
Authors: Vaz José Carlos
Published: May 2017

Este ensaio explora as perspectivas colocadas para a gestão democrática das políticas culturais no Brasil pelo conjunto das transformações tecnológicas em torno da computação ubíqua, da mobilidade, da convergência de dispositivos e da ampliação do acesso a dados públicos. Toma como referencial teórico a construção social da tecnologia e explora a interação entre tecnologia e processos sociais. Com base nesses aspectos, as reflexões foram articuladas a partir da exploração das possibilidades de emergência de novos artefatos tecnológicos para a gestão democrática das políticas públicas de cultura. Essas possibilidades são tratadas em dupla perspectiva: da adoção de padrões de uso da tecnologia e também dos processos de produção desses artefatos. O artigo explora, com base nos exemplos identificados na literatura e por meio do método de inspeção estruturada de websites, as possibilidades já efetivadas ou ainda potenciais. Estas são levantadas em termos de participação nas decisões de planejamento e gestão das políticas culturais; compartilhamento de dados e informações relacionados à gestão cultural; transparência e controle social na gestão das políticas culturais. Em seguida, aborda a emergência de novos atores e processos de produção de recursos tecnológicos pela sociedade civil. Conclui-se o estudo apresentando um conjunto de questões que devem merecer a atenção dos pesquisadores em uma agenda futura de trabalho para aprofundamento dos pontos nele levantados.
O papel da universidade em iniciativas voltadas à informação, cidadania e accountability em Córdoba e São Paulo
Authors: Pagani Camila , Schommer Paula Chies
Published: May 2017

Este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar os diferentes papéis que a universidade pode desempenhar quando se envolve em iniciativas da sociedade civil voltadas a informação, cidadania e accountability social em cidades latino-americanas, particularmente nas iniciativas da Rede Nossa São Paulo e da Red Ciudadana Nuestra Córdoba. O contexto do trabalho leva em consideração os desafios contemporâneos nas cidades latino-americanas, dos possíveis papéis da universidade diante deles e da diferença de atuação das universidades nas duas iniciativas estudadas, as quais fazem parte da Rede Latino-Americana por Cidades e Territórios Justos, Democráticos e Sustentáveis. Com base em pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, realizada em 2015, em Córdoba e São Paulo, identificam-se os diferentes papéis, as razões que o explicam e os efeitos da interação entre universidade e iniciativas na atuação de ambas e nas suas cidades.
Recent advances in predicting responses to antidepressant treatment
Authors: Frodl Thomas
Published: May 2017

Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in the world since depression is highly frequent and causes a strong burden. In order to reduce the duration of depressive episodes, clinicians would need to choose the most effective therapy for each individual right away. A prerequisite for this would be to have biomarkers at hand that would predict which individual would benefit from which kind of therapy (for example, pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy) or even from which kind of antidepressant class. In the past, neuroimaging, electroencephalogram, genetic, proteomic, and inflammation markers have been under investigation for their utility to predict targeted therapies. The present overview demonstrates recent advances in all of these different methodological areas and concludes that these approaches are promising but also that the aim to have such a marker available has not yet been reached. For example, the integration of markers from different systems needs to be achieved. With ongoing advances in the accuracy of sensing techniques and improvement of modelling approaches, this challenge might be achievable.