bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slowly eroding lesions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sethi Varun , Nair Govind , Absinta Martina , Sati Pascal , Venkataraman Arun , Ohayon Joan , Wu Tianxia , Yang Kelly , Shea Colin , Dewey Blake E , Cortese Irene CM , Reich Daniel S
Published: June 2016

Background:

At autopsy, 20%–40% of chronic multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions are labeled “slowly expanding” and feature myelin phagocytosis at the lesion edge. As pathological lesion classification relies on a single, terminal time point, the rate of lesion expansion cannot be directly measured.

Objective:

To study long-term volume changes in individual MS lesions.

Methods:

Volumes of individual lesions on proton density magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired between 1992 and 2015 were measured in 22 individuals (one lesion per person). After correction for acquisition protocol, a mixed model evaluated lesion volume changes.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) lesion volume at baseline was 142 (82) mL, falling to 74 (51) mL after 16 (3) years. All lesions shrank over time. Change in lesion volume did not correlate with change in supratentorial brain volume ( p = 0.33). In simulations, the results could be explained by a process of slow radial expansion superimposed on substantially more rapid resorption of damaged tissue.

Conclusion:

We noted sustained radiological contraction of MS lesions, a surprising result given that fresh myelin breakdown products within chronic active lesions are observed relatively frequently at autopsy. Therefore, the primary pathological process in chronic lesions, even those described as “slowly expanding,” is likely to be tissue loss.
Investigation on partially concrete encased composite beams under hogging moment
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , Hu Xiamin , Hong Wan , Gu Mingming , Sun Weimin
Published: June 2016

In order to investigate the mechanical behavior of the partially concrete encased composite beam under hogging moment, static loading tests were conducted on one conventional composite beam and three partially concrete encased composite beams. The results show that partially concrete encased composite beams have higher stiffness and flexural capacity under hogging moment as compared with conventional composite beams. It is also found that the concrete encasement is able to enhance the local bucking resistance of the steel beam and effectively reduces the propagation speed of crack width under hogging moment. By comparing different partially concrete encased composite beams, it is indicated that the stiffness and flexural capacity of partially concrete encased composite beams increase with the increase in reinforcement ratio of the concrete slab. Also, with the increase in the reinforcement ratio of the concrete slab, the distribution of cracks on the slab is denser and the propagation speed of crack width reduces. In addition, the calculation methods in both European code and Chinese code can well predict the crack width on the concrete slab, and the ultimate flexural capacity predicted from the simplified plastic theory in Eurocode 4 is in good agreement with test results.
Adolescent tobacco use practices and user profiles in a mature Swedish moist snuff (snus) market: Results from a school-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Lund Ingeborg , Scheffels Janne
Published: June 2016

Aims: The aim of this work was to study the diversity of tobacco use among Norwegian adolescent tobacco users and to investigate how different user groups compared with each other in terms of lifestyle and risk correlates. Swedish moist snuff (snus) use has increased dramatically in Norway over the last few years and is now more prevalent than smoking in younger age groups. Methods: The participants were 736 15-year-old tobacco users obtained from a large school-based cross-sectional survey (response rate 73%). Leisure time activity and risk behaviour factors were extracted by principal components analysis. Associations between tobacco use, leisure activities, risk behaviours, alcohol use and sex were studied bivariately and by logistic regression. Results: In total, 41.5% of the tobacco users were dual users (smokers and snus users). Problem behaviour and risk-taking lifestyles were associated with tobacco use frequency and high-frequency dual use, with a low risk profile for all types of occasional users (snus, cigarettes or dual users), a medium risk profile for all types of daily single-product users, including those who occasionally used the other product (i.e. dual users) and a high-risk profile for those who used both products daily (daily dual users). Conclusions:Fragmented use patterns in adolescence undermine the dichotomy often applied between smokers and snus users. For associations with lifestyle and risk correlates, use frequency and high-frequency dual use seem to be more important than the choice of product.
From telephones in rural Oaxaca to mobile phones among Mixtec farm workers in Oxnard, California
Authors: Jimenez Carlos
Published: June 2016

Indigenous Mexican immigrants (Mixtecs) from rural Oaxaca, Mexico, experience a high level of isolation and seasonal farm work, but the increasing speed of communication technology stands to overcome these difficulties. For farm workers, the initial experience of landlines and public pay phones was filled with anxiety and missed connections. Despite the benefits of mobile phones, their adoption was delayed among Mixtec in Oxnard, California, because of a combination of legal status, high cost, and seasonal work. This article finds that a surge in mobile phone adoption and use took place during a time where production of labor-intensive crops like strawberries increased throughout California, farm worker settlement patterns matured, and mobile phone plans changed becoming more affordable and easier to understand. The widespread adoption of mobile phones brought more predictability to the informal agricultural job market for farm workers, but this did not necessarily mean higher wages in the strawberry fields.
Mechanical characterizations and development of erosive wear model for Al2O3-filled short glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Kaundal Ritesh , Patnaik Amar , Satapathy Alok
Published: June 2016

