bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Group’s Physical Attractiveness Is Greater Than the Average Attractiveness of Its Members
Authors: van Osch Yvette , Blanken Irene , Meijs Maartje H. J. , van Wolferen Job
Published: March 2015

We tested whether the perceived physical attractiveness of a group is greater than the average attractiveness of its members. In nine studies, we find evidence for the so-called group attractiveness effect (GA-effect), using female, male, and mixed-gender groups, indicating that group impressions of physical attractiveness are more positive than the average ratings of the group members. A meta-analysis on 33 comparisons reveals that the effect is medium to large (Cohen’s d = 0.60) and moderated by group size. We explored two explanations for the GA-effect: (a) selective attention to attractive group members, and (b) the Gestalt principle of similarity. The results of our studies are in favor of the selective attention account: People selectively attend to the most attractive members of a group and their attractiveness has a greater influence on the evaluation of the group.
University Students’ Views on Political Influences and the Status of Law in Post-Reform China
Authors: Jiang Guoping , Lo T. Wing
Published: March 2015

Scholars categorize societies into “rule of man” societies, “rule by law” societies, and “rule of law” societies on the basis of a status of law. After 1978, China’s leaders invoked law as an alternative to the arbitrariness of the Cultural Revolution. In this study, we used quantitative methods to explore university students’ views on the status of law in post-reform China. Surveys were conducted in three national universities located in different regions of China. Responses from university students show that their perceptions of well-developed legislation and perceptions of the publicity of law are associated with their perceptions of equality before the law, which could be the consequence of a “rule of law” system. However, the study found that university students are of the view that the political nature of legislation and interference in law enforcement moderate the relationship between legislation and equality before the law. The political nature of legislation also moderates the mediation effect of interference in law enforcement between law publicity and equality before the law. As such, the article concludes that although university students are no longer primary movers in China’s social and political development after the Tiananmen incident, they are still knowledgeable if not critical about the status of law and its political implications.
On the Association Between Repeat Bully Victimizations and Carrying a Firearm
Authors: Turner Michael G. , Phillips Matthew D. , Tigri Henry B. , Williams Meredith A. , Hartman Jennifer L.
Published: March 2015

Bullying is a significant public concern. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether being repeatedly victimized by a bully during childhood and adolescence is associated with gun carrying in adolescence and adulthood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we found that just over one fourth of the respondents reported carrying a gun at some point in their lifetime. Respondents experiencing repeat bully victimizations reported higher rates of gun carrying during the last 12 months and the last 30 days. No support was found for the association of repeat bully victimizations and carrying a gun to school. Individuals victimized during childhood (before the age of 12) and during adolescence were found to be at risk of carrying a gun later in the life course. Repeat bully victimizations should be considered a marker for gun-carrying behaviors in adolescence and adulthood.
Ethics, evaluation, and economies of value amidst illegal practices
Authors: Panella Cristiana , Thomas Kedron
Published: March 2015

This special issue focuses on illegal practices and the forms of value produced as people engage in them. Embracing a methodological orientation that attends to criminalized networks and the values they structure from the inside, the contributions included here highlight micro processes of exchange and evaluation. By linking the study of local worlds to the apprehension of wider structural and cultural dynamics and processes, the collection develops a critical perspective on formal law’s legitimizing and delegitimizing effects with respect to the ethical and economic values illegal activities produce.
Starting “Real” Life
Authors: Moore Jennifer A. , Radtke H. Lorraine
Published: March 2015

Previous research has argued that despite the historically shifting meanings of singleness and family relationships, the “single woman” remains a “deficit identity.” We wondered whether this is the case for women who are at a point in their lives when meeting the married-with-family standard is becoming less probable. Interviews were conducted with 12 women (ages 35–44) who lived in Western Canada and identified as “never married,” “non-mother,” and “midlife.” Data were analysed using discourse analysis. Participants negotiated a space where being single is constructed as normal, while at the same time answering to normative discourses of womanhood. They resisted the deficit identity of singleness by drawing on the “transformative midlife” interpretative repertoire, which constructed midlife as a time of creating a secure, independent life. In doing so, they positioned themselves as “comfortably single at midlife women,” an identity defined in terms of who the woman is. Our analysis offers a depiction of midlife as a continuous struggle to create and maintain this space.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Dislocation Arthropathy
Authors: Plath Johannes E. , Aboalata Mohamed , Seppel Gernot , Juretzko Julia , Waldt Simone , Vogt Stephan , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is a well-documented, long-term complication of open stabilization procedures. However, there is a lack of knowledge about long-term radiographic outcome after arthroscopic Bankart procedures.

