bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similar or the Same? Why Biosimilars are not the Solution
Authors: Diependaele Lisa , Cockbain Julian , Sterckx Sigrid
Published: October 2018

Advancements in the field of biotechnology have accelerated the development of drugs that are manufactured from cultures of living cells, commonly referred to as “biologics.” Due to the complexity of the production process, generic biologics are unlikely to be chemically identical to the reference product, and accordingly are referred to as “biosimilars.”

Encouraging the development of biosimilars has been presented as the key solution to decrease prices and increase access to biologics, but the development and use of biosimilars continues to raise problems, none of which can easily be addressed. Developing a biosimilar requires considerable time and financial resources, and legitimate safety concerns necessitate elaborate clinical testing of biosimilars. As a consequence, the introduction of biosimilars onto the market has not resulted in significant price reductions, and concerns regarding the substitution and interchangeability of original biologics with biosimilars persist.

This article will explain how the biologics production process distorts the trade-offs that traditionally guided both patent protection and regulatory exclusivities: disclosure as a key condition for benefiting from the corresponding monopoly position. Hence, we propose establishing a mechanism of mandatory deposit of the original biologic's cell line at the stage of the regulatory approval as the most effective remedy.
Imaginary passports or the wealth of obligations: seeking the limits of adoption into indigenous societies
Authors: Lindberg Darcy
Published: October 2018

Adoption into an Indigenous society can be thick with obligations and relations if the adoptee understands they are entering into a legal order that organizes and regulates their new kinship relations. Implicit within these kinship orders are limits to what inclusion into an Indigenous society provides. Conversely, adoption can be used as a thin line of extraction, aiming at social capital within Indigenous communities. Adoptions void of an understanding of the legal order they should be accountable to, may be used in a way that circumvents obligations towards Indigenous stories, knowledge systems, and law, and to continue to prop up the modes of extraction of Indigenous cultural knowledge. A turn towards Indigenous laws and legal orders provide an accountability against those who may use adoption into an Indigenous society as a means for extractive, unreciprocated, personal gain.
“One among many”? Relational panopticism and negotiating non-monogamies
Authors: Willis Abbey S
Published: October 2018

Drawing on qualitative in-depth interviews with people in the USA who have formed consensually non-monogamous relationships, this article introduces the term relational panopticism and uses empirical data to demonstrate the theoretical concept. Three primary themes in the data illustrate the origin, expression, and enforcement of relational panopticism: (1) encounters with institutions; (2) encounters with personal networks; and (3) coping and resistance strategies. Focusing on the daily reproduction of compulsory monogamy and the ways in which people in non-monogamous relationships negotiate and resist that reproduction, this study reveals how marginalized romantic and sexual relationship configurations are received and negotiated in interaction with family, peer groups, and institutions.
The ‘problem’ of undesigned relationality: Ethnographic fieldwork, dual roles and research ethics
Authors: Bell Kirsten
Published: October 2018

Perhaps the most unique feature of ethnographic fieldwork is the distinctive form of relationality it entails, where the ethnographer's identity as a researcher is not fixed in the way typical of most other forms of research. In this paper, I explore how this ‘undesigned relationality’ is understood, both in procedural ethics frameworks and by the different disciplines that have come to claim a stake in the ‘method’ itself. Demonstrating that the ethical issues it entails are primarily conceptualized via the lens of the ‘dual role’, I use this as a means of exploring the ideal relationship between researcher and subject that procedural ethics frameworks are premised upon. I go on to explore the epistemological differences in ways that ethnographers themselves understand and respond to the multiple forms of relationality that characterize fieldwork and the challenge this poses to the possibility of a pan-disciplinary consensus on ethnographic research ethics.
Evaluation and validation of an analytical approach for high-throughput metabolomic fingerprinting using direct introduction–high-resolution mass spectrometry: Applicability to classification of urine of scrapie-infected ewes
Authors: Rathahao-Paris Estelle , Alves Sandra , Boussaid Nawel , Picard-Hagen Nicole , Gayrard Véronique , Toutain Pierre-Louis , Tabet Jean-Claude , Rutledge Douglas N , Paris Alain
Published: October 2018

Direct injection–mass spectrometry can be used to perform high-throughput metabolomic fingerprinting. This work aims to evaluate a global analytical workflow in terms of sample preparation (urine sample dilution), high-resolution detection (quality of generated data based on criteria such as mass measurement accuracy and detection sensitivity) and data analysis using dedicated bioinformatics tools. Investigation was performed on a large number of biological samples collected from sheep infected or not with scrapie.

Direct injection–mass spectrometry approach is usually affected by matrix effects, eventually hampering detection of some relevant biomarkers. Reference compounds were spiked in biological samples to help evaluate the quality of direct injection–mass spectrometry data produced by Fourier Transform mass spectrometry. Despite the potential of high-resolution detection, some drawbacks still remain. The most critical is the presence of matrix effects, which could be minimized by optimizing the sample dilution factor. The data quality in terms of mass measurement accuracy and reproducible intensity was evaluated. Good repeatability was obtained for the chosen dilution factor (i.e., 2000). More than 150 analyses were performed in less than 16 hours using the optimized direct injection–mass spectrometry approach. Discrimination of different status of sheeps in relation to scrapie infection (i.e., scrapie-affected, preclinical scrapie or healthy) was obtained from the application of Shrinkage Discriminant Analysis to the direct injection–mass spectrometry data. The most relevant variables related to this discrimination were selected and annotated.

This study demonstrated that the choice of appropriated dilution faction is indispensable for producing quality and informative direct injection–mass spectrometry data. Successful application of direct injection–mass spectrometry approach for high throughput analysis of a large number of biological samples constitutes the proof of the concept.
Acellular Fish Skin Grafts and Pig Urinary Bladder Matrix Assessed in the Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model
Authors: Magnusson Skuli , Kjartansson Hilmar , Baldursson Baldur Tumi , Astradsdottir Katrin , Ågren Magnus S. , Hilmarsson Hilmar , Sigurjonsson Gudmundur Fertram
Published: October 2018

It is vital that cellular- and tissue-based products (CTPs) used for wound treatment do not provoke autoimmunity. In this study, the immunogenic response to extracts of 2 CTPs of piscine and porcine origin was assessed in the collagen-induced arthritis model. Male DBA/1J mice were divided into 4 groups, each composed of 7 to 9 animals. Each animal was injected with one of following to assess their immune responses: (1) bovine type II collagen (100 µg) in Freund’s adjuvant, (2) extract of piscine skin (100 µg) in Freund’s adjuvant, (3) extract of porcine urinary bladder matrix (100 µg) in Freund’s adjuvant, or (4) Freund’s adjuvant alone (control) at the beginning of the experiment and 3 weeks later. Clinical signs of arthritis were assessed from week 5 onwards, and anti-type II and anti-type I collagen antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels were measured before injections and 8 weeks after exposure using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Only the mice exposed to bovine type II collagen developed clinical arthritis accompanied by very high anti-type II collagen IgG serum levels. Anti-type II collagen IgG serum levels were also detected in the porcine group but were undetectable in the piscine skin and control groups after 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in anti-type I collagen IgG serum levels among the groups. The results showed that piscine skin did not provoke systemic autoimmunity against type II collagens in DBA/1J mice.
Models for restoration decision making for a supply chain network after a cyber attack
Authors: Heath Emily A , Mitchell John E , Sharkey Thomas C
Published: October 2018

This work considers modeling approaches to the problem of restoration decision making by supply chain managers. Specifically, we consider an oil supply chain network that has suffered a cyber attack. As a result of the attack, critical services to the supply chain are lost, and the manager has uncertain information regarding when these services will be available. We first consider a deterministic model where the supply chain manager has complete information about the restoration of damaged services. We extend this model to a stochastic programming model involving several different recovery scenarios. We present computational results for a realistic case study developed with an extensive literature survey. We compare results of the stochastic model with average deterministic results, and show that the average deterministic results do not produce good solutions for an uncertain setting. We conclude with general remarks on how supply chain managers should consider restoration decisions under uncertainty.
Prevalence of childhood asthma in US military and non-military families: Comparisons by rural–urban residence and geographic region
Authors: McDaniel Justin T , McDermott Robert J , Martinasek Mary P , White Robin M
Published: October 2018

Objective

We sought to determine variables associated with asthma among children from military and non-military families.

Methods

We performed secondary data analysis on the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Parents with and without military experience ( n = 61,079) were asked whether a child ever had asthma and currently has asthma. We used two multiple logistic regression models to determine the influence of rurality and geographic region on “ever” and “current” asthma in children of military and non-military families, while controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral variables.

Results

Overall childhood asthma prevalence for children in military families was lower than non-military families (ever, 9.7% vs. 12.9%; currently, 6.2% vs. 8.2%) in 2016. However, multiple logistic regression showed variation in “ever” and “current” asthma among children of military and non-military families by rurality and race.

Discussion

Developers of public health asthma interventions should consider targeting African-American children of military families living in urban areas. This population is approximately twice as likely to have asthma as Caucasian children of non-military families.
Improving the quality of operation notes with electronic proformas
Authors: Whiting Danielle , Mohamed Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Surgeons must ensure operative notes are legible and sufficiently detailed, outlined by 21 criteria in Good Surgical Practice guidelines (2014). Our aim was to introduce an electronic operating proforma to improve quality of operation notes.

Methods

Two audits were performed six months apart, after an education session and introduction of an electronic operating proforma, assessing adherence to the guidelines. Results were compared and analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

In both audits, notes for 187 operations performed over a two-week period were studied. In the first audit, six of the 21 criteria were recorded in ≥95% of operation notes, improving to nine in the second audit. In the second audit cycle, two subgroups were analysed, non-proforma (n = 30) and proforma (n = 157). In the proforma subgroup, 15 criteria were recorded in ≥95% of operation notes.

Conclusion

Quality of operation notes can be significantly improved by using a combination of education, electronic proformas and avoiding handwritten notes.
Predictors of LDL-cholesterol target value attainment differ in acute and chronic coronary heart disease patients: Results from DYSIS II Europe
Authors: Ferrieres Jean , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Hermans Michel P. , Elisaf Moses , Toth Peter P. , Horack Martin , Brudi Philippe , Lautsch Dominik , Bash Lori D. , Baxter Carl A. , Ashton Veronica , Ambegaonkar Baishali , Gitt Anselm K.
Published: October 2018

Background

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at very high risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can reduce the risk, with effective lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) readily available; however, dyslipidemia remains prevalent throughout Europe.

Design

The observational Dyslipidemia International Study II (DYSIS II) aimed to identify unmet treatment needs in adult ACS and CHD patients. Data for the seven participating European countries are presented herein.

Methods

The study was carried out from December 2012 to November 2014. Use of LLT and attainment of European-guideline-recommended LDL-C targets were assessed. For ACS patients, changes in lipid levels and LLT were evaluated 4 months post-hospitalization.

Results

Of the 4344 patients enrolled, 2946 were attending a physician visit for the assessment of stable CHD, while 1398 had been hospitalized for an ACS event. In both patient sets, mean LDL-C levels were high (89.5 and 112.5 mg/dl, respectively) and <70 mg/dl target attainment extremely poor. The mean daily statin dosage (normalized to atorvastatin potency) was 27 ± 20 mg for CHD and 22 ± 17 mg for ACS patients. Treatment was intensified slightly for ACS subjects after hospitalization, with the dosage reaching 35 ± 24 mg/day. LDL-C target attainment was higher by the end of the 4-month follow up (30.9% and 41.5% for patients on LLT and without LLT at baseline, respectively; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Elevated blood cholesterol levels are highly prevalent across Europe, with low numbers of coronary patients reaching their recommended LDL-C target. While use of LLT is widespread, there is significant scope for intensifying treatment.
Tobacco smoking and the risk of heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Aune Dagfinn , Schlesinger Sabrina , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio
Published: October 2018

Background

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the association between smoking and the risk of developing heart failure.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to 24 July 2018. Prospective studies were included if they reported adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of heart failure associated with smoking. Summary RRs and 95% CIs were estimated using a random effects model.

Results

Twenty-six studies were included. The summary RR was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.54–1.99, I2 = 81%, n = 10) for current smokers, 1.16 (95% CI: 1.08–1.24, I2 = 51%, n = 9) for former smokers, and 1.44 (1.34–1.55, I2 = 83%, n = 10) for ever smokers compared with never smokers. The summary RR was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.01–1.96, I2 = 82%, n = 2) per 10 cigarettes per day, 1.11 (95% CI: 1.04–1.18, I2 = 70%, n = 3) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14, I2 = 34%, n = 2) per 10 pack-years among ever smokers and former smokers, respectively, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63–1.00, I2 = 96%, n = 2) per 10 years since quitting smoking. The association between smoking cessation and heart failure reached significance at 15 years of smoking cessation, and at 30 years the summary RR was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57–0.90), only slightly higher than the summary RR for never smokers (0.64 (95% CI: 0.57–0.72)) when compared with current smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking is associated with increased risk of heart failure, but the risk decreases with increasing duration since smoking cessation. Any further studies should investigate the association between number of cigarettes per day, duration, pack-years and time since quitting smoking and risk of heart failure.
MRTFA augments megakaryocyte maturation by enhancing the SRF regulatory axis
Authors: Rahman Nur-Taz , Schulz Vincent P. , Wang Lin , Gallagher Patrick G. , Denisenko Oleg , Gualdrini Francesco , Esnault Cyril , Krause Diane S.
Published: October 2018

Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that binds DNA at CArG (CC[A/T]6GG) domains in association with myocardin-family proteins (eg, myocardin-related transcription factor A [MRTFA]) or the ternary complex factor family of E26 transformation-specific (ETS) proteins. In primary hematopoietic cells, knockout of either SRF or MRTFA decreases megakaryocyte (Mk) maturation causing thrombocytopenia. The human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell line mimics the effects of MRTFA on Mk maturation, and MRTFA overexpression (MRTFAOE) in HEL cells enhances megakaryopoiesis. To identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, we performed integrated analyses of anti-SRF chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and RNA-sequencing data from noninduced and phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate [TPA])–induced HEL cells, with and without MRTFAOE. We found that 11% of genes were upregulated with TPA induction, which was enhanced by MRTFAOE, resulting in an upregulation of 25% of genes. MRTFAOE increased binding of SRF to genomic sites and enhanced TPA-induced expression of SRF target genes. The TPA-induced genes are predicted to be regulated by SRF and ETS factors, whereas those upregulated by TPA plus MRTFAOE lack ETS binding motifs, and MRTFAOE skews SRF binding to genomic regions with CArG sites in regions relatively lacking in ETS binding motifs. Finally, ChIP–polymerase chain reaction using HEL cells and primary human CD34+ cell–derived subpopulations confirms that both SRF and MRTFA have increased binding during megakaryopoiesis at upregulated target genes (eg, CORO1A). We show for the first time that MRTFA increases both the genomic association and activity of SRF and upregulates genes that enhance primary human megakaryopoiesis.
Risk assessment in medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Delcroix Marion , Staehler Gerd , Gall Henning , Grünig Ekkehard , Held Matthias , Halank Michael , Klose Hans , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , Rosenkranz Stephan , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Opitz Christian F. , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Lange Tobias J. , Tsangaris Iraklis , Huscher Doerte , Pittrow David , Olsson Karen M. , Hoeper Marius M.
Published: October 2018

Abbreviated versions of the risk stratification strategy of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) pulmonary hypertension guidelines have been recently validated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to investigate their prognostic value in medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients from the COMPERA registry, which collects six variables of interest (World Health Organization Functional Class, 6-min walk distance, brain natriuretic peptide, right atrial pressure, cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation).

We included patients with at least one follow-up visit, no pulmonary endarterectomy and at least three of the six variables available, and classified the patients into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. As a secondary analysis, the number of noninvasive low-risk criteria was counted. The association between risk assessment and survival was evaluated.

Data from inclusion and follow-up (median 7 months) visits were available for 561 and 231 patients, respectively. Baseline 1- and 5-year survival estimates were significantly different (p<0.0001) in the baseline low-risk (98.6% and 88.3%, respectively), intermediate-risk (94.9% and 61.8%, respectively) and high-risk (75.5% and 32.9%, respectively) cohorts. Follow-up data were even more discriminative, with 100%, 92% and 69% 1-year survival, respectively. The number of low-risk noninvasive criteria was also associated with survival.

These analyses suggest that the ESC/ERS risk assessment may be applicable in patients with medically treated CTEPH.
Fibrinogen and the prediction of residual obstruction manifested after pulmonary embolism treatment
Authors: Planquette Benjamin , Sanchez Olivier , Marsh James J. , Chiles Peter G. , Emmerich Joseph , Le Gal Grégoire , Meyer Guy , Wolfson Tanya , Gamst Anthony C. , Moore Roger E. , Gugiu Gabriel B. , Morris Timothy A.
Published: October 2018

Residual pulmonary vascular obstruction (RPVO) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are both long-term complications of acute pulmonary embolism, but it is unknown whether RPVO can be predicted by variants of fibrinogen associated with CTEPH.

We used the Akaike information criterion to select the best predictive models for RPVO in two prospectively followed cohorts of acute pulmonary embolism patients, using as candidate variables the extent of the initial obstruction, clinical characteristics and fibrinogen-related data. We measured the selected models’ goodness of fit by analysis of deviance and compared models using the Chi-squared test.

RPVO occurred in 29 (28.4%) out of 102 subjects in the first cohort and 46 (25.3%) out of 182 subjects in the second. The best-fit predictive model derived in the first cohort (p=0.0002) and validated in the second cohort (p=0.0005) implicated fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation in the development of RPVO. When the derivation procedure excluded clinical characteristics, fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation remained a predictor of RPVO in the best-fit predictive model (p=0.00003). Excluding fibrinogen characteristics worsened the predictive model (p=0.03).

Fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation, a common structural attribute of fibrin, helped predict RPVO after acute pulmonary embolism. Fibrin structure may contribute to the risk of developing RPVO.
The Learning Loss Effect in Genetics: What Ideas Do Students Retain or Lose after Instruction?
Authors: Todd Amber , Romine William
Published: October 2018

Modern genetics is a relatively new domain, but it is increasingly important for students to have a firm grasp on the content, because genetic technologies are becoming more commonplace. In a previous study, we used the Learning Progression-based Assessment of Modern Genetics to assess high school students’ knowledge of genetics concepts after an intensive inquiry-based genetics instructional period. Given that this type of intensive inquiry-based instruction is unique, we are now investigating how students’ knowledge of genetics changes after instruction (i.e., learning loss effect). Using a six-measure longitudinal design, we found that students retained significant gains in five of the 12 constructs 18 months after instruction; scores were not significantly different than the pretest in seven of the constructs. Through a nonparametric analysis, we found that students are better able to retain mechanistic explanations in genetics than memorized details. This study uses an learning progression framework that examines what happens to genetics knowledge over an extended period of time after instruction and indicates that classroom time is better spent helping students construct mechanistic explanations of genetic phenomena as opposed to memorizing terminology.
UMD-MEN1 Database: An Overview of the 370 MEN1 Variants Present in 1676 Patients From the French Population
Authors: Romanet Pauline , Mohamed Amira , Giraud Sophie , Odou Marie-Françoise , North Marie-Odile , Pertuit Morgane , Pasmant Eric , Coppin Lucie , Guien Céline , Calender Alain , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Béroud Christophe , Goudet Pierre , Barlier Anne
Published: October 2018

Context

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, of which the most frequent are primary hyperparathyroidism, pituitary adenomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.

Objective

The aim of this work was to facilitate interpretation of variants and improve the genetic counseling and medical care of families of patients with MEN1.

Design, Setting, and Patients

The TENGEN network (Oncogenetics Network of Neuroendocrine Tumors) has interpreted and collected all allelic variants and clinical characteristics of the MEN1-positive patients identified through genetic testing performed in the French population from 1997 to 2015. Patients and their variants were registered in the locus-specific UMD-MEN1 database (www.umd.be/MEN1/).

Main Outcomes

Variant classification, age-related penetrance, and odds ratios.

Results

A total of 370 distinct variants reported in 1676 patients, including 181 unpublished variants, have been registered. This database analysis revealed a low frequency (6.6%) of benign or likely benign missense variants in MEN1. Eight families (1.9%) had members with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism and harbored the same mutations as that found in families with authentic MEN1. An association existed between large rearrangements and an earlier onset of the disease, whereas no difference was observed between truncating and nontruncating variants.

Conclusion

The UMD-MEN1 database provides an exhaustive overview of the MEN1 variants present in the French population. For each variant, a classification is publicly available. Clinical data collections allow the determination of genotype-phenotype correlation and age-related penetrance of lesions in the cohort.
Reduction of Total Brain and Cerebellum Volumes Associated With Neuronal Autoantibodies in Patients With APECED
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Corda Giulia , Saba Luca , Ferri Gian-Luca , Mariotti Stefano , Cocco Cristina
Published: October 2018

Context

In autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), autoantibodies (AutoAbs) labeling brain neurons were reported; conversely, brain MRI alterations associated with these AutoAbs were never reported.

Objectives

To describe brain alterations in APECED and to correlate them with AutoAbs against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and 5-tryptophan hydroxylase (5-HT) neurons.

Design and Participants

Fourteen Sardinian patients with APECED and age-matched control subjects were recruited for MRI analysis and blood sampling to detect AutoAbs to GAD, TH, and 5-HT neurons by using rat brain sections. The majority of patients (n = 12) were investigated for AutoAbs a decade earlier, and 7 of 12 were positive for AutoAbs to GAD and TH neurons.

Main Outcomes

Patients with APECED had smaller cerebellum and gray matter volumes, with a ventricular enlargement and a total cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increase, compared with controls (P < 0.01). In 11 of 14 patients, brain abnormalities were associated with AutoAbs to GAD or TH neurons (titer 1:100 to 15,000) that had persisted for 10 years in 7 of 11 patients. AutoAbs to 5-HT neurons were revealed in all patients with AutoAbs to TH neurons. A decrease in whole brain and cerebellum volumes (P = 0.028) was associated with AutoAbs to GAD neurons, and a CSF increase was associated with AutoAbs to GAD and TH/5-HT neurons (P < 0.05). HLA alleles did not appear to be involved in neuronal autoimmunity.

Conclusions

Brain alterations and neuronal AutoAbs were observed in 78.6% of Sardinian patients with APECED, suggesting a brain autoimmune reaction. Prolonged clinical follow-up must be conducted for the possible appearance of clinical neurologic consequences.
Pieces of Us
Authors: Khayyat Munira , Khayyat Yasmine , Khayyat Rola
Published: October 2018

This article uses a multigenerational lens to address the tangible and intangible embodiments of the US-Saudi oil empire in the lives of the three sister authors. This multisited intimate geography of empire challenges national categories and recognizes that mixing and migrations, forced or desired, shape and define all families. It explores the look, feel, and sounds of lifeworlds in the US imperial outpost of Aramco using an immense archive of family photographs and Fadia Basrawi’s memoir, Brownies and Kalashnikovs: A Saudi Woman’s Memoir of American Arabia and Wartime Beirut (2009). It considers the geopolitics of oil and the worlds it produced in the intimate relations and domestic quarters of the Aramco oil camp in the 1950s and 1960s, in the authors’ childhoods in Beirut during the Lebanese civil war, which also involved US imperialism, and as embodied in their lives at present.
Passive fuzzy controller design for stochastic Takagi—Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delay
Authors: Ku C-C , Chang W-J , Huang P-H
Published: October 2018

This paper discusses the issue of stability and stabilization for the non-linear stochastic systems with time-varying delay subject to passivity performance. Based on the fuzzy modelling approach, the non-linear systems can be represented by a stochastic T—S fuzzy model whose consequent part is described by linear differential equations with a multiplicative noise term. For analysing the stability of the stochastic T—S fuzzy model, the less conservative stability criterion derived by Itô's formula and the Lyapunov—Krasovskii function is proposed as a linear matrix inequality (LMI) problem. Furthermore, the passivity theory is employed to discuss the external disturbance effect on the considered system. Through applying the above techniques, the sufficiency conditions are derived to design fuzzy controllers such that the stochastic T—S fuzzy model with time delay is asymptotically stable and passive in the mean square. Finally, two numerical examples are proposed to show the application and effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy controller design method.
Inverse dynamics of a 3-prismatic—revolute—revolute planar parallel manipulator using natural orthogonal complement
Authors: Kordjazi H , Akbarzadeh A
Published: October 2018

The performance of robotic systems with parallel kinematics can be evaluated by their kinematic, static, and dynamic properties. These properties are directly used in model-based controllers which potentially offer higher accuracy for robotic systems. Inverse dynamic solution is an essential part of these controllers. In the present work, the inverse dynamics model of a 3-PRR (prismatic—revolute—revolute) planar parallel manipulator based on the natural orthogonal complement (NOC) method is developed. To drive the NOC for the 3-PRR closed-loop systems, the explicit expressions of the loop constraints equations and the associated Jacobian matrices are first obtained. Next the NOC matrix, which is a velocity transformation matrix relating the Cartesian angular/translational velocities of various bodies to the motor joint rates, is calculated. Finally results of the NOC method are compared with simulation of a 3-PRR planar parallel manipulator using two commercial softwares: SimMechanics toolbox of Matlab and COSMOSMotion of SolidWorks. In order to verify the theoretical results, two different configurations for the robot are considered: a horizontal and a vertical. Results of the NOC method as well as the two simulations are compared for the two robot configurations.
Adaptive quaternion-based output feedback control for flexible spacecraft attitude tracking with input constraints
Authors: Xiao B , Hu Q , Ma G
Published: October 2018

This work mainly explores a quaternion-based output feedback control scheme for the flexible spacecraft attitude tracking problem in which not only the unavailability of the body angular velocity measurements is considered, but also external disturbances and uncertain inertia parameters as well as input constraints are explicitly taken into account. The proposed controller incorporates a pseudo velocity filter to account for the unmeasured angular velocity, and the neural network technique is implemented to approximate the system uncertainties of the flexible spacecraft in the synthesis of the control algorithms. It is shown that this developed control method ensures the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the attitude tracking error and the control input can rigorously enforce actuator magnitude constraints. Numerical simulation results are also presented which not only highlight ensuring closed-loop performance benefits from the control law derived here, but also illustrate its robustness in the face of external disturbances when compared with conventional approaches for spacecraft attitude tracking control.
Exercise-induced Changes in Soluble ST2 Concentrations in Marathon Runners
Authors: AENGEVAEREN VINCENT L. , VAN KIMMENADE ROLAND R. J. , HOPMAN MARIA T. E. , VAN ROYEN NIELS , SNIDER JAMES V. , JANUZZI JAMES L. , GEORGE KEITH P. , EIJSVOGELS THIJS M. H.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Previous studies have suggested that extreme endurance exercise may induce cardiac microdamage that could lead to subsequent myocardial fibrosis. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a cardiac biomarker for assessment of myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and strain. We evaluated baseline and exercise-induced sST2 concentrations in a heterogeneous cohort of marathon runners to identify predictors for sST2 concentrations.

Methods

Ninety-two runners supplied demographic data, health status, physical activity levels, and marathon experience. Before (baseline) and immediately after (finish) the marathon, blood was collected for analysis of sST2 and cardiac troponin I (cTnI).

Results

Eighty-two participants (45 ± 8 yr, 79% male) finished the race in 227 ± 28 min at 92% (88%–94%) of their predicted maximum heart rate (exercise intensity). sST2 concentrations increased in all runners, from 34 (25–46) ng·mL−1 to 70 (53–87) ng·mL−1 (P < 0.001), and cTnI increased from 9 (5–21) ng·L−1 to 60 (34–102) ng·L−1 (P < 0.001). sST2 concentrations were higher in the fastest marathon runners. Sex and marathon personal best time were associated with baseline sST2 (R
2 = 0.27); baseline sST2, weight loss, and exercise intensity during marathon were associated with finish sST2 (R
2 = 0.54); baseline sST2, height, sex, and weekly training hours were associated with the exercise-induced increase in sST2 (R
2 = 0.47). We observed no association between sST2 and cTnI concentrations.

Conclusion

An exercise-induced increase in sST2 was observed in all marathon runners with sST2 concentrations exceeding cutoff values both at baseline (48%) and finish (94%). Faster runners had higher sST2 concentrations. Our data suggest complex variables determine sST2 concentrations in marathon runners.
Regional Vastus Medialis and Vastus Lateralis Activation in Females with Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: GALLINA ALESSIO , WAKELING JAMES M. , HODGES PAUL W. , HUNT MICHAEL A. , GARLAND S. JAYNE
Published: October 2018

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate whether regional activation patterns in the vasti muscles differ between females with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP), and whether muscle activation patterns correlate with knee extension strength.

Methods

Thirty-six females with PFP and 20 pain-free controls performed a standardized knee flexion–extension task. The activation of vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) was collected using high-density surface EMG and analyzed using principal component (PC) analysis. Spatial locations and temporal coefficients of the PC, and the percent variance they explain, were compared between groups and between the concentric and the eccentric phases of the movement. Correlations were assessed between PC features and knee extension strength.

Results

The spatial weights of PC1 (general vasti activation) and PC2 (reflecting vastus-specific activation) were similar between groups (R > 0.95). Activation patterns in PFP were less complex than controls. Fewer PC features were necessary to reconstruct 90% of the signal for PFP participants in the concentric phase (P < 0.05), and the difference in bias of activation to VM (concentric phase) or VL (eccentric phase) was less between phases for PFP participants (P < 0.05). Smaller difference in vastus-specific activation in concentric and eccentric phases (less task specificity of VM/VL coordination) was related to greater maximal knee extension strength (P < 0.05, R < −0.43).

Conclusion

These data suggest PFP involves a simpler control strategy of VM and VL. The inverse association between task specificity and maximal knee extension strength suggests different presentations of PFP: lower knee extension strength but VM/VL coordination task specificity comparable with controls, or knee extension strength comparable with controls but lower VM/VL coordination task specificity.
Projection by Conical Helical Lines With Constant Pitch
Authors: Денисова Е. , Denisova E. , Хуснетдинов Тимур , Husnetdinov Timur , Воронина Марианна , Voronina Marianna
Published: October 2018

This paper’s purpose is investigation of non-traditional projection systems and their projecting surfaces, the choice of such congruence parameters for conical helical lines, which allow cover the whole complex of requirements to the surface, obtained by projecting of an arbitrary flat or spatial line with congruence beams, as well as the use of computer graphics in surface visualization. In the paper has been presented an example of analytical interpretation for an image of curvilinear projection by conical helical lines with constant pitch, and a congruence example for conical helical lines located on coaxial cones with a common vertex and a variable angle of generatrix inclination to an axis. Have been investigated properties and defined parameters of the congruence helical line passing through a space arbitrary point which is not belonging to an axis. An approach for construction of spiral surfaces, which frame consists of beams projecting an arbitrary line. A form generation of surfaces by analytical methods and their visualization by means of computer graphics is one of applied geometry’s urgent problems in connection with the use of such methods in automated systems for scientific research, design, and manufacture on equipment with computer numerical control. The leading research method for this problem is the general analytical theory for surfaces’ applied form generation developed by Professor I.A. Skidan and formed a unique apparatus, based on mathematical support of computing technologies for design and creation of objects with complex forms. On examples of visualization for projecting surfaces by means of computer graphics it is possible to show applicability of analytical models in computer technologies for scientific researches, design and manufacturing.
Fractal Dimensionalities
Authors: Жихарев Л. , Zhikharev L.
Published: October 2018

One of the most important characteristics of a fractal is its dimensionality. In general, there are several options for mathematical definition of this value, but usually under the object dimensionality is understood the degree of space filling by it. It is necessary to distinguish the dimensionality of space and the dimension of multitude. Segment, square and cube are objects with dimensionality 1, 2 and 3, which can be in respective spaces: on a straight line, plane or in a 3D space. Fractals can have a fractional dimensionality. By definition, proposed by Bernois Mandelbrot, this fractional dimensionality should be less than the fractal’s topological dimension. Abram Samoilovich Bezikovich (1891–1970) was the author of first mathematical conclusions based on Felix Hausdorff (1868–1942) arguments and allowing determine the fractional dimensionality of multitudes. Bezikovich – Hausdorff dimensionality is determined through the multitude covering by unity elements. In practice, it is more convenient to use Minkowsky dimensionality for determining the fractional dimensionalities of fractals. There are also numerical methods for Minkowsky dimensionality calculation. In this study various approaches for fractional dimensionality determining are tested, dimensionalities of new fractals are defined. A broader view on the concept of dimensionality is proposed, its dependence on fractal parameters and interpretation of fractal sets’ structure are determined. An attempt for generalization of experimental dependences and determination of general regularities for fractals structure influence on their dimensionality is realized. For visualization of three-dimensional geometrical constructions, and plain evidence of empirical hypotheses were used computer models developed in the software for three-dimensional modeling (COMPASS, Inventor and SolidWorks), calculations were carried out in mathematical packages such as Wolfram Mathematica.
Geometric Aspects of Aircraft Automated Layout Design
Authors: Куприков М. , Kuprikov M. , Маркин Л. , Markin Leonid
Published: October 2018

In this paper have been considered questions related to automation of the layout for products with high layout density (primarily means of transport). It has been demonstrated how an aircraft’s geometric shape is formed on the basis of infrastructural and layout constraints. Influences of aerodynamic and internal layouts on the aircraft’s geometric shape have been described, taking into account mass-inertia characteristics of units placed in it. The layout’s reverse problem (when a required layout space is initial data for the aircraft’s geometric shape under hard infrastructure restrictions) has been presented. A project task of finding the rational parameters for the aircraft’s geometric shape as the task of multi-criterion discrete optimization has been described in a generalized form. It has been demonstrated that this task can be formulated as a search for the vector of design parameters as a multitude of admissible variants for design-and-engineering solutions. In the paper has been described a physical task formulation for automated layout as a system of restrictions on objects allocation indoor (required orientation, mutual compatibility, serviceability etc.). Mathematical task formulation for automated layout as the optimization problem has been described too. Since the allocation task is a classical geometric problem, it is necessary to develop appropriate geometric models for its solving. It has been shown that this process’s complexity is due to the complexity related to computer representation of information about geometric shape for layout objects of modern transport, especially the aerospace one. In this paper it has been shown that the abundance of models used in modern applied geometry and allowing describe geometric shapes for objects of any complexity, does not provide any solution for automated layout tasks. Possibilities of modern software have been also shown, and the reasons not allowing its direct use in the tasks of automated layout have been proved. The layout task’s mathematical formulation has been described as an optimization problem, specifying its objective function, limitations and efficiency criteria. Has been justified an approach (receptor methods and apparatus of normal equations) allowing, while creating geometric models for the automated layout, go from exhaustive options for allocation of layout objects to intellectual algorithms for automated allocation As has been shown in the paper, fractal theory is a good mathematical tool for study of rigid bodies’ surface geometry and mechanisms influencing on the obtaining surface structure.
Prediction of durability of structural concrete in aggressive exposures
Authors: Леонович Сергей , Leonovich Sergey , Доркин Валентин , Dorkin Valentin , Чернякевич Оксана , Chernyakevich Oksana , Степанова Анна , Stepanova Anna
Published: October 2018

The monograph is devoted to the prediction of the longevity of reinforced concrete structures, the destruction of which is associated with corrosion of steel reinforcement caused by chloride aggression or concrete carbonation.
On the basis of a comprehensive analysis of models for calculating the service life of structures and experimental data, preference is given to the mathematical model Dura Crete. Life cycles for the main degradation processes in concrete and reinforcement, periods of initiation and propagation of corrosion are considered. Particular attention is paid to the influence of environmental factors and the quality of concrete on the kinetics of chloride penetration and movement of the carbonization front. Formulated limit state design reinforced concrete durability in chloride attacks and carbonation. The basic provisions of the method of calculating the durability of reinforced concrete structures, based on the use of the reliability coefficient for the service life. The practical assessment of service life of reinforced concrete elements taking into account stochastic processes in concrete and reinforcement is made. Verification of the model reliability is performed.
For all those interested in the issues of building materials and processes occurring in them.
An Empirical Study of National vs. Local Pricing by Chain Stores Under Competition
Authors: Li Yang , Gordon Brett R. , Netzer Oded
Published: October 2018

Geographic price discrimination is generally considered beneficial to firm profitability. However, theoretical results point to conditions under which firms might prefer to price across markets uniformly in oligopolistic settings. This paper provides an empirical analysis of competitive price discrimination and quantitatively assesses the profitability of national pricing relative to store-level pricing policies under different market conditions. Specifically, we construct and estimate a model of retail competition using extensive data from the digital camera market. A series of counterfactuals show that, under reasonable commitment mechanisms, two leading chains would benefit from employing national pricing policies, whereas a discount retailer should target prices in each local market. Additional results explore the boundary conditions of these findings and evaluate hybrid pricing policies.

The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2018.1100 .
Tailored Cheap Talk: The Effects of Privacy Policy on Ad Content and Market Outcomes
Authors: Gardete Pedro M. , Bart Yakov
Published: October 2018

We analyze persuasion settings in which the seller holds information abosut the customer’s preferences that can be used to tailor communication.
Practice Prize Report: The 2016 ISMS Gary Lilien Practice Prize Competition
Authors: Roberts John H.
Published: October 2018

This report describes entrants in the 2016 ISMS Gary Lilien Marketing Science Practice Prize Competition, representing the best examples of rigor plus relevance that our profession produces. The winner, describing a collaboration between the World Bank and a team based at the London Business School, involved a randomized control experiment to calibrate the relative effectiveness of business training on business performance of microentrepreneurs in South Africa. The other four finalists include a method to estimate the value of key word searches that allowed for cannibalization of organic search at eBay; a methodology to model and manage customer satisfaction at the National Dutch Railways; a stock-carrying algorithm to assist a fashion department store manage inventory on a store-by-store basis, implemented by Celect, an inventory-management consultant based in Boston; and an integrated marketing communications-optimization tool used by Mercedes-Benz to increase advertising effectiveness.