In the present work, short glass fiber-reinforced polyester-based hybrid composites are fabricated by the incorporation of Al2O3 particulates with three different weight percentages (0 wt.%, 10 wt.% and 20 wt.%) to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical behavior. A theoretical model has been developed for erosive wear conditions and results are compared with the experimental outcomes in order to validate the model. The mechanical properties are simulated using an explicit FE code software ANSYS. In this work, erosion test is conducted by using popular evolutionary Taguchi’s (L27) orthogonal array design to optimize the experimental results. It is observed from the analysis that the peak erosion rate occurs at 75° impingement angle for Al2O3-filled composites, whereas for unfilled composites, it occurs at 60° impingement angle. The thermo-mechanical characteristics such as storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and damping properties (Tan δ) are investigated in the temperature range of 25–200 ℃. It is observed that the slope corresponding to the temperature-dependent decay of the storage modulus for 10 wt.% and 20 wt.%, Al2O3-filled composite is much higher as compared to 0 wt.% Al2O3-filled composite in the temperature range of 25–75 ℃. However, the storage modulus for 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% Al2O3-filled composites remain almost same in the range of 25–60 ℃. Finally, the surface morphology of the eroded composites is examined by using scanning electron microscope and the possible wear mechanisms are discussed.
Non-discrimination, in-work benefits, and free movement in the EU
Authors: Sangiovanni Andrea
Published: June 2016

The Cameron government has recently negotiated a deal with the EU which permits the UK (temporarily) to restrict access to in-work benefits for recent EU migrants in the first four years of residence. Withdrawing access to in-work benefits will lead to significant inequalities in pay between British workers and their EU equivalents working at the same job, in the same general situation. The proposal has been widely decried as discriminatory. Is it? I do not, in this article, ask the legal question: Does it violate anti-discrimination norms implicit in the treaties (or wider human rights law)? Rather, I will ask the moral question underlying the legal one: Would, say, Polish citizens denied in-work benefits that British citizens receive be victims of wrongful discrimination? This question deserves consideration not simply because it will help us to evaluate some of the central concerns at stake in the Brexit debates but also because it will allow us to explore the role of norms against discrimination according to nationality within the EU, to address the nature of the European commitment to freedom of movement, and, in the reverse direction, to better understand our own moral commitment to anti-discrimination norms.
Integrating two cultures successfully: Factors influencing acculturation attitude of international postgraduate students in Malaysia
Authors: Shafaei Azadeh , Abd Razak Nordin , Nejati Mehran
Published: June 2016

Based on Berry’s seminal work on the acculturation process, this study examines the pattern of acculturation attitude among international postgraduate students in Malaysia, an emerging education hub in Asia. It also investigates the influence of several demographic factors (gender, geographical region, marital status, and education level) and predictors (English language proficiency, media usage, intention to stay in the host country after graduation, and perceived positive stereotype image) on international postgraduate students’ four acculturation attitudes integration, separation, assimilation, and marginalization. Our survey of a sample of 1186 international postgraduate students reveals that the most prevalent acculturation attitude chosen by the international postgraduate students is integration. The identified predictors are shown to positively influence integration attitude while the demographic factors have no significant effect on international postgraduate students’ acculturation attitude in Malaysia. Study findings provide valuable insights for education policymakers and university administrators to manage and address the needs of international students via effective acculturation programs.
Influencing Condom Use by Gay and Bisexual Men for Anal Sex Through Social Marketing
Authors: Adams Jeffery , Neville Stephen , Parker Karl , Huckle Taisia
Published: June 2016

Encouraging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) to use condoms for anal sex has been a cornerstone of HIV prevention initiatives globally for several decades. In New Zealand, Get it On!!, a social marketing program, sought to influence gay and bisexual men to use a condom “every time” for anal sex. To assess the effectiveness of Get it On!, an integrated program evaluation approach including evaluation rubrics was utilized. Self-report data were collected from 960 men using an online survey and a paper-based survey administered at a large, gay community event. The men reported they were exposed to the campaign messages, understood them well, and engaged with the program. Importantly, the men reported Get it On! encouraged them to take action, including being more conscious about using a condom for sex. Get it On! performed well in regard to encouraging a culture accepting of condom use. Significantly, the evaluation found the greater the exposure to Get it On!, the more likely a man was to report using a condom for anal sex. Overall, the campaign is likely contributing to New Zealand’s relatively high rates of condom use and the low incidence of HIV infection among MSM. This strongly suggests the campaign should be continued and enhanced as a key HIV prevention strategy.
Visualizing Homeland
Authors: Light Elinor
Published: June 2016