Hypothesis:

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis will develop less frequently in arthroscopic Bankart repair compared with open repairs reported in the literature.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The inclusion criteria for this study were (1) all-arthroscopic Bankart repair for a (2) symptomatic anteroinferior shoulder instability and (3) a minimum follow-up of 10 years. True anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were obtained to evaluate the prevalence and grade of osteoarthritis according to the Samilson classification. Patients were assessed by the Constant score and examined for passive external rotation deficits.

Results:

Of 165 shoulders that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 100 were available for evaluation. The median Constant score at an average ± SD 156.2 ± 18.5 months after Bankart repair was 94 (range, 46-100). Twenty-one shoulders (21%) sustained a recurrent dislocation. Overall, 31% of shoulders showed no evidence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis; 41% showed mild, 16% moderate, and 12% severe degenerative changes. Osteoarthritis did not correlate with Constant score results ( P = .427). The grade of osteoarthritis was significantly associated with the number of preoperative dislocations ( P = .016), age at initial dislocation ( P = .005) and at surgery ( P = .002), and the number of anchors used ( P = .001), whereas time from initial dislocation to surgery ( P = .854) and external rotation deficit at 0° and 90° of abduction ( P = .104 and .348, respectively) showed no significant correlation. Recurrent dislocation did not affect the presence or grade of osteoarthritis ( P = .796 and .665, respectively).

Conclusion:

At an average 13 years after arthroscopic Bankart repair, osteoarthritic changes are a common finding and, overall, are comparable with reports in the literature regarding open procedures as well as nonoperative treatment. The extent of trauma sustained during preoperative dislocations and the age of the patient seem to be more relevant for long-term dislocation arthropathy than the kind of treatment. Accordingly, the study hypothesis must be rejected. Avoiding preoperative dislocations is more important for the prevention of osteoarthritis than short-term treatment. The number of anchors used was found to be a predictor for long-term development of osteoarthritis.
From Cook to Flinders: The navigation of Torres Strait
Authors: Morgan Kenneth
Published: March 2015

This article offers the first published appraisal of the attempts by navigators to find a safe passage through Torres Strait, a notoriously difficult sea channel for sailing vessels. Securing such a passage was important for the timing and viability of commercial and naval ships following this route from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. Luis Vaez de Torres’ traversal of the strait that bears his name was kept secret for over a century and a half after his voyage in 1606. It was not until the late 1760s that a chart showing his track through Torres Strait was published. This article considers the routes followed by the small number of navigators who undertook the earliest known voyages through the strait: James Cook, William Bligh, William Wright Bampton and Matthew Flinders. The reasons why these navigators took different routes through Torres Strait are explained in relation to the cartographical knowledge they possessed. The navigational difficulties they encountered are explained. The article shows that knowledge of passages through the strait increased incrementally from one voyage to another. Cook sailed via Endeavour Strait, the most southerly passage through Torres Strait. Bligh followed a much more northerly passage to the north of Prince of Wales Island. Flinders took a course between that of Cook and Bligh to sail to the south of Prince of Wales Island. The article concludes that Flinders had the most thorough information with which to navigate Torres Strait, and that his passage became the preferred course for ships sailing between the north and Australia and the south of New Guinea by the mid-nineteenth century.
Individual Community-Based Treatment of Offenders With Mental Illness
Authors: Abracen Jeffrey , Gallo Alessandra , Looman Jan , Goodwill Alasdair
Published: March 2015

This study explores the effectiveness of psychological intervention at reducing the risk of recidivism among a group of high-risk, high-need offenders housed in a Community Correctional Centre (CCC) operated by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). File reviews on 136 male federal offenders living in a CCC in a large metropolitan area were included in the present investigation. Previous research on this sample by our team indicated that the majority of this sample met diagnostic criteria for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Data on the number of individual counseling sessions received and progress in treatment were collected from official file information for the purpose of the present investigation. After accounting for actuarially assessed risk, moderate doses of treatment were found to be associated with 7.7 times less likelihood of recidivism, and high doses of treatment were found to be associated with 11.6 times less likelihood of recidivism, when compared with offenders who received no treatment or were only assessed for treatment. These results are discussed in the context of correctional models of offender risk assessment and rehabilitation. It is notable that a very simple measure of global mental health treatment attendance, with no consideration of such factors as responsiveness, added considerable incremental predictive validity to the results after having statistically accounted for actuarially assessed risk of recidivism.
“Coming to a Strange Land”
Authors: Babatunde-Sowole Olutoyin O , Jackson Debra , Davidson Patricia M , Power Tamara
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Migrating and establishing a new life in another culture can have diverse health effects especially for women. This article explores the struggles and social adjustment issues that might constitute negatively to the health of West African migrant women living in Australia. Design: Qualitative storytelling. Audiotaped voluntary stories from 20 West African migrant women living in Sydney, Australia were transcribed and analyzed. Findings: Three themes are presented for discussion: (1) But it is different here: life in a new country; (2) I have to do it all by myself: communal versus individual living; and (3) They don’t listen to parents: perceived threats to the family unit. Conclusion/Implication for Practice: The demand for and the importance of nurses and midwives in supporting migrant families is demonstrated by findings suggesting that social adjustment into the Australian culture has a significant impact on both the nuclear and extended family unit of women.
Dispersion study of plane-strain vibrations in poroelastic solid bars with polygonal cross-section
Authors: Bandari Sandhya Rani , Perati Malla Reddy , Gangu Gangadhar Reddy
Published: March 2015

