bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Autonomy and Democracy of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and Mexico
Authors: García-Aguilar José L.
Published: July 2017

This article has two objectives. One is to explain how, in the current international relations environment, the trend of global democratization is producing, ironically, the opposite trend of ethnic fragmentation of the multinational state and how this tension is resulting in new sources of international conflict. The other is to analyze the way in which, as a result of the aforementioned trends, local conflicts within the nation-states are representing a challenge to the nation-state as we know it. Taking advantage of the democratization wave, ethnic groups have launched, some with violence, some peacefully, a quest for emancipation, which constitutes a threat to the idea of the unitary nation-state and asks questions about the nature of civil society.
Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies: Creating Trust, Social Capital, and Civil Society
Authors: Neace M.B.
Published: July 2017

This article reports on findings from interviews with fledgling entrepreneurs in four former Soviet republics (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine). Analysis of the interviews was conducted against a backdrop of concepts from the literature of civil society, social capital, and entrepreneurship as applied to small business development. The main finding of the study was the unanimous claim by the entrepreneurs that trust was one of two prime requisites for success, and this in societies that had been culturally depraved for many years. From this finding, two models were developed incorporating civil society, social capital, and trust to more fully depict the entrepreneurial environment.
Civil Society and Volunteerism: Lodges in Mining Communities
Authors: De Los Reyes Guillermo , Lara Antonio
Published: July 2017

This article discusses the contributions of secret ritualistic societies to the social construction of mining communities and to nineteenth-century life in the United States in general. The role of secret societies in nineteenth-century American life has not been fully assessed. What attention they have received often overlooks their effect on associational life and volunteerism, including those in the mining community. This article points out the influence that Free masonry had upon much of American organizational life in the nineteenth century. The study of Masonic institutions thus may well be important to understanding American mining culture.
Human Rights Media Coverage in Chinese East Asia
Authors: Fan David P. , Ostini Jennifer
Published: July 2017

An analysis was made of mass media coverage originating in four Chinese-speaking regions of the world—the People's Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. The analysis was of coverage of human rights of three types: civil and political; social and economic; and due process. Rights were also scored as to whether they pertained to individuals and businesses. One finding was that civil-political rights were emphasized in regions with the greatest exposure to the West, while regions with less exposure focused on social-economic rights. Another result was that, as ideas about human rights diffused in regions, due process rights were increasingly discussed in the media. A further finding was that much of the press coverage that used the term "human rights" involved rhetorical responses to Western criticisms without articulating specific ideas about rights.
Ordering Policies for Perishable Items with Unknown Shelf Life⁄Variable Supply Distribution
Authors: Bhattacharjee Manish C.
Published: July 2017

Many inventory problems of practical significance deal with perishable commodities and uncertainty in the amount received against order under conditions of relative scarcity. In addition the statistical profile of such uncertainties in supply or shelf life may not be completely known. For perishable items, we incorporate these departures from the standard inventory model to allow for variable supply or random shelf life, having NBUE distributions with given mean but which are otherwise unknown. The NBUE hypothesis, which is a nonparametric specification only, is invoked as a description of the relative scarcity of supply and deterioration in quality of aging items. Minimax inventory policies under these assumptions are developed. The relationship of our findings to the earlier results of Silver and Panda, stability properties of the minimax solution as the shelf life increases and an approach when both supply and shelf life are random are indicated.
Estimating from Censored Samples the Location of an Exponential Distribution with Known Coefficient of Variation
Authors: Ebrahimi Nader
Published: July 2017

Under the assumption that the exponential distribution is a reasonable model for a given population, statistical procedures based on type I and type II censored sampling have been derived for analyzing the model and derivini inference about the location parameter.
Sequential Estimation of an Inverse Gaussian Parameter with Prescribed Proportional Closeness
Authors: Chaturvedi Ajit
Published: July 2017

A sequential procedure is proposed and studied for the estimation of an inverse Gaussian parameter having prescribed “proportional closeness”. The construction of problem is in such a manner that the boundedness of expected Joss is equivalent to the estimation of parameter with given “proportional closeness”.
An Unbiased Estimator in Overlapping Clusters
Authors: Amdekar S. J.
Published: July 2017

An unbiased estimator of population mean has been provided when overlapping clusters are formed.
Relations Among Moments of Waiting Time and Queue Size Distribution in Bulk Queueing Systems
Authors: Ghosal A. , Madan S. , Chaudhry M.L.
Published: July 2017

This paper brings out relations among the moments of various orders of the waiting time and the queue size in different types of bulk queueing models.
On Complete Convergence of the Sum of a Random Number of Random Variables
Authors: Adler Andre
Published: July 2017