The following analysis approaches the 9/11 Memorial through the lens of a moving methodology, which is grounded in the intersections of critical rhetorical theory and visual ethnography. An intersectional methodological approach takes seriously movement, affect, and aesthetics as primary modes of understanding in situ communication and reveals that the National 9/11 Memorial works affectively and viscerally to constitute the surveilling flâneur, a security-conscious consumer subjectivity who is mobilized through the temporal, horizontal, and vertical vectors of the site. Ultimately, I suggest that the Memorial’s affective dimensions position the habitus of the surveilling flâneur as reflective of larger discourses about freedom in a post-9/11 culture.
U.S. Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay People are Better than Ever
Authors: Fetner Tina
Published: June 2016

The large-scale increase in attitudes toward LGBT americans has outpaced change on other social dimensions like race and immigration status.
Social Mobility among Second-Generation Latinos
Authors: Tran Van C.
Published: June 2016

New data shows that Latinos weathered the recession well and are poised to seize opportunities for further social mobility.
Immigrant Rights are Civil Rights
Authors: Brown Hana , Jones Jennifer A.
Published: June 2016

Black-brown coalition activism is changing hearts, minds, and legislation in Mississippi and across the American South.
A Less Stressed, Less Harried—and Slightly Happier—America
Authors: Robinson John P. , Tracy Elena
Published: June 2016

Americans feel more stressed than ever, but data shows more free time and steadily high rates of happiness.
Forming Families
Authors: Risman Barbara J.
Published: June 2016

A review of Joshua Gamson’s Modern Families.
What Good News Looks Like
Authors: Best Joel
Published: June 2016

Sociology seems intent on becoming a “dismal science,” but there’s good news to be found around every corner.
Male Infertility and Dental Health Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kellesarian Sergio Varela , Yunker Michael , Malmstrom Hans , Almas Khalid , Romanos Georgios E. , Javed Fawad
Published: June 2016

A limited number of studies have reported an association between male factor infertility (MFI) and dental health status (DHS). The aim of the present study was to assess the association between DHS and MFI through a systematic review of indexed literature. To address the focused question—“Is there a relationship between DHS and MFI?”—indexed databases were searched up to March 2016 using various key words “infertility,” “periodontal disease,” “periodontitis,” “dental infection,” “caries,” and “odontogenic infection.” Letters to the editor, case reports, commentaries, historic reviews, and experimental studies were excluded. In total seven studies were included in the present systematic review and processed for data extraction. All the studies reported a positive association between MFI and DHS. The number of study participants ranged between 18 and 360 individuals. Results from six studies showed a positive association between chronic periodontitis and MFI. Three studies reported a positive relationship between MFI and odontogenic infections associated to necrotic pulp, chronic apical osteitis, and radicular cysts. One study reported a relationship between caries index and MFI. From the literature reviewed, there seems to be a positive association between MFI and DHS; however, further longitudinal studies and randomized control trials assessing confounders are needed to establish real correlation. Dentists and general practitioners should be aware that oral diseases can influence the systemic health. Andrological examination should include comprehensive oral evaluation, and physicians detecting oral diseases should refer the patient to a dentist for further evaluation.
Challenges confronting African Americans and Hispanics living with chronic illness in their families
Authors: Saulsberry Loren , Blendon Robert J , Benson John M
Published: June 2016

Objective

To examine the life experiences of African American and Hispanic adults whose personal chronic illness and/or that of a family member is the biggest health problem for their families.

Data source

Telephone (landline and cell phone) interviews of random, nationally representative samples of 1081 African-American and 1478 Hispanic adults, age 18 and older. We evaluated the responses of 757 African-American and 697 Hispanic participants who reported a chronic illness as the biggest health problem in their families.

Methods

Weighted analysis of cross-sectional survey responses from African-American and Hispanic adults.

Results

African Americans and Hispanics with chronic illness in their families reported experiencing challenges with the health care delivery system, with financial/economic insecurity, and with their communities that may influence how they live with chronic disease.