This paper studies wave propagation in a poroelastic solid bar with polygonal cross-section under plane-strain conditions. The boundary conditions on the surface of the cylinder whose base curve is polygon are satisfied by means of the Fourier expansion collocation method. The frequency equations are discussed for both symmetric and antisymmetric modes in the framework of Biot’s theory of poroelastic solids. For illustration purposes, sandstone saturated materials and bony material are considered. The numerical results were computed as the basis of relevant material data . Phase velocity is computed against the wavenumber for various cross-sections and results are presented graphically.
The Influence of Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, and Attention Problems on Social Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Chromik Lindsay C. , Quintin Eve-Marie , Lepage Jean-François , Hustyi Kristin M. , Lightbody Amy A. , Reiss Allan L.
Published: March 2015

Objective: Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) present primarily with cognitive and social deficits in addition to symptoms of ADHD. The relationship between symptoms of ADHD, cognitive functioning, and social skills has never been explicitly studied. Method: Here, we analyzed both longitudinal ( n = 70; Time 1: ages 6-18; Time 2: ages 15-26) and cross-sectional ( n = 73; Time 2 only) data using hierarchical linear regression to assess how global intellectual functioning (IQ) and symptoms of ADHD influence social functioning in individuals with FXS. Results: We found that ADHD symptoms at Times 1 and 2 consistently predict social functioning in both males and females with FXS at Time 2. Conclusion: Our results suggest that addressing ADHD symptoms in childhood may have positive, long-term effects on the social functioning of adolescents and young adults with FXS.
Evolution, activity and assembled mediation: A neo-Balwinian response to the universalism of evolutionary psychology
Authors: Castro-Tejerina Jorge , Loredo-Narciandi José Carlos
Published: March 2015

In this article, we suggest an alternative to the psycho-evolutionist positions that attempt to establish cultural universals to surmount the paradoxes of social constructionism. We review the proposals put forward by Franks (2014) on the biological factors that determine the human species’ basic sociality and the political consequences that can be drawn from them. We subject this conception to a critical review on two fronts. On one front, we turn to Baldwin’s organic selection as a possible alternative to the neo-Lamarckian and universalist principles that inspire Frank’s proposal. On the other front, we advance the idea of assembled mediation as a way of dismantling the reductionism, continuism and ontological hierarchy that underlie the explanation of human activity propounded by evolutionary psychology. Moving onwards from that basis, our proposal assumes that attempting to analyse the complexity of cultural phenomena always entails two-way journeys between the scientific explanation and the politico-ideological project.
‘We’re all princesses now’: Sex, class, and neoliberal governmentality in the rise of middle-class monarchy
Authors: Repo Jemima , Yrjölä Riina
Published: March 2015

This article examines the idea of ‘middle-class monarchy’ emerging in Europe from the internationally publicised marriages of Kate Middleton to Prince William in the United Kingdom and Charlene Wittstock to Prince Albert in Monaco. Through a careful analysis of sexuality, class and race in three major British newspapers, we demonstrate how media discourses surrounding the marriages deploy European monarchies as sites of neoliberal governmentality. Deployed as transmitters of instrumental happiness and conceptualised as an individual choice and project achievable through the control of the body and realisation of one’s desires, Kate embodies the white postfeminist vision of a highly educated, post-liberation woman able to combine the roles of consumer, homemaker and dutiful wife. This contrasts to the foreign Charlene, whose apparent domestication in an old-fashioned marriage of convenience was pitied widely. Finally, the article examines the Closer topless photo scandal as an incident that both challenged and re-sedimented the sexed, raced and classed neoliberal obligations of individual happiness and self-control.
Conversation through journalism: Searching for organizing principles of public and citizen journalism
Authors: Min Seong-Jae
Published: March 2015

This article reviews the public and citizen journalism movements of recent years and offers some perspectives on how the current and future journalism can function to benefit democratic public life. A major argument of this article is that ‘conversation’ defines news as a process of negotiated social meaning and that it should be the organizing principle of today’s journalism. It is also argued that traditional journalistic principles such as objectivity and distance may no longer be useful to today’s citizen journalism and that we see a rise of new journalistic principles such as interactivity and transparency. Finally, borrowing from deliberative democracy literature, a bottom-up flow model to connect citizen and public journalism is discussed.
Effect of injector configurations on combustion and emissions in a gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine under low-load conditions
Authors: Kim Kihyun , Jung Yongjin , Kim Donghoon , Bae Choongsik
Published: March 2015