Complete convergence of the normed random index sum of randomvariables of the form [Formula: see text] is established. While the random variables { Xn, n ⩾ 1} are i.i.d., no assumptions are placed on the joint distribution of the indices { Tn, n ⩾ 1}.
Minimum Risk Equivariant Estimators of Percentiles in Location­Scale Families of Distributions
Authors: Datta Gauri Sankar , Ghosh Malay
Published: July 2017

The paper considers minimum risk equivariant estimation of percentiles in location­scale families of distributions. A general theory is developed, and it is then illustrated by the uniform, exponential and normal examples.
Choice of Binary Matrices under Restrictions with Application to Controlled Sampling
Authors: De Anup Kumar , Roy Bimal Kumar
Published: July 2017

A population with rc units is represented by an r× c two way array in which each row (each column) represents a group w. r. t. some characteristic. We look for a sampling scheme to select n units, so that from any group at most k units are selected and π ij ⩽ π i π j all i, j. In this paper we partly solve the problem when r = c.
Bayesian Reliability Estmation with a Truncated Normal Prior
Authors: Bhattacharya Samir K. , Tyagi Ravindar K.
Published: July 2017

Beyesian reliebility estimation for the exponential model. based on life tests that are terminated after a preassigned number of failures, is carried out under the assumption of the squared error loss function and a truncated normal priod density on the parameter space. The Bayesian estimation of reliability for the case of ‘attribute life testing’ is also discussed.
Properties of Classes of Probability Distributions Based on the Concept of Reciprocal Coordinate Subtangent
Authors: Mukherjee S.P. , Roy Dilip
Published: July 2017

Tho usefulness of rociprocal coordinate subtancent as a measure on the density curve of a life distribution bas been pointed out through teveral results including some characterizations and classifications. Existing non­parametric classifications based on failure rate and avorage failure rate have been related to the nonparametric classifications proposed here. It bas also been sbown tbat a study through reciprocal coordinate subtangent results in more aeneral properties from which properties of extistiog classes can bo obtained as a special case.
A Class of Almost Unbiased Estimators for Population Ratio and Product
Authors: Singh Housila P. , Sahoo L. N.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we propose a general class of almost unbiased estimators for the ratio and product of population means of two charactess.
Preliminary Test Isotonic M-Estimation in Some Multivariate Linear Models
Authors: Karmous Azza R. , Sen Pranab K.
Published: July 2017

For the usual multivariate linear model, preliminary test Mestimation theory is considered in an isotonic setup. Roy's union-intersection principle is incorporated in a formulation of suitable isotonic M-procedures for the preliminary testing component, following which M-estimator of location are presented in the same vein. The main thrust is on the development of the related asymptotic theory with a view to studying the allied robustness aspects. A numerical illustration is set to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach.
Re-Inforced Mann-Whitney Tests for the Two-Sample Location Problem
Authors: Chatterjee Shoutir Kishore , Banerjee Tathagata
Published: July 2017

Let Sx : X1, X2,...... X n1, and Sy : Y1, Y2,...... Y n2 be independent random samples from two populations with densities f( x) and f( x- θ), where f(.) is unspecified having a finite Fisher information and θ is an unknown location parameter. We wish to test Ho : θ=0. In this paper a test has been proposed by making use of the information contained hi the sample order statistics in addition to that in the ranks of the observations. The innovation consists in trichotomizing each sample at two sample quanntiles of order p1 , p2, (0 < p1 < p2) and then forming a Mann-Whitney like statistic corresponding to each combination of one sub-sample from the first and one from the second. The test criterion is an optimum linear compound of these component statistics. The compounding coefficients ofcourse are functionals of the null density f( x) and as such have to be estimated from the sample. We have proposed consistent estimates of these and the resulting adaptive test has been proved to be asymptotically at least as powerful as the Mann- Whitney test. The gain in efficiency is found to be appreciable when the parent density has tail-weight either mucl;llighter or much heavier than that of the logistic density.
Multivariate Product Estimators
Authors: Tuteja R. K. , Bahl Shashi
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we discuss the estimators based on geometric and harmonic mean to estimate the population mean in a finite population based on simple random sampling design when information on several auxiliary characters negatively correlated with the main variable is available. Bias and MSB of these estimators have been obtained and it is shown that these are less biased than Singh's (1967) estimate based on arithmatic mean under usually satisfied practical situations.
Characterizing the Exponential Law Under Laplace Order Domination
Authors: Mitra Murari , Basu Sujit K. , Bhattacharjee M. C.
Published: July 2017

Interesting characterizations of the exponential distribution have been obtained in classes of life distributions important in reliability theory. The results strengthen some of the analogous conclusions already existing in the literature.

AMS (1991) Subject Classification No. Primary 62NOS: Secondaey 90825. 60F99.
Preventive Interventions for On-Premise Drinking: A Promising but Underresearched Area of Prevention
Authors: Graham Kathryn
Published: July 2017

Evidence is reviewed regarding the effectiveness of eight different approaches to the prevention of drinking driving, aggression, and other problems associated with drinking in licensed premises. Some evidence of positive effects was found for Responsible Beverage Service training (including mandatory training), laws holding servers liable for negative consequences due to intoxicated patrons, increased enforcement, ride services, and, to a lesser extent, designated-driver programs and community interventions broadly focused on on-premise drinking. House policies, risk assessments, and proactive policing showed promise but remain unproved in terms of direct effects on the prevention of problems. Codes of practice and patron education appear unlikely to be effective unless combined with enforcement or other interventions. Overall there has been an abundance of local and more extensive interventions to reduce problems in bars, but few have been rigorously evaluated. There is a need in future evaluations for strategically targeting and combining interventions according to a systematic analysis of the nature of the problem and hypothesized contributing factors.
The Meaning and Gendered Culture of Getting High: Gang Girls and Drug Use Issues
Authors: Hunt Geoffrey P. , Joe-Laidler Karen , Evans Kristy
Published: July 2017

This paper explores drug use in the lives of female gang members. Gang researchers have traditionally neglected the roles that females play in street gangs. More recent efforts have begun to examine the social life of young women and to uncover the extent to which the women develop a subculture within a male-dominated environment. In analyzing the culture of drug use in gang life, we uncover the extent to which women use illicit drugs in a highly gendered way. We focus on the ways in which female gang members use drugs in a recreational manner, in a social setting where drug taking is normative behavior. Data for this paper are drawn from an ongoing study of street gangs in the San Francisco Bay area in which 168 female gang members were interviewed using both a quantitative and a qualitative interview schedule.
Re-Imagining Being “Straight” in Straight Edge
Authors: Helton Jesse J. , Staudenmeier William J.
Published: July 2017

In the early 1980s the term “straight edge” was coined to describe a youth subculture within the punk rock scene, a subculture that chose a lifestyle that abstained from alcohol, tobacco and drugs as well as promiscuous sex. While considered a smaller youth scene today than in its peak years of the late 1980s, straight edge has evolved into an international, more complex subculture with several different strands. This paper explores the youth subculture of straight edge, with a special focus on how they construct and signify their abstinence from alcohol and other drugs while often participating in a music scene and a youth culture that embrace their use. An analysis of the language surrounding alcohol, other drugs and abstinence on their Internet websites provides the data for this exploratory, qualitative research. The paper concludes with speculation about the future of this side branch of the American abstinent tradition.
On the Verge of EU Membership: Alcohol Cultures in the Baltic Sea Region in a European Perspective
Authors: Reitan Therese C.
Published: July 2017

As several former East Bloc countries now become EU members, we will be witnessing the merger between quite diverse social, economic, and political cultures—including the encounter between divergent drinking patterns and alcohol policies. In 2000, a survey was carried out in six EU countries as part of the European Comparative Alcohol Study in which respondents were asked about drinking habits and other alcohol-related issues. Several of these questions were also used in a survey in the Baltic republics and Poland in 2001, thereby providing an opening for comparisons across the traditional east–west divide in Europe. This article provides a broad outline of the main findings in the comparison between the two groups of countries as European integration enters its next phase. The main focus is on frequency of drinking, prevalence of alcohol-related harms, and attitudes toward alcohol policy. Although country comparisons are at the center of attention, gender differences are also highlighted.
Changing the Price of Alcohol in the United States: Perspectives from the Alcohol industry, Public Health, and Research
Authors: Giesbrecht Norman , Greenfield Thomas K. , Anglin Lise , Johnson Suzanne
Published: July 2017

Based on a study examining the development, modification, and blockage of U.S. federal alcohol policy during the 1980s and 1990s, this paper focuses on alcohol prices and taxes. Data consist of 64 in-depth interviews of experts on U.S. federal alcohol policy, supplemented by findings from archival government reports, trade journals, and the research literature. Prior research has shown an association between increases in price and decreases in per capita consumption and certain aggregated problem rates. Using analysis of the interview material, we illustrate and interpret the perspectives of those who agree and of those who disagree with tax increases on alcoholic beverages. We offer interpretations of the relatively low attention given to this effective intervention by policy makers and offer some grounds for optimism that federal tax increases on alcoholic beverages, in conjunction with other, less proven control measures, might yet be acceptable to the general public and beneficial to public health.
Effects of drinking patterns and social conditions on incidence and chronicity of alcohol-related problems
Authors: Hajema Klaasjan , Knibbe Ronald A. , Drop Maria J.
Published: July 2017

The central issue of this article is the extent to which, besides consumption and heavy drinking, drinking contexts and specific social conditions can explain the chronicity and incidence of alcohol-related problems. This study is the first longitudinal study of the Dutch general population on drinking behavior and alcohol-related problems (N = 1,327). The analysis of chronicity of drinking problems is concentrated on the selection of respondents with alcohol-related problems at first measurement; the analysis of incidence is concentrated on those who did not report alcohol-related problems at first measurement. In general, it can be concluded that besides level of consumption and heavy drinking, drinking contexts and social conditions add to the explanation of incidence and chronicity of alcohol-related problems.
Bacteriology of Chronic Sinusitis after Amoxicillin‐Clavulanate Potassium Therapy
Authors: Jiang Rong‐San , Jang Jinq‐Wen , Hsu Chen‐Yi
Published: July 2017

The bacteriology of chronic sinusitis was studied after amoxicillin‐clavulanate potassium therapy. Patients with chronic sinusitis were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the study group, 90 patients were given a 2‐week course of amoxicillin‐clavulanate potassium before functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In the control group, 113 patients did not take any antibiotics within 2 weeks before the surgery. Swab specimens were taken from the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses during surgery and sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. In the study group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 45.6% and 28.9%, respectively. In the control group, the culture rates of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were 53.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The culture rates between the control group and the study group were not significantly different, either for the maxillary sinus or the ethmoid sinus. This showed that treatment with amoxicillin‐clavulanate potassium did not change the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis.
Studies on the Osteogenic Potential of Vascularized Periosteum: Behavior of Periosteal Flaps Transferred onto Soft Tissues
Authors: Burstein Fernando D. , Canalis Rinaldo F.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the basic properties of vascularized periosteal autografts. A pleuroperiosteal flap based on the intercostal vessels was developed In a canine model. Fourteen animals had vascularized periosteal flaps rotated onto the soft tissues of the chest wall. These animals were killed at intervals of 7 to 90 days and the flaps were studied by tetracycline labeling and light microscopy. Four other animals had similar flaps transplanted onto the soft tissues of the neck by microvascular techniques. All harvested flaps showed periosteal bone production, leading to the following observations: (1) Osteogenesis begins as early as 7 days after grafting; (2) the rate and extent of periosteal osteogenesis Is proportional to the vascular supply; (3) bone formation starts in small foci of active osteoblasts that grow and become confluent; and (4) Intimate bony periosteal contact Is not necessary for periosteal osteogenesis to take place, but it appears to influence the rate and amount of bone formation.
Facial Nerve Evoked Potentials
Authors: Metson Ralph , Nuwer Marc , Hanson David G. , Honrubia Vicente
Published: July 2017

Evoked potentials representing both intracranial and extracranial activity have been recorded from the canine scalp after retrograde stimulation of peripheral facial nerve branches. A negative electrode at the vertex and a positive electrode at the ipsilaterai mastoid (grounded at the contralateral mastoid) show a monophasic negative stylomastoid evoked potential that appears to be generated from the facial nerve trunk at the stylomastoid foramen. When the positive electrode is moved from the mastoid to the posterior scalp (overlying the foramen magnum), a similar potential with a latency 1.5 msec greater is obtained. This brain stem evoked potential is generated from fibers in the vicinity of the root entry zone and the initial trajectory into the brain stem. A potential of similar latency but greater magnitude is recorded with the positive electrode in the cerebrospinal fluid of the posterior fossa.
MRI vs. High‐Resolution CT Scanning: Evaluation of the Anterior Skull Base
Authors: Levine Paul A. , Paling Michael R. , Back William C. , Cantrell Robert W.
Published: July 2017

While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is no longer a tool of the future, its availability is limited. Most hospitals still use high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning as their major imaging modality. Although numerous articles point to the improved diagnostic uses of MRI—as compared to high‐resolution CT—a change from high‐resolution CT scanning to MRI scanning throughout the United States would cost billions of dollars. We should, therefore, delineate those clinical situations in which magnetic resonance imaging is distinctly superior to high‐resolution CT scanning. It is already an accepted fact that MRI provides improved imaging of the central nervous system, but, while recent articles maintain the superiority of MRI head and neck imaging, the advantages to the clinician are less clear. We present representative cases of large malignant tumors of the frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses, in which the full extent of the disease which involved intracranial structures and the orbit was better defined on the MRI scan than it was on the high‐resolution CT scan. Decisions concerning the involvement of the infratemporal fossa, the cavernous sinus, the optic chiasm, the pituitary, and the frontal lobes were more easily made when based upon magnetic resonance imaging, while the tumor involvement as evaluated by CT scanning was much less clear. Establishment of the problem regions of the head and neck—when magnetic resonance imaging is superior to high‐resolution CT scanning—will assist in identification of the true need for this tool in the practice of the otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon.
Esophageal Foreign Bodies in Adults
Authors: Herranz‐Gonzalez Jesus , Martinez‐Vidal Jose , Garcia‐Sarandeses Adolfo , Vazquez‐Barro Carlos
Published: July 2017

The main point in managing suspected impaction of esophageal foreign bodies is to decide whether the patient needs an esophageal endoscopy. Decision‐making is based on clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic studies. We review 100 cases of adults having esophagoscopy for removal of esophageal foreign bodies. Fish bones were the most frequently responsible foreign body and the cervical esophagus was the most frequent level of impaction. Decision‐making based on clinical history and patient‐referred symptoms revealed a positive esophagoscopy in 72% of the suspected cases. Radiographic studies gave falsely positive and falsely negative information in 30% of the cases. Rigid esophagoscopy was used successfully for foreign body removal in 99% of the cases. Average hospital stay was 3.2 days. No complications associated with the use of a rigid esophagoscope were found.
Nd‐YAG Laser Treatment of Venous Malformations of the Head and Neck: An Update
Authors: Rebeiz Elie , April Max M. , Bohigian R. Kirk , Shapshay Stanley M.
Published: July 2017

Malformations of the arterial and venous systems often are manifested in the head and neck. Low‐flow venous malformations are generally benign lesions; however, complications, such as bleeding, obstruction, pain, or cosmetic deformities, may warrant surgical intervention. Treatment of these lesions can be challenging. Laser photocoagulation, particularly with the neodymium‐yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd‐YAG) laser, has been successful in the majority of patients, with minimal morbidity and good results. Thirty‐two patients with low‐flow venous malformations of the head and neck were treated with the Nd‐YAG laser using low‐power density and intermittent short exposures in a punctate nonoverlapping technique. When possible, two glass slides were used to compress the lesion. There was excellent regression with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. No major complications or morbidity, postoperative pain, or mortality occurred. Lesions occurring in some areas of the head and neck would not have been amenable to standard surgical excision. Follow‐up period has ranged from 1 to 8 years. Nd‐YAG laser photocoagulation has proved safe and effective for treatment of low‐flow vascular malformations of the head and neck.
Third Place — Resident Clinical Science Award 1994: Recovery of Eustachian Tube Function and Hearing Outcome in Patients with Cleft Palate
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Diruggiero Douglas C. , Jones Kim R.
Published: July 2017

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a nearly universal complication of cleft palate, resulting in chronic ear disease and conductive hearing loss. Cleft palate repair is thought to result in recovery of eustachian tube function, but the length of time between repair and recovery of eustachian tube function is not known. Furthermore, the efficacy of tympanostomy tubes in the treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction and hearing sequelae has not been examined in a systematic way. To answer these questions, we performed a retrospective study that used serial audiometric data and tympanometry on 81 patients with cleft palates (162 ears), with follow‐up ranging from 1 to 17.3 years. Average time to recovery of eustachian tube function was 6.0 years (range, 1.0 to 10.3 years) after cleft palate surgery. For children followed up for at least 6 years (longest follow‐up, 17.3 years), 70% (67 of 85) had normal eustachian tube function at their last follow‐up visit. Ears treated with Armstrong tympanostomy tubes required an average of 3.1 tubes per ear until recovery of eustachian tube function, whereas ears treated with Goode T tubes required only 1.1 tubes per ear (p < 0.05). Hearing evaluation revealed that 67% of ears had abnormal hearing thresholds (>20 dB) before tympanostomy tube placement, whereas only 7.5% of ears demonstrated this loss after tube placement. Furthermore more than 90% of ears maintained normal thresholds after recovery of eustachian tube function. These data indicate that most children with cleft palates eventually recover normal eustachian tube function after palatoplasty, but for the majority of children, this does not occur for many years. Furthermore, the hearing loss before tympanostomy tube placement and palatoplasty largely resolves after aeration of the middle ear and does not result in any significant permanent hearing deficit.
High Correlation with Survival of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Expression in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Frankenthaler Robert A. , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Ordonez Nelson G. , Miller Tina S. , Batsakis John G.
Published: July 2017

We tested the hypothesis that proliferating cell nuclear antigen can predict survival in patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, tissue resected specimens from 43 patients with no prior treatment for mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland were immunostained with the PC10 monoclonal antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen with the peroxidase/antiperoxidase method. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels were defined as the number of nuclei with strong immunostaining divided by the total cell count and were expressed as percentages. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 12 additional prognostic variables to determine the relative proliferating cell nuclear antigen level to predict survival. The median proliferating cell nuclear antigen level was 7. Five percent of patients with proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels less than 7 died of their disease compared with 48% of those with proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels of 7 or more. Multivariate analysis Indicates proliferating cell nuclear antigen to be the most Important parameter in predicting survival. Thus the measurement of proliferating cell nuclear antigen is a useful predictor of survival for patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland.
Vocal Fold Scarring: Current Concepts and Management
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Alessi David , Archer Sanford , Bastian Robert , Ford Charles , Koufman James , Sataloff Robert T. , Spiegel Joseph R. , Woo Peak
Published: July 2017

Scarring of the vocal folds can occur as the result of blunt laryngeal trauma or, more commonly, as the result of surgical, latrogenic injury after excision or removal of vocal fold lesions. The scarring results in replacement of healthy tissue by fibrous tissue and can irrevocably alter vocal fold function and lead to a decreased or absent vocal fold mucosal wave. The assessment and treatment of persistent dysphonia in patients with vocal fold scarring presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the voice treatment team. The common causes of vocal fold scarring are described, and prevention of vocal fold injury during removal of vocal fold lesions is stressed. The anatomic and histologic basis for the subsequent alterations in voice production and contemporary modalities for clinical and objective assessment will be discussed. Treatment options will be reviewed, including nonsurgical treatment and voice therapy, collagen injection, fat augmentation, endoscopic laryngoplasty, and Silastic medialization.
Psychological Characteristics of Problem Gamblers with and without Mood Disorder
Authors: Lister Jamey J , Milosevic Aleks , Ledgerwood David M
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Problem and pathological gamblers are significantly more likely to experience mood disorders, compared with the general population. Our study examined the relation of psychological characteristics (personality, trait impulsiveness, and gambling motives) to current co-occurring mood disorder (major depression and dysthymia) status among problem and pathological gamblers.

Method:

Problem and pathological gamblers ( N = 150) underwent a clinical interview to assess current co-occurring mood disorders; participants completed measures of problem gambling severity, personality, impulsiveness, and gambling motives.

Results:

Problem and pathological gamblers with a current co-occurring mood disorder were more likely to be female, older, and to report higher lifetime and past-year gambling severity. A co-occurring mood disorder was associated with higher personality scores for alienation and stress reaction, lower scores for well-being, social closeness, and control, as well as higher impulsiveness scores for urgency and lack of premeditation, and lower sensation seeking scores. Participants with a co-occurring mood disorder also reported higher coping motives for gambling. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that personality factors (lower social closeness and higher alienation) contributed to the greatest likelihood of being diagnosed with a co-occurring mood disorder.

Conclusions:

Mood disorders frequently co-occur with problem and pathological gambling, and they are associated with greater gambling severity. These findings highlight that interpersonal facets of personality contribute substantially to co-occurring mood disorder status. Implications for treatment will be discussed.
Hemodiabsorption in Treatment of Hepatic Failure
Authors: Wilkinson Alan H , Ash Stephen R , Nissenson Allen R
Published: July 2017

Conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, this randomized, prospectively controlled study was designed to measure the effects of a hemodiabsorption device in the treatment of 11 patients with hepatic failure and stage III to IV encephalopathy. The results of 5 days of treatment with the hemodiabsorption device were compared with those of standard intensive care procedures. The BioLogic-DT System, a simple sorbent-based system, demonstrated a slight improvement in the neurologic status of patients, a significant improvement in the physiologic status of patients, and an improved outcome for treated patients as opposed to nontreated patients.
Compliance and Noncompliance in Kidney Transplant Patients: Cues for Transplant Coordinators
Authors: Siegal Bonita , Greenstein Stuart
Published: July 2017

Maximizing kidney transplant patients' long-term compliance with immunosuppressants is a major challenge to transplant coordinators. Although previous research has found substantial proportions of recipients to be noncompliant, predictors of noncompliance and characteristics of noncompliers remain unclear. In this study of more than 1400 kidney transplant patients, we found noncompliance to be associated with patient and transplant characteristics and with patient beliefs concerning the efficacy of immunosuppressants. Three distinct profiles of noncompliers were identified: accidental noncompliers, invulnerables, and decisive noncompliers. This information can be used by transplant coordinators to recognize cues that predict noncompliance and to work with at-risk patients to forestall or remedy noncompliant behavior.
Interventions in a Heart Transplant Recipient with a Histrionic Personality Disorder
Authors: Smith Cheryl , Chakraburtty Amil , Nelson David , Paradis Irvin , Kesinger Sherry , Bak Karen , Litsey Amber , Paris Wayne
Published: July 2017

Organ transplantation is a psychosocially demanding process. Patients must undergo a comprehensive evaluation to await a donor organ that may never become available. After transplantation, recipients must deal with the acceptance of a new organ and comply with a medical regimen that includes numerous medications, follow-up exams, and procedures. Emotional well-being is monitored throughout the transplant process. However, despite the best of efforts and thorough pretransplant bio-psycho-social evaluations, it is possible for patients to have significant psychopathology that remains undetected. Following the stress of transplantation, such patients may present with exacerbation of symptomatology, which has the potential to negatively affect compliance and long-term outcome.
Financial Incentives: Alternatives to the Altruistic Model of Organ Donation
Authors: Siminoff Laura A. , Leonard Matthew D.
Published: July 2017

Improvements in transplantation techniques have resulted in a demand for transplantable organs that far outpaces supply. Present efforts to secure organs use an altruistic system designed to appeal to a public that will donate organs because they are needed. Efforts to secure organs under this system have not been as successful as hoped. Many refinements to the altruistic model have been or are currently being proposed, such as “required request,” “mandated choice,” “routine notification,” and “presumed consent.” Recent calls for market approaches to organ procurement reflect growing doubts about the efficacy of these refinements. Market approaches generally use a “futures market,” with benefits payable either periodically or when or if organs are procured. Lump-sum arrangements could include donations to surviving family or contributions to charities or to funeral costs. Possibilities for a periodic system of payments include reduced premiums for health or life insurance, or a reciprocity system whereby individuals who periodically reaffirm their willingness to donate are given preference if they require a transplant. Market approaches do raise serious ethical issues, including potential exploitation of the poor. Such approaches may also be effectively proscribed by the 1984 National Organ Transplant Act.
Xenotransplantation
Authors: McBride Linda H. , Taylor Roxanne M. , Hogarth Rene H. , Kinter Kathleen M.
Published: July 2017

Xenotransplantation is a potentially promising but exceedingly complex issue. It is critical that this subject be discussed within and outside the transplant community. The need for an expanded organ supply is urgent, but the scientific and ethical positions are complex. This article reviews the current status of xenotransplantation, including the potential benefits and risks; discusses multiple ethical issues; and makes recommendations for the transplant coordinator.
Computational analysis and experimental validation of the friction-stir welding behaviour of Ti—6Al—4V
Authors: Grujicic M , Arakere G , Pandurangan B , Hariharan A , Cheeseman B A , Yen C-F , Fountzoulas C
Published: July 2017

A fully coupled thermomechanical finite element analysis of the friction-stir welding (FSW) process developed in the authors' previous work is combined with the basic physical metallurgy of Ti—6Al—4V to predict/assess the structural response of FSW joints. A close examination of the experimental results reported in the open literature reveals that in most cases the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the weld possesses the most inferior properties and tends to control the overall structural performance of the weld. Taking this observation into account, a microstructure evolution model is developed and parameterized for the Ti—6Al—4V material residing in the HAZ. Specifically, this model addresses the problem of temporal evolution of the globular α-phase particles located within prior β-phase grains (the dominant microstructural parameter in the HAZ) during the FSW process. Next this model is combined with the well-established property versus microstructure correlations in Ti—6Al—4V in order to predict the overall structural performance of the weld. The results obtained are found to be in reasonably good agreement with their experimental counterparts, suggesting that the present computational approach may be used to guide the selection of FSW process parameters in order to optimize the structural performance of FSW joints (at least while they are controlled by the HAZ-material microstructure/properties).
Reverse Nearest Neighbor Search on a Protein-Protein Interaction Network to Infer Protein-Disease Associations
Authors: Suratanee Apichat , Plaimas Kitiporn
Published: July 2017

The associations between proteins and diseases are crucial information for investigating pathological mechanisms. However, the number of known and reliable protein-disease associations is quite small. In this study, an analysis framework to infer associations between proteins and diseases was developed based on a large data set of a human protein-protein interaction network integrating an effective network search, namely, the reverse k-nearest neighbor (R kNN) search. The R kNN search was used to identify an impact of a protein on other proteins. Then, associations between proteins and diseases were inferred statistically. The method using the R kNN search yielded a much higher precision than a random selection, standard nearest neighbor search, or when applying the method to a random protein-protein interaction network. All protein-disease pair candidates were verified by a literature search. Supporting evidence for 596 pairs was identified. In addition, cluster analysis of these candidates revealed 10 promising groups of diseases to be further investigated experimentally. This method can be used to identify novel associations to better understand complex relationships between proteins and diseases.
Assessment of Abnormal Bleeding in Menopausal Women: An Update
Authors: Oehler Martin K , MacKenzie Ian , Kehoe Sean , Rees Margaret CP
Published: July 2017

Peri and postmenopausal bleeding, with or without the use of hormone replacement therapy, is a common clinical problem. The exclusion of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma is the key issue in the evaluation of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness has become a routine procedure and an initial investigation in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. There is debate as to whether a cut-off of 5 or 4 mm endometrial thickness should be employed. If the endometrial thickness is above these values, polyps have been diagnosed or the patient is presenting with recurrent bleeding, endometrial disease has to be excluded by histological assessment. Outpatient aspiration curettage has superseded dilatation and curettage, which was previously considered to be the gold standard for obtaining endometrial tissue, and provides the same sensitivity in detecting endometrial disease. Hysteroscopy allows visualisation of the uterine cavity and the opportunity for targeted biopsy and removal of endometrial polyps.
Phytoestrogens
Authors: Mackey Rachel , Eden John
Published: July 2017

Phytoestrogens are defined as naturally occurring compounds found in plants that are structurally and functionally similar to 17-ß oestradiol or that produce oestrogenic effects. They are diphenolic in structure and are most commonly found in cereals, legumes and grasses. There have been numerous classes identified, the mostly highly investigated being isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are attenuated oestrogens. They behave both in vivo and in vitro as agonists and antagonists. Genistein and daidzein are found in high concentrations in soy beans and soy products. Their relative potencies as compared to oestradiol are low but they exhibit equivalent levels of bioactivity when tested in high concentrations. Lignans are found in oilseeds, cereals and berries. The main urinary lignans are enterolactone and enterodiol. Most phytoestrogens are modified by gut flora from glycoside precursors to a compound with oestrogenic properties.

A high dietary intake of phytoestrogens was first noted to be associated with decreased incidences of certain diseases. This epidemiological data was obtained primarily from studying Asian populations. Soy consumption is highest in Japan, where urinary levels of phytoestrogen metabolites are extremely high and there are lower rates of so-called ‘Western’ diseases, including breast, endometrial, colon cancers as well as atherosclerotic disease. Research to date has focused on the antiproliferative potential of phytoestrogens, primarily genistein both in vitro and in vivo. Their role in the relief of menopausal symptoms, their hypocholesterolaemic effects and bone resorption protection have been investigated to some extent with promising results. A brief overview of the background of, and the research into, phytoestrogens will be provided in this article.
Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators
Authors: Beardsworth S A , Purdie D W
Published: July 2017

Postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency causes a wide spectrum of adverse consequences that may be prevented or reversed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, acceptance of HRT and then long term continuation is poor. Many reasons are given for this poor acceptance but the two most important factors are the return of withdrawal bleeding and the fear of breast cancer. Thus an ideal therapeutic agent should produce the beneficial effects of oestrogen in non-reproductive tissue such as bone, without proliferative effects on breast and uterine tissue. Compounds that possess tissue specific oestrogen agonist and antagonist properties are described as selective oestrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs. A number of SERMs, including raloxifene and idoxifene, are currently undergoing phase III clinical trials with encouraging results. Their imminent use should provide a great advance in the management of the menopause.
Survey of British Women's Views on the Menopause and HRT
Authors: Hope Sally , Wager Elizabeth , Rees Margaret
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine British women's views on the menopause and HRT.

Study design

Face-to-face interviews with 393 women aged 40–65 (randomly selected to be representative of the UK in terms of geographical region, social class and age) and with a different group of 244 women from across the UK selected according to their HRT use by means of a “snowballing” technique.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive statistics of women's responses to structured interview.

Results

Of the 393 women, 17% were currently using HRT (31% of those experiencing menopausal symptoms) and 11% were past users; 51% had discussed HRT with their doctor. Most claimed to know a little (57%) or a lot (25%) about HRT. Reasons for stopping HRT were: side-effects (35%), poor efficacy (24%) and concern about long-term risks (18%). Most current users expected to take HRT long-term: 29% for life, 18% for >5 years and 25% for 2–5 years. 67% of past users and 49% of non-users thought they would take HRT in the future. When considering statements about the menopause, 65% of women felt more would be done if men experienced it, 52% preferred to consult a woman doctor, 60% wanted to learn more about the menopause and 56% were glad that their periods had stopped.

Conclusions

Compared with past surveys, this suggests that British women's knowledge and use of HRT is increasing. Women may stop HRT if side-effects are troublesome or because of concern about long-term risks. However, many are prepared to use HRT for long periods.
Management of Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Francis R M
Published: July 2017

The pathogenesis of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis is different from postmenopausal osteoporosis in that the major abnormality is a reduction in bone formation. Corticosteroids result in a 10–15% overall bone loss leading to an increased risk of fracture. Patients on corticosteroids also appear to fracture at a higher bone density than other postmenopausal women. It may therefore be appropriate to start treatment for osteoporosis in corticosteroid-treated patients at a higher bone density than for other postmenopausal women. The various treatments that have been employed are discussed, including calcium and vitamin D, calcitriol, hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, anabolic steroids and fluoride salts. Bisphosphonates are the most extensively investigated treatments. The use of hormone replacement therapy should also be encouraged. The role of other treatments such as calcitriol, calcitonin and fluoride salts remains uncertain.