Discussion

Policymakers and clinicians should be aware that some African-American and Hispanic patients face obstacles within and beyond the health care system that are relevant to how they live with chronic conditions affecting their families. Additional tools and supports may need to be identified and supplied to effectively manage chronic illness in these communities. The payment system for physicians should account for the supplementary supports and services these patients might require.
A time-motion analysis of Paralympic football for athletes with cerebral palsy
Authors: Boyd Craig , Barnes Chris , Eaves Simon J , Morse Christopher I , Roach Neil , Williams Alun G
Published: June 2016

To investigate the soccer match-play work of players with cerebral palsy, 40 elite players were monitored for cardiovascular and locomotive demands of tournament match play. Using global positioning satellite and heart rate monitors, total distance travelled, distance travelled at high intensity and very high intensity (m); frequency of high intensity and very high intensity activity; heart rate. Disability classes C5/6, C7 and C8 were compared. The results showed C8 players covered the greatest distance. Frequency, contribution and maximum speed of high intensity and very high intensity activity was greater in C8. There was a progressive decline in distances covered in all classes across match quarters. C8 spent more time above 85% HRmax. No differences were observed between C5/6 and C7 classes. In conclusion, C8 players most notably perform best in very high intensity activity associated with game-defining moments. C5/6 and C7 players performed equitably. This study is the first to provide an insight for practitioners and coaches interested in the work rates in soccer for athletes with cerebral palsy.
Ethnicity, Class and Trusteeship at African-American and Mainstream Museums
Authors: Banks Patricia A.
Published: June 2016

While Pierre Bourdieu argues that cultural capital is grounded in distinct aesthetic knowledge and tastes among elites, Francie Ostrower emphasizes that cultural capital grows out of the social organization of elite participation in the arts. This article builds on Ostrower’s perspective on cultural capital, as well as Milton Gordon’s concept of the ethclass group and Prudence Carter’s concept of black cultural capital, to elaborate how culture’s importance for class and ethnic cohesion is rooted in the separate spheres of arts philanthropy among black and white elites. The argument is empirically illustrated using the case of arguably the most prominent mainstream and African-American museums in New York City – the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and the Studio Museum in Harlem (SMH). Findings show that relative to the Met board the SMH board is an important site of unification for elite blacks, and in comparison to the SMH board, the Met board is a notable site of cohesion for elite whites. This article advances theory and research on cultural capital by elaborating how it varies among elite ethclass groups. Moreover, it highlights how the growth of African-American museums not only adds color to the museum field, but also fosters bonds among the black middle and upper class.
Characteristics of hand injuries caused by powered wood splitters
Authors: Jokihaara J. , Ranta T. K. P. , Leppänen O. V. , Hellevuo C.
Published: June 2016

Accidents with powered wood splitters cause a distinct group of hand injuries in which the injury spectrum ranges from a minor lesion to mutilating defects. We studied these injuries in order to assess the consequences and estimate the associated costs. A 2-year cohort of patients was retrospectively identified from medical records. The details of the injuries and the treatment were collected, and estimates of the resources used were based on hospital billing and the average costs of sick leave and disability. A total of 67 patients were identified and seven of those were children. Most patients sustained a major hand injury and an emergency microsurgical operation was indicated in 40% of patients. The total cost associated with the injuries was estimated at €3.33 million (£2.56 million, US$3.62 million). The treatment of this relatively small number of injuries demands substantial medical resources, and most of the costs are due to sick leave and disability.

Level of evidence IV
Bevacizumab in the treatment of nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer: clinical trial evidence and experience
Authors: Greillier Laurent , Tomasini Pascale , Barlesi Fabrice
Published: June 2016

Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy, including bevacizumab, is therefore a major option in targeting angiogenesis, especially for the management of stage IV nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer patients. This review focuses first on the data from clinical trials available to date regarding efficacy and safety of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. This review then highlights the current remaining questions related to the use of this drug in daily practice and how the patients might be clinically and radiologically selected. Finally, this review explores the future directions for bevacizumab development in nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer and for a biological selection of patients with research on predictive biomarkers.
Review of siltuximab in the treatment of multicentric Castleman’s disease
Authors: Sarosiek Shayna , Shah Ruchit , Munshi Nikhil C.
Published: June 2016

Castleman’s disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that has multiple histologic patterns, as well as two distinct clinical forms: unicentric or multicentric. Multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) may have mild symptoms in some cases, but in others it can progress to severe pancytopenia, life-threatening infection, secondary malignancy, multiorgan failure, or death. Recent research has determined that the etiology of the disease signs and symptoms is related to elevated cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6). Siltuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-6 and is currently the only US Food and Drug Administration approved therapy for idiopathic MCD. Clinical data have demonstrated significant efficacy and tolerance of siltuximab in patients with idiopathic CD.
Locative media and data-driven computing experiments
Authors: Perng Sung-Yueh , Kitchin Rob , Evans Leighton
Published: June 2016

Over the past two decades urban social life has undergone a rapid and pervasive geocoding, becoming mediated, augmented and anticipated by location-sensitive technologies and services that generate and utilise big, personal, locative data. The production of these data has prompted the development of exploratory data-driven computing experiments that seek to find ways to extract value and insight from them. These projects often start from the data, rather than from a question or theory, and try to imagine and identify their potential utility. In this paper, we explore the desires and mechanics of data-driven computing experiments. We demonstrate how both locative media data and computing experiments are ‘staged’ to create new values and computing techniques, which in turn are used to try and derive possible futures that are ridden with unintended consequences. We argue that using computing experiments to imagine potential urban futures produces effects that often have little to do with creating new urban practices. Instead, these experiments promote Big Data science and the prospect that data produced for one purpose can be recast for another and act as alternative mechanisms of envisioning urban futures.
Relationship between timed 25-foot walk and diffusion tensor imaging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Klineova Sylvia , Farber Rebecca , Saiote Catarina , Farrell Colleen , Delman Bradley N , Tanenbaum Lawrence N , Friedman Joshua , Inglese Matilde , Lublin Fred D , Krieger Stephen
Published: June 2016

Objective/Background

The majority of multiple sclerosis patients experience impaired walking ability, which impacts quality of life. Timed 25-foot walk is commonly used to gauge gait impairment but results can be broadly variable. Objective biological markers that correlate closely with patients’ disability are needed. Diffusion tensor imaging, quantifying fiber tract integrity, might provide such information. In this project we analyzed relationships between timed 25-foot walk, conventional and diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging markers.

Design/Methods

A cohort of gait impaired multiple sclerosis patients underwent brain and cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were measured on the brain corticospinal tracts and spinal restricted field of vision at C2/3. We analyzed relationships between baseline timed 25-foot walk, conventional and diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging markers.

Results

Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between several magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging metrics and timed 25-foot walk: brain mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts (p = 0.004), brain corticospinal tracts axial and radial diffusivity (P = 0.004 and 0.02), grey matter volume (p = 0.05), white matter volume (p = 0.03) and normalized brain volume (P = 0.01). The linear regression model containing mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts and controlled for gait assistance was the best fit model (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between diffusion tensor imaging metrics and gait impairment, evidenced by brain mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts and timed 25-foot walk.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
Authors: Mueller Zachary T. , Craddock Kaitlyn E. , Pitlick Jamie M. , Crannage Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2 human monoclonal antibodies, alirocumab and evolocumab, on reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), cardiovascular benefits, and their place in current practice. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE and Scopus databases (1966 to May 2016) with search terms “alirocumab,” “evolocumab,” “LDL,” and “PCSK9.” Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search identified phase 3 randomized control trials in English language in the past 10 years that studied LDL-C reduction of alirocumab or evolocumab. The studies were assessed for all efficacy and safety endpoints. Data Synthesis: Twelve total studies were identified evaluating alirocumab or evolocumab. These monoclonal antibodies have been shown to significantly decrease LDL-C as monotherapy and in combination with statins in phase 3 clinical trials in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia as well as familial hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting PCSK9. Alirocumab significantly reduced LDL-C by up to 61%, while evolocumab significantly reduced LDL-C by up to 66%. Adverse effects of these medications have been low and overall well tolerated. Conclusion: Although these monoclonal antibodies have shown to significantly reduce LDL-C, their effect on cardiovascular outcomes has not yet been determined. Further studies are being conducted to assess the cardiovascular benefit of both alirocumab and evolocumab. Until these studies demonstrate a reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, statins should remain first-line therapy for most patients. However, alirocumab and evolocumab can be used as an effective adjunctive therapy option to lower LDL-C or in patients who are statin intolerant.
Generalized enrichment analysis improves the detection of adverse drug events from the biomedical literature
Authors: Winnenburg Rainer , Shah Nigam H.
Published: June 2016

Background

Identification of associations between marketed drugs and adverse events from the biomedical literature assists drug safety monitoring efforts. Assessing the significance of such literature-derived associations and determining the granularity at which they should be captured remains a challenge. Here, we assess how defining a selection of adverse event terms from MeSH, based on information content, can improve the detection of adverse events for drugs and drug classes.

Results

We analyze a set of 105,354 candidate drug adverse event pairs extracted from article indexes in MEDLINE. First, we harmonize extracted adverse event terms by aggregating them into higher-level MeSH terms based on the terms’ information content. Then, we determine statistical enrichment of adverse events associated with drug and drug classes using a conditional hypergeometric test that adjusts for dependencies among associated terms. We compare our results with methods based on disproportionality analysis (proportional reporting ratio, PRR) and quantify the improvement in signal detection with our generalized enrichment analysis (GEA) approach using a gold standard of drug-adverse event associations spanning 174 drugs and four events. For single drugs, the best GEA method (Precision: .92/Recall: .71/F1-measure: .80) outperforms the best PRR based method (.69/.69/.69) on all four adverse event outcomes in our gold standard. For drug classes, our GEA performs similarly (.85/.69/.74) when increasing the level of abstraction for adverse event terms. Finally, on examining the 1609 individual drugs in our MEDLINE set, which map to chemical substances in ATC, we find signals for 1379 drugs (10,122 unique adverse event associations) on applying GEA with p < 0.005.

Conclusions

We present an approach based on generalized enrichment analysis that can be used to detect associations between drugs, drug classes and adverse events at a given level of granularity, at the same time correcting for known dependencies among events. Our study demonstrates the use of GEA, and the importance of choosing appropriate abstraction levels to complement current drug safety methods. We provide an R package for exploration of alternative abstraction levels of adverse event terms based on information content.
Coupled fixed point theorems in $C^{*}$-algebra-valued b-metric spaces with application
Authors: Bai Chuanzhi
Published: June 2016

Based on the concept of a$C^{*}$C∗-algebra-valuedb-metric space, this paper establishes some coupled fixed point theorems for mapping satisfying different contractive conditions on such space. As applications, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a solution for an integral equation.
Equivalence results between Nash equilibrium theorem and some fixed point theorems
Authors: Yu Jian , Wang Neng-Fa , Yang Zhe
Published: June 2016

We show that the Kakutani and Brouwer fixed point theorems can be obtained by directly using the Nash equilibrium theorem. The corresponding set-valued problems, such as the Kakutani fixed point theorem, Walras equilibrium theorem (set-valued excess demand function), and generalized variational inequality, can be derived from the Nash equilibrium theorem, with the aid of an inverse of the Berge maximum theorem. For the single-valued situation, we derive the Brouwer fixed point theorem, Walras equilibrium theorem (single-valued excess demand function), KKM lemma, and variational inequality from the Nash equilibrium theorem directly, without any recourse.
An exploratory genre analysis of three graduate degree research proposals in applied linguistics
Authors: Yin Bin
Published: June 2016

This exploratory study investigated the rhetorical structure of three research proposals written by students who successfully sought entry into MA/PhD programs in applied linguistics at a Singapore university. Despite the abundance of research on published academic texts (such as the research article), not much is known about research proposals written for degree admission purposes, which are identified as an occluded genre. Following the Swales tradition of genre analysis, the proposals were analyzed in terms of their rhetorical “move” structure, complemented by interviews with the proposal writers and one expert informant to elicit contextual factors such as intended readership, authorial positioning, and institutional expectations for this genre. The results show that the rhetorical structuring and the realization of moves were shaped by the communicative purpose of research proposals and disciplinary expectations. Differences between subfields of applied linguistics can be seen in the presence/absence of moves such as those related to proposed methodology. While exploratory in nature, this study sheds light on an important, occluded genre, with pedagogical implications.
Engineering approaches for regeneration of T lymphopoiesis
Authors: Roh Kyung-Ho , Roy Krishnendu
Published: June 2016

T cells play a central role in immune-homeostasis; specifically in the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immunity against pathogens and mutated self with immunological memory. The thymus is the unique organ where T cells are generated. In this review, first the complex structures and functions of various thymic microcompartments are briefly discussed to identify critical engineering targets for regeneration of thymic functions in vitro and in vivo. Then the biomimetic regenerative engineering approaches are reviewed in three categories: 1) reconstruction of 3-D thymic architecture, 2) cellular engineering, and 3) biomaterials-based artificial presentation of critical biomolecules. For each engineering approach, remaining challenges and clinical opportunities are also identified and discussed.
Data conditioning of legacy seismic using migration-driven 5D interpolation
Authors: Verma Sumit , Guo Shiguang , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: June 2016

Legacy seismic surveys cover much of the midcontinent USA and Texas, with almost all 3D surveys acquired in the 1990s considered today to be low fold. Fortunately, recent advances in 5D interpolation have not only enhanced the quality of structural and stratigraphic images, but they have also improved the data sufficiently to allow more quantitative interpretation, such as impedance inversion. Although normal-moveout-corrected, common-midpoint-based 5D interpolation does an excellent job of amplitude balancing and the suppression of acquisition footprint, it appears to misinterpolate undercorrected diffractions, thus smearing fault and stratigraphic edges. We described a least-squares migration-driven 5D interpolation workflow, in which data were interpolated by demigrating the current subsurface image to the missing offsets and azimuths. Such demigration accurately interpolates fault edges and other diffractors, thereby preserving lateral discontinuities, while suppressing footprint and balancing the amplitudes. We have applied this workflow to a highly aliased low-fold survey acquired in the early 1990s now of use in mapping the newly reinvigorated Mississippi Lime play. This workflow improves reflector continuity, preserves faults delineated by coherence, balances the amplitude, and provides improved well ties.
Predicting suicide following self-harm: systematic review of risk factors and risk scales
Authors: Chan Melissa K. Y. , Bhatti Henna , Meader Nick , Stockton Sarah , Evans Jonathan , O'Connor Rory C. , Kapur Nav , Kendall Tim
Published: June 2016

Background

People with a history of self-harm are at a far greater risk of suicide than the general population. However, the relationship between self-harm and suicide is complex.

Aims

To undertake the first systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies of risk factors and risk assessment scales to predict suicide following self-harm.

Method

We conducted a search for prospective cohort studies of populations who had self-harmed. For the review of risk scales we also included studies examining the risk of suicide in people under specialist mental healthcare, in order to broaden the scope of the review and increase the number of studies considered. Differences in predictive accuracy between populations were examined where applicable.

Results

Twelve studies on risk factors and 7 studies on risk scales were included. Four risk factors emerged from the metaanalysis, with robust effect sizes that showed little change when adjusted for important potential confounders. These included: previous episodes of self-harm (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.68, 95% CI 1.38–2.05,K= 4), suicidal intent (HR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.91–3.81,K= 3), physical health problems (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.16–3.43,K= 3) and male gender (HR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.70–2.46,K= 5). The included studies evaluated only three risk scales (Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) and Scale for Suicide Ideation). Where meta-analyses were possible (BHS, SIS), the analysis was based on sparse data and a high heterogeneity was observed. The positive predictive values ranged from 1.3 to 16.7%.

Conclusions

The four risk factors that emerged, although of interest, are unlikely to be of much practical use because they are comparatively common in clinical populations. No scales have sufficient evidence to support their use. The use of these scales, or an over-reliance on the identification of risk factors in clinical practice, may provide false reassurance and is, therefore, potentially dangerous. Comprehensive psychosocial assessments of the risks and needs that are specific to the individual should be central to the management of people who have self-harmed.
Markets, Governments, and HMO Development in the 1990s
Authors: Balla Steven J.
Published: June 2016

This article examines the impact of population demographics, health market characteristics, and government purchasing and regulation on the development of the HMO industry in the 1990s. I focus on two facets of development—HMO market share and the number of HMOs in operation inmetropolitan areas. My central findings are threefold: Population size is a critical determinantof development. Health market characteristics such as hospital expenditures and physician supply affect development, but often in ways that differ from previous periods (e.g., development is greater in areas with relatively large numbers of specialists). Both government purchasing and regulation affect development, but in ways that may be contradictory in motivation and outcome (e.g., state officials seek to contain costs through Medicaid and Medicare managed care and to enhance consumer protection and satisfaction through regulations such as coverage requirements). These results imply that in a period in which development is increasingly occurring in areas that may have unfavorable markets, policy makers (unlike in earlier eras) influence HMO supply and demand, through their roles both as purchasers and as regulators of managed care.
Practice Guidelines and Tort Reform: The Legal System Confronts the Technocratic Wish
Authors: Matthews J. Rosser
Published: June 2016

Recent scholarly writing has argued that the advent of managed care within the health policy arena can be seen as a contemporary manifestation of a broader set of concerns focusing on how objective decision procedures become politically legitimated—what one recent commentator has characterized as a faith in the technocratic wish. In the 1990s, this faith in objective decision procedures has manifested itself through the emergence of outcomes assessment and the development of practice guidelines. Notably, a few states have sought to couple the practice guidelines movement with tort reform by enacting demonstration projects permitting physicians to introduce evidence that they followed practice guidelines as an affirmative defense. In this article, I argue that even though the introduction of practice guidelines may promote the policy objective of cost-effectiveness in the delivery of health care services, their use to establish culpability in actual cases may be more difficult because the structure of legal reasoning focuses on the particular facts in the case at hand rather than appealing to abstract decision procedures. By highlighting the potential difficulties of invoking practice guidelines in the adjudication of actual malpractice cases, I demonstrate how a process of ongoing political negotiation will be necessary if the technocratic faith in practice guidelines is to become justified in reality.
The American Medical Political Action Committee: Which Senators Get the Money and Why?
Authors: Gutermuth Karen
Published: June 2016

Previous research has heightened the debate over what motivates the American Medical Political Action Committee (AMPAC), the campaign financing arm of the American Medical Association (AMA). Analyses of roll call votes typically assume that vote-buying is the reason AMPAC contributes to members of Congress, a hypothesis consistent with the theory of economic regulation, but one that has seldom been tested empirically.
The New NIH and FDA Medical Research Policies: Targeting Gender, Promoting Justice
Authors: Baird Karen L.
Published: June 2016

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both recently revised their policies regarding the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Pressured by women's health activists and members of Congress, the NIH has vastly improved its policies; it now requires that women and minorities be included in clinical trials and that an analysis of gender and racial differences be performed. The FDA policy states that women and men should be included in clinical trials if both would receive the drug when marketed and that it expects a gender analysis to be performed. The FDA also lifted its 1977 ban on including women of childbearing potential in the early phases of drug studies. Analyzing these NIH and FDA policies according to a gender justice framework, I find that the NIH has moved significantly toward the institution of gender justice as it applies to medical research policies and that the FDA has taken only small steps toward this goal and lags behind the NIH.
How moths escape bats: predicting outcomes of predator-prey interactions
Authors: Corcoran Aaron J. , Conner William E.
Published: June 2016

What determines whether fleeing prey escape from attacking predators? To answer this question, biologists have developed mathematical models that incorporate attack geometries, pursuit and escape trajectories, and kinematics of predator and prey. These models have rarely been tested using data from actual predator-prey encounters. To address this problem we recorded multi-camera infrared videography of bat-insect interactions in a large outdoor enclosure. We documented 235 attacks by four Myotis volans bats on a variety of moths. Bat and moth flight trajectories from 50 high-quality attacks were reconstructed in 3-D. Despite having higher maximum velocity, deceleration, and overall turning ability, bats only captured evasive prey in 69 of 184 attacks (37.5%); bats captured nearly all moths not evading attack (50 of 51; 98%). Logistic regression indicated that prey radial acceleration and escape angle were the most important predictors of escape success (44 of 50 attacks correctly classified; 88%). We found partial support for the turning gambit mathematical model; however it underestimated the escape threshold by 25% of prey velocity and did not account for prey escape angle. Whereas most prey escaping strikes flee away from predators, moths typically escaped chasing bats by turning with high radial acceleration toward ‘safety zones’ that flank the predator. This strategy may be widespread in prey engaged in chases. Based on these findings we developed a novel geometrical model of predation. We discuss implications of this model for the co-evolution of predator and prey kinematics and pursuit and escape strategies.
Recent advances in understanding ichthyosis pathogenesis
Authors: Marukian Nareh V. , Choate Keith A.
Published: June 2016

The ichthyoses, also known as disorders of keratinization (DOK), encompass a heterogeneous group of skin diseases linked by the common finding of abnormal barrier function, which initiates a default compensatory pathway of hyperproliferation, resulting in the characteristic clinical manifestation of localized and/or generalized scaling. Additional cutaneous findings frequently seen in ichthyoses include generalized xerosis, erythroderma, palmoplantar keratoderma, hypohydrosis, and recurrent infections. In 2009, the Ichthyosis Consensus Conference established a classification consensus for DOK based on pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and mode of inheritance. This nomenclature system divides DOK into two main groups: nonsyndromic forms, with clinical findings limited to the skin, and syndromic forms, with involvement of additional organ systems. Advances in next-generation sequencing technology have allowed for more rapid and cost-effective genetic analysis, leading to the identification of novel, rare mutations that cause DOK, many of which represent phenotypic expansion. This review focuses on new findings in syndromic and nonsyndromic ichthyoses, with emphasis on novel genetic discoveries that provide insight into disease pathogenesis.
Tax-Aware Dynamic Asset Allocation
Authors: Haugh Martin , Iyengar Garud , Wang Chun
Published: June 2016

We consider dynamic asset allocation problems where the agent is required to pay capital gains taxes on her investment gains. These are very challenging problems because the tax owed whenever a security is sold depends on the cost basis, and this results in high-dimensional problems, which cannot be solved exactly except in the case of very stylized problems with just one or two securities and relatively few time periods. In this paper, we focus on exact and average cost-basis problems, make the limited use of losses (LUL) assumption and develop simple heuristic trading policies for these problems when there are differential tax rates for long- and short-term gains and losses. We use information relaxation-based duality techniques to assess the performance of these trading policies by constructing unbiased lower and upper bounds on the (unknown) optimal value function. In numerical experiments with as many as 80 time periods and 25 securities we find our best suboptimal policy is within 3–10 basis points of optimality on a certainty equivalent (CE) annualized return basis. The principal contribution of this paper is in demonstrating that while the primal problem remains very challenging to solve exactly, we can easily solve very large dual problem instances. Moreover, dual tractability extends to standard problem variations, including problems with random time horizons, no wash sales constraints, intertemporal consumption and recursive utility, as well as the step-up feature of the U.S. tax code, among others.
Norm Retrievable Frames in $\mathbb{R}^n$
Authors: Hasankhani Fard Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2016

âThis paper is concerned with the norm retrievable frames in $\mathbb{R}^n$â. âWe present some equivalent conditions to the norm retrievable frames in $\mathbb{R}^n$â. âWe will also show that the property of norm retrievability is stable under enough small perturbation of the frame set only for phase retrievable framesâ.