The effect of injector configurations on combustion and emissions is investigated at low-load conditions in a gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine. A total of five injectors with higher number of nozzle holes (10, 14) and narrow injection angles (70°, 100°) were tested while comparing with the baseline injector with eight holes and injection angle of 146°. Diesel combustion was also performed at similar operating conditions for the comparison with gasoline combustion. First, at the idle operation (engine speed = 800 r/min, engine load = 10%), combustion stability was very low with baseline injector due to the excessive mixing process. The narrow injection angle was helpful to enhance combustion stability, attributed to suppressing the formation of over-lean mixture by the fuel stratification within narrow area. However, higher number of nozzle holes were unfavorable with frequent misfires by excessive fuel/air mixing. Second, at the low-load operation (engine speed = 1200 r/min, engine load = 25%), combustion and emissions were investigated according to the injection timing. For all injectors, partially premixed compression ignition combustion was realized with early injection which exhibited low nitrogen oxide emissions resulted from lean premixed combustion. However, high hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were produced with wide injection angle due to the over-mixing and trapped fuel in squish and crevice volume. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were significantly reduced with narrow injection angle, attributed to the fuel stratification inside piston bowl. On the other hand, hydrocarbon and smoke emissions were aggravated in diesel combustion with narrow injection angle, attributed to fuel-rich mixture resulted from the significant fuel impingement on piston bowl. Fuel impingement occurred for both gasoline and diesel; however, evaporation process was much slower for diesel fuel due to the lower volatility. Significant pool fire and rich combustion were observed for diesel combustion, while blue chemiluminescence was dominated in gasoline combustion which meant well-premixed combustion.
Saving face: Managing rapport in a Problem-Based Learning group
Authors: Robinson Leslie , Harris Ann , Burton Rob
Published: March 2015

This qualitative study investigated the complex social aspects of communication required for students to participate effectively in Problem-Based Learning and explored how these dynamics are managed. The longitudinal study of a group of first-year undergraduates examined interactions using Rapport Management as a framework to analyse communication with regard to the concepts of face, sociality rights and interactional goals. Problem-Based Learning requires students to engage in potentially face-threatening interactions as they discuss subjects of which they have little prior knowledge, placing them in situations that require negotiation using face-saving strategies in order to meet objectives to share their learning with others. The study described within this article focuses on the key role of the Problem-Based Learning chair and shows how failure by the chair to manage rapport effectively can influence the quality of group learning. The findings suggest that educators need to understand the complex interactional demands students have to face in undertaking Problem-Based Learning and support students to overcome these difficulties considering the three bases of rapport management.
Student learning through service learning: Effects on academic development, civic responsibility, interpersonal skills and practical skills
Authors: Hébert Ali , Hauf Petra
Published: March 2015

Although anecdotal evidence and research alike espouse the benefits of service learning, some researchers have suggested that more rigorous testing is required in order to determine its true effect on students. This is particularly true in the case of academic development, which has been inconsistently linked to service learning. It has been proposed that this discrepancy is due to three complications: grades not reflecting higher order thinking skills, self-selection bias, and different grading methods. The study described in this article attempted to circumvent these complications using a test–retest methodology and measuring academic development in three ways: course grades, an assignment that directly tested course-specific comprehension, and self-reported improvement. In addition, improvements in civic responsibility, interpersonal skills, and practical skills were measured via self-report. Although students who participated in service learning self-reported greater improvement in civic responsibility, interpersonal skills, and academic development, they only demonstrated more academic development in terms of concrete course concepts, showing no differences in final examination marks or generation of detailed examples. These findings suggest that academic improvement through service learning may not be adequately assessed by typical methods used to evaluate academic development at universities.
Complaints of rape and the criminal justice system: Fresh evidence on the attrition problem in England and Wales
Authors: Hohl Katrin , Stanko Elisabeth A.
Published: March 2015

The UK has one of the lowest conviction rates for rape in Europe. This article presents unique evidence on the factors that influence the attrition of rape allegations in the English criminal justice system. The study is based on a large, representative sample of rape allegations reported to the London Metropolitan Police, the UK’s biggest police force. The dataset contains unprecedented detail on the incident, the victim, the suspect and the police investigation. The results lend support to the influence of some rape myths and stereotypes on attrition. These findings suggest that further central factors include the ethnicity of the suspect as well as what police officers and prosecutors perceive as evidence against the truthfulness of the allegation: police records noting a previous false allegation by the victim, inconsistencies in the victim’s account of the alleged rape, and evidence or police opinion casting doubt on the allegation.
Decision Trees Predicting Tumor Shrinkage for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Surucu Murat , Shah Karan K. , Mescioglu Ibrahim , Roeske John C. , Small William , Choi Mehee , Emami Bahman
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To develop decision trees predicting for tumor volume reduction in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer using pretreatment clinical and pathological parameters.

Methods:

Forty-eight patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, or hypopharynx were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were rescanned at a median dose of 37.8 Gy and replanned to account for anatomical changes. The percentages of gross tumor volume (GTV) change from initial to rescan computed tomography (CT; %GTVΔ) were calculated. Two decision trees were generated to correlate %GTVΔ in primary and nodal volumes with 14 characteristics including age, gender, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), site, human papilloma virus (HPV) status, tumor grade, primary tumor growth pattern (endophytic/exophytic), tumor/nodal/group stages, chemotherapy regimen, and primary, nodal, and total GTV volumes in the initial CT scan. The C4.5 Decision Tree induction algorithm was implemented.

Results:

The median %GTVΔ for primary, nodal, and total GTVs was 26.8%, 43.0%, and 31.2%, respectively. Type of chemotherapy, age, primary tumor growth pattern, site, KPS, and HPV status were the most predictive parameters for primary %GTVΔ decision tree, whereas for nodal %GTVΔ, KPS, site, age, primary tumor growth pattern, initial primary GTV, and total GTV volumes were predictive. Both decision trees had an accuracy of 88%.

Conclusions:

There can be significant changes in primary and nodal tumor volumes during the course of H&N chemoradiotherapy. Considering the proposed decision trees, radiation oncologists can select patients predicted to have high %GTVΔ, who would theoretically gain the most benefit from adaptive radiotherapy, in order to better use limited clinical resources.
Response to Commentaries on “Multiple Arousal Theory and Daily-Life Electrodermal Activity Asymmetry”
Authors: Picard Rosalind W. , Fedor Szymon , Ayzenberg Yadid
Published: March 2015

We respond to the commentaries of Critchley and Nagai, Mendes, Norman, Sabatinelli, and Richter. We agree that a theory needs to make predictions and we elaborate on the predictions we made so far. We do not agree that arousal has to have a precise definition in order to present theory about it; however, we do provide concrete answers to questions raised about multiple arousal theory.
Keep on Truckin’ or Stay the Course? Exploring Grit Dimensions as Differential Predictors of Educational Achievement, Satisfaction, and Intentions
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A. , Hill Patrick L. , Denson Nida , Bronkema Ryan
Published: March 2015

In an ongoing effort to identify predictors of educational success and achievement, grit has emerged as a seemingly useful disposition. Grit is conceived as the combination of perseverance of effort and consistency of interest over time, but the predictive utility of these two dimensions has rarely been explored separately, and the limited research available has considered a small number of outcomes. This article draws upon three samples at two universities to examine the relationships between grit dimensions and various student outcomes. Multiple regression results indicated that perseverance of effort predicted greater academic adjustment, college grade point average, college satisfaction, sense of belonging, faculty–student interactions, and intent to persist, while it was inversely related to intent to change majors. Consistency of interest was associated with less intent to change majors and careers, but it was not significantly associated with any other outcome in the expected direction when controlling for other variables.
Daratumumab and its potential in the treatment of multiple myeloma: overview of the preclinical and clinical development
Authors: Phipps Colin , Chen Yunxin , Gopalakrishnan Sathish , Tan Daryl
Published: March 2015

Despite the recent major advancement in therapy for multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable disease. There remains an unmet need for novel therapies that target different mechanisms of action. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies is a promising area of development and will expand our therapeutic armamentarium in the fight against myeloma. Daratumumab is a novel, high-affinity, therapeutic human monoclonal antibody against unique CD38 epitope with broad-spectrum killing activity. It has a favorable safety profile as monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and also demonstrates significant single-agent activity. Abundant preclinical data supports its use in combination therapy and clinical studies on various exciting combinations are underway. This review focuses on the CD38 antigen and its targeting with daratumumab and provides an update on the results of recent clinical studies involving daratumumab.
miR-18b overexpression identifies mantle cell lymphoma patients with poor outcome and improves the MIPI-B prognosticator
Authors: Husby Simon , Ralfkiaer Ulrik , Garde Christian , Zandi Roza , Ek Sara , Kolstad Arne , Jerkeman Mats , Laurell Anna , Räty Riikka , Pedersen Lone B. , Pedersen Anja , Ehinger Mats , Sundström Christer , Karjalainen-Lindsberg Marja-Liisa , Delabie Jan , Clasen-Linde Erik , Brown Peter , Cowland Jack B. , Workman Christopher T. , Geisler Christian H. , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: March 2015

Key Points

miR-18b overexpression identified patients with poor prognosis in 2 large prospective homogenously treated MCL cohorts. miR-18b overexpression adds prognostic information to the MIPI-B prognosticator.
Chemotherapy With or Without Maintenance Sunitinib for Untreated Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study—CALGB 30504 (Alliance)
Authors: Ready Neal E. , Pang Herbert H. , Gu Lin , Otterson Gregory A. , Thomas Sachdev P. , Miller Antonius A. , Baggstrom Maria , Masters Gregory A. , Graziano Stephen L. , Crawford Jeffrey , Bogart Jeffrey , Vokes Everett E.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of maintenance sunitinib after chemotherapy for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Patients and Methods

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B 30504 trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II study that enrolled patients before chemotherapy (cisplatin 80 mg/m2or carboplatin area under the curve of 5 on day 1 plus etoposide 100 mg/m2per day on days 1 to 3 every 21 days for four to six cycles). Patients without progression were randomly assigned 1:1 to placebo or sunitinib 37.5 mg per day until progression. Cross-over after progression was allowed. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) from random assignment for maintenance placebo versus sunitinib using a one-sided log-rank test with α = .15; 80 randomly assigned patients provided 89% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.67.

Results

One hundred forty-four patients were enrolled; 138 patients received chemotherapy. Ninety-five patients were randomly assigned; 10 patients did not receive maintenance therapy (five on each arm). Eighty-five patients received maintenance therapy (placebo, n = 41; sunitinib, n = 44). Grade 3 adverse events with more than 5% incidence were fatigue (19%), decreased neutrophils (14%), decreased leukocytes (7%), and decreased platelets (7%) for sunitinib and fatigue (10%) for placebo; grade 4 adverse events were GI hemorrhage (n = 1) and pancreatitis, hypocalcemia, and elevated lipase (n = 1; all in same patient) for sunitinib and thrombocytopenia (n = 1) and hypernatremia (n = 1) for placebo. Median PFS on maintenance was 2.1 months for placebo and 3.7 months for sunitinib (HR, 1.62; 70% CI, 1.27 to 2.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.60; one-sided P = .02). Median overall survival from random assignment was 6.9 months for placebo and 9.0 months for sunitinib (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.79 to 2.10; one-sided P = .16). Three sunitinib and no placebo patients achieved complete response during maintenance. Ten (77%) of 13 patients evaluable after cross-over had stable disease on sunitinib (6 to 27 weeks).

Conclusion

Maintenance sunitinib was safe and improved PFS in extensive-stage SCLC.
Autoantibody Response Against NALP5/MATER in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and in Autoimmune Addison's Disease
Authors: Brozzetti Annalisa , Alimohammadi Mohammad , Morelli Silvia , Minarelli Viviana , Hallgren Åsa , Giordano Roberta , De Bellis Annamaria , Perniola Roberto , Kämpe Olle , Falorni Alberto ,   on behalf of the Italian Addison Network
Published: March 2015

Context:

NACHT leucine-rich-repeat protein 5 (NALP5)/maternal antigen that embryo requires (MATER) is an autoantigen in hypoparathyroidism associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) but is also expressed in the ovary. Mater is an autoantigen in experimental autoimmune oophoritis.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of NALP5/MATER autoantibodies (NALP5/MATER-Ab) in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and in patients with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) and to evaluate whether inhibin chains are a target for autoantibodies in POI.

Methods:

Autoantibodies against NALP5/MATER and inhibin chains-α and -βA were determined by radiobinding assays in 172 patients with AAD without clinical signs of gonadal insufficiency, 41 women with both AAD and autoimmune POI [steroidogenic cell autoimmune POI (SCA-POI)], 119 women with idiopathic POI, 19 patients with APS1, and 211 healthy control subjects.

Results:

NALP5/MATER-Ab were detected in 11 of 19 (58%) sera from APS1 patients, 12 of 172 (7%) AAD sera, 5 of 41 (12%) SCA-POI sera, 0 of 119 idiopathic POI sera and 1 of 211 healthy control sera (P < .001). None of 160 POI sera, including 41 sera from women with SCA-POI and 119 women with idiopathic POI, and none of 211 healthy control sera were positive for inhibin chain-α/βA autoantibodies.

Conclusions:

NALP5/MATER-Ab are associated with hypoparathyroidism in APS1 but are present also in patients with AAD and in women with SCA-POI without hypoparathyroidism. Inhibin chains do not appear to be likely candidate targets of autoantibodies in human POI.
Inequality, Leverage, and Crises
Authors: Kumhof Michael , Rancière Romain , Winant Pablo
Published: March 2015

The paper studies how high household leverage and crises can be caused by changes in the income distribution. Empirically, the periods 1920–1929 and 1983–2008 both exhibited a large increase in the income share of high-income households, a large increase in debt leverage of low- and middle-income households, and an eventual financial and real crisis. The paper presents a theoretical model where higher leverage and crises are the endogenous result of a growing income share of high-income households. The model matches the profiles of the income distribution, the debt-to-income ratio and crisis risk for the three decades preceding the Great Recession. (JEL D14, D31, D33, E32, E44, G01, N22)
Adverse Selection and an Individual Mandate: When Theory Meets Practice
Authors: Hackmann Martin B. , Kolstad Jonathan T. , Kowalski Amanda E.
Published: March 2015

We develop a model of selection that incorporates a key element of recent health reforms: an individual mandate. Using data from Massachusetts, we estimate the parameters of the model. In the individual market for health insurance, we find that premiums and average costs decreased significantly in response to the individual mandate. We find an annual welfare gain of 4.1 percent per person or $51.1 million annually in Massachusetts as a result of the reduction in adverse selection. We also find smaller post-reform markups. (JEL D82, G22, H75, I13)
Impact Resistance and Failure Analysis of Plain Woven Curtains
Authors: Yang Eric Chengchou , Ngo Tuan D. , Ruan Dong , Tran Phuong
Published: March 2015

Blast and impact-resistant curtains are increasingly utilized for various applications in critical infrastructures to retrofit or enhance energy absorption and fragments capturing capabilities. Investigation of the impact resistance and failure mechanisms of the protective curtains are therefore critical. Understanding the energy absorption and failure mechanisms of fabrics impacted by potential debris of medium to low striking speeds could thus lead to improvements in designing spall linings system as well as bullet-proof combat uniforms against fragmentations. This paper aims at investigating the deformation and damage mechanisms of woven fabrics subjected to low velocity impact. Gas-gun experiments are conducted to investigate the ballistic resistance of the fabrics. A mesoscale modelling approach is developed and validated with the experiment to simulate the ballistic events for various projectile striking velocities ranging between 50–150 m/s. Parametric studies and comparisons are then carried out to examine the primary energy components: strain, kinetic, and friction energy, and their associated distribution within the fabric. The decoupling of the energy absorbed by the fabric provides an insight into the interaction of the yarns, as well as the significance of the energy components during the different stages of the impact event. The studies suggest the importance of the inter-yarn friction in a low speed impact scenario.
Review of Quasi-Analytical and Cavity Expansion Methods for Projectile Penetration of Concrete Targets
Authors: Sobeski Robert , Urgessa Girum
Published: March 2015

This paper presents state-of-the art review on the development of quasi-analytical and cavity expansion methods that are used to determine projectile penetration of targets, dating back to the middle of the 20th century. The paper briefly describes the three general approaches used in determining the impact mechanics of targets subjected to projectiles; quasi-analytical, analytical and numerical approaches. Then, the paper provides detailed review of quasi-analytical and analytical methods because they are quite important in characterizing small-scale or large-scale experimental data; developing a basic understanding of the penetration mechanics; and making faster predictions of global parameters such as penetration depth within the limits of applicability of the methods. Quasi-analytical methods are employed when the physical phenomenon being described is highly complex and dependent upon variables that are difficult to isolate and control. These methods often have, at their core, fundamental basis in physics such as Newton's second law of motion. A list of well-known quasi-analytical equations used for determining depth of penetration into concrete targets is provided. The Sandia National Laboratory equations are provided as an example because they are developed from comprehensive database of tests. Analytical methods attempt to provide a correlation between many of the variables in the phenomenon being modeled. They are typically based on solving differential equations of continuum mechanics. However, these methods typically rely on assuming material properties which are necessary to arrive at closed-form solutions. A detailed review of analytical equations that are based on the cavity expansion method, supplemented with experimental data obtained from penetration experiments, is provided. Although the majority of the review includes analytical equations used for concrete targets, these equations trace their origin in the earlier works of penetration of metal and soil targets, which are included in cavity expansion method chronology provided in the paper.
Low Velocity Impact Response of Reinforced Concrete Beams: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Adhikary Satadru Das , Li Bing , Fujikake Kazunori
Published: March 2015

In general, transition in the mode of failure from flexure failure at the static loading to shear failure at low velocity impact in reinforced concrete (RC) beams has been reported in the literature. To quantify the above-mentioned statement, a drop-weight impact test program was carried out on RC beams. The test results showed that no shear failure has been occurred under impact loading in statically flexure-critical beams (i.e., shear to bending resistance ration greater than one) however with increasing drop-heights more localized failure with extensive concrete crushing at the impact region was observed. Impact interface (i.e., direct impact or with some interface such as steel or plywood plate in between impactor and beam) could be one reason that the change in failure mode has not been observed in the current test program. To simulate the structural impact response in details, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model was also developed. Numerical results agreed well with the test results obtained from current test program and also from the literature. Finally, the numerical model was used to conduct parametric studies to evaluate the effects of design parameters (e.g., ratio of beam- mass to impactor-mass, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, compressive strength of concrete and boundary conditions etc.) on impact responses and failure modes.
State Corporations in Russia’s Modern Economy
Authors: Сухов  , Sukhov Alyeksyey
Published: March 2015

Role and place of state corporations in Russia’s modern economic system and

specialties related to theirs formation and development are investigated in this

paper. State corporations’ forms, theirs activity’s fundamental aims, as well as

theirs social-and economic functions, specific features and modern strategy are

considered. Importance of a role which the state plays in formation and

development of state corporations in Russia that in its turn promotes a

successful reformation of Russian economy, macroeconomic stabilization

reaching and acceleration of process related to formation a social-aimed

economy in Russia is revealed.
Republic of Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Value Improving
Authors: Хусанов  , Khusanov Durbek
Published: March 2015

Leading market indicators of Republic’s agricultural production have been

presented in this paper. Farmer and Dekhkan farms, as well as large agricultural

enterprises are characterized. Their comparative and structural analysis related

to agricultural branch has been made.
Experience in Realizing the Local History Module of the “World Around Us” Course in the Belgorod Region
Authors: Стручаева  , Struchaeva Tamara
Published: March 2015

The paper highlights the experience in realizing the local history module “Belgorod Studies” within the “World Around Us” course in the 1st–4th grades in accordance with the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of Primary General Education (FGOS NOO). The

program of extracurricular activities for primary school classes, based on the local history material, is characterized in detail.
Managing the Process of Developing Intellectual Skills of Primary School Students When Teaching a Foreign Language
Authors: Ромашина  , Romashina Svetlana , Горнаева  , Gornaeva M.
Published: March 2015

The paper considers the effects of foreign language learning on the ability of primary schoolchildren to develop intellectual skills. Theoretical

grounds of the research are featured, the potential of learning assignments in English for developing intellectual skills is revealed.
Multivariate Mixtures of Normal Distributions: Properties, Random Vector Generation, Fitting, and as Models of Market Daily Changes
Authors: Wang Jin , Taaffe Michael R.
Published: March 2015

Mixtures of normal distributions provide a useful modeling extension of the normal distribution—both univariate and multivariate. Unlike the normal distribution, mixtures of normals can capture the kurtosis (fat tails) and nonzero skewness often necessary for accurately modeling a variety of real-world variables. An efficient analytical Monte Carlo method is proposed for considering multivariate mixtures of normal distributions having arbitrary covariance matrices. The method consists of a linear transformation of a multivariate normal having a computed covariance matrix into the desired multivariate mixture of normal distributions. The computed covariance matrix is derived analytically. Among the properties of the multivariate mixture of normals that we demonstrate is that any linear combination of mixtures of normal distributions is also a mixture of normal distributions. Methods of fitting mixtures of normal distributions are briefly discussed. A motivating example carried throughout this paper is the use of multivariate mixtures of normals for modeling daily changes in market variables.
Thed-Level Nested Logit Model: Assortment and Price Optimization Problems
Authors: Li Guang , Rusmevichientong Paat , Topaloglu Huseyin
Published: March 2015

We consider assortment and price optimization problems under the d-level nested logit model. In the assortment optimization problem, the goal is to find the revenue-maximizing assortment of products to offer, when the prices of the products are fixed. Using a novel formulation of the d-level nested logit model as a tree of depth d, we provide an efficient algorithm to find the optimal assortment. For a d-level nested logit model with n products, the algorithm runs in O(d n log n) time. In the price optimization problem, the goal is to find the revenue-maximizing prices for the products, when the assortment of offered products is fixed. Although the expected revenue is not concave in the product prices, we develop an iterative algorithm that generates a sequence of prices converging to a stationary point. Numerical experiments show that our method converges faster than gradient-based methods, by many orders of magnitude. In addition to providing solutions for the assortment and price optimization problems, we give support for the d-level nested logit model by demonstrating that it is consistent with the random utility maximization principle and equivalent to the elimination by aspects model.
A comparison of patient-reported outcome measures after spinal surgery
Authors: Patel M. S. , Newey M. , Sell P.
Published: March 2015

Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in the scores of patient-reported outcome measures allow clinicians to assess the outcome of intervention from the perspective of the patient. There has been significant variation in their absolute values in previous publications and a lack of consistency in their calculation.

The purpose of this study was first, to establish whether these values, following spinal surgery, vary depending on the surgical intervention and their method of calculation and secondly, to assess whether there is any correlation between the two external anchors most frequently used to calculate the MCID.

We carried out a retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data of adult patients who underwent elective spinal surgery between 1994 and 2009. A total of 244 patients were included. There were 125 men and 119 women with a mean age of 54 years (16 to 84); the mean follow-up was 62 months (6 to 199) The MCID was calculated using three previously published methods.

Our results show that the value of the MCID varies considerably with the operation and its method of calculation. There was good correlation between the two external anchors. The global outcome tool correlated significantly better.

We conclude that consensus needs to be reached on the best method of calculating the MCID. This then needs to be defined for each spinal procedure. Using a blanket value for the MCID for all spinal procedures should be avoided.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:366